You’ve met them… kind, generous, self-giving Christians – ordinary folk who have been touched and transformed by the example of Jesus, who gave “an inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)
What an example of the “grace gospel” they are! You never forget them and they make an indelible impression on you and everyone they meet! Deep within you want to be like them!
And the interesting thing is – as common and ordinary as they seem to be, they are a wonderful promotion for the Gospel and authentic Christianity – they’re the “real deal!”
This morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” I read an Old Testament passage that makes a strong case for being that kind of person! (Now we’re not simply talking about money here, or other possessions – self-giving service is included!”) And the passage (really worth a read) is Deuteronomy 15:1-18.
Here’s a few points from the passage that impacted me this morning…
- You can “bank upon” God’s blessing and provision upon those who are obedient and generous!
- Poverty among the people of God would be eliminated! (And even when and where need pops up…and it will – generosity and self-giving service would meet the challenge!)
- And there’s a warning: Don’t scheme for self-benefit and gain in what you do! God’s watching!
- And a healthy motivating reminder: Remember when YOU were facing great challenges and struggled with daunting need!
- And verse 18 ends like this… “SO THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BLESS YOU IN ALL YOU DO!”
But oh, I can hear it now… “That’s an Old Testament passage. It isn’t binding on New Testament followers of Jesus!” Well, I’d submit that the principle certainly is! How’s this for New Testament teaching? …
“The point is this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully! Each one must give as they have decided in their heart – not reluctantly or under compulsion – for God loves a cheerful giver! And God is able to make ALL GRACE abound to you, so that having ALL SUFFICIENCY IN ALL THINGS AT ALL TIMES, you may abound in every good work! … He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food WILL SUPPLY AND MULTIPLY YOUUR SEED FOR SOWING AND INCREASE THE HAVEST OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS! YOU WILL BE ENRICHED IN EVERY WAY TO BE GENROUS IN EVERY WAY, which will also PRODUCE THANKSGIVING TO GOD! [Oh, and one more time] Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” The gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior and the salvation He offers! (2 Corinthians 9:6-15 ESV)
Hey, take it from me… I WANT TO LIVE THAT WAY!!
Coffee With The Lord 