10/18/2020
God gives us what we need through Jesus Christ, and we are thankful for it. We read in scripture of Jesus providing for those around Him, and yet He didn’t do any of this for His own benefit, or glory, but for Gods. Why then are we giving? Do we give only to receive, for our own glory, or out of an abundance of love and faith... Christ-like.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 ESV
We read time and time again about Jesus giving; His very first miracle was to give wine to those attending a wedding, He fed the 4,000 on seven loaves and a few fishes, He healed those who were ill, deformed, or possessed, He gave life back to Lazarus, He forgave many throughout His ministry, and He did likewise for us as He gave us victory over sin and death by sacrificing Himself on the cross. But what did He receive from God as reward and blessing for Himself? Here are just a few examples from His life...
He was given His disciples...
“This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.””
John 18:9 ESV
He was given strength in prayer and to endure suffering...
“And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.”
Luke 22:43 ESV
He was given authority over heaven and earth...
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Matthew 28:18 ESV
And as a final example, He was given a seat at the right hand of God ...
“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”
Mark 16:19 ESV
We dwell in prayer, and faith, on all that
Jesus has given to us, but less about what God gave Him, and the example this sets regarding what we too will receive as a result of those things we give when we give in Christ-like fashion, unselfishly out of love, faith, and obedience. Jesus taught us to give to others, and to do so for the glory of God. He taught us that if we give, or pray, secretly our reward will be in heaven, otherwise we are selfish, and our reward remains on earth at the end of our days.
So we have received a promise regarding our giving, and our reward for proper giving. In determining if our giving is proper we must ask ourselves some very important questions... First of all, “Do I give?” Then, “Do I give for the glory of God?” And thirdly, “Do I give expecting only to receive, or is my giving out of love, faith, and obedience to God’s will?”
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for revealing to us the proper way to give, and what blessings you desire to pour out on us as we do so in love, faith, and obedience to your will. Thank you for revealing to us that we aren’t to give as a payment for those things we want, but to glorify you, and demonstrate the love we have for you, and your children. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who provides for us and gives to us in great abundance. We praise your name for all the many gifts you give us, but especially those with which you surprise us, for they have sprouted from your immeasurable love for us. You are great Father, and we lay our gifts before you to honor who you are, and to glorify you. In our secrecy we give to those you place on our heart, and in this way we are your hands, and the pot from which your poor children are nourished. Hear our prayers Lord as we ask your blessings on the gifts you are providing through us, and not so much those we receive. Let our kindness, and humility, spark the flow of Christ’s blood that washes us clean, and removed our sin. Let our giving be the catalyst that brings you glory, and is rewarded by a place at your table forever. Let our sacrifice of selflessness be your glory always.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his 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.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 ESV
Rich Forbes