Coffee With The Lord

Yesterday, I highlighted the incredible generosity of ordinary people I’ve observed who are not rich (and may even be poor) yet give liberally to others out of a heart of love …

Then this morning I read this in the very next verses of my Bible reading and was brought to my knees in thanksgiving and worship…

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8.9)

I had just finished reading that verse and another came to mind… “He [our Heavenly Father] did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him graciously give us all things?!” (Romans 8.32)

Someone has framed it this way… G-R-A-C-E

God’s

Riches

At

Christ’s

Expense

What an absolute, mind-boggling, display of generosity!  I’m incredibly grateful!!  May my giving is some small way reflect both my Heavenly Father’s and my Savior’s!!

A wonderful “sip” from my “Coffee with the Lord” Bible reading today!

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV)

For a number of years I taught a wonderful Bible study class (along with the late Dr. James Hennesy) at Trinity Church, Cedar Hill, TX – “TRUTH SEEKERS CLASS” – that over and over again beautifully exemplified the passage I am about to post.  This reflection, in part at least, is a tribute to them…

“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own!  They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.  And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us… Since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”  (2 Corinthians 8:1–7 NIV)

I’ve watched it over and over again… Those who give the most – those with the greatest capacity for generosity and selflessness – are NOT usually those with the most money.  In fact, they are usually, people of ordinary means (even poverty)!!  Thankfully there are exceptions – and what a wonderful thing that is!  The beauty of it – the wonderful, exquisite, wonder of it – is NOT the amount of money that is given but the “grace of God” that prompts it.  No arm twisting, no use of guilt motivation, a need surfaces and there it is… LOVING GENEROSITY!  SELF-GIVING!  In fact, actually “pleading for the privilege of sharing in this service!”  What kind of “spirit” motivates this incredible display?  Paul nails it on the head… THESE KIND OF PEOPLE “FIRST OF ALL GIVE THEMSELVES TO THE LORD!”

Kudos to “Truth Seekers!” … And all the generous, self-giving and sacrificial-giving people like them!