10/28/2021
When we deal in the world we expect to receive a product or service for a fair and equitable price. When we give a dollar for loaf of bread we expect that loaf to be of a certain size, and exactly what we have bargained for, but when we obey God, and do the things He has asked of us we don’t receive a fair price; no, He gives to us in abundance, and far more than we can imagine. Are we ready to answer “Here am I”, and receive the overflowing blessing of the Lord in return?
“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. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.””
2 Corinthians 9:8-9 ESV
When we give to the poor we expect to receive a blessing equivalent to the one we have given, but what we find is that we are blessed with far more. We might give a hungry man a meal but in return we receive righteousness forever! We might have a mustard seed of faith, but it moves mountains, and we might witness to one man, but by doing so his faith is passed through the generations bringing many to Christ. We are thus credited with a share in this soul’s blessing… it is like a tree that begins with us at the root, and branches over and over again above us, and bears much fruit season after season. We receive far more than our own salvation in return, we are blessed with wisdom, joy, life everlasting, every seed that falls to take root, and so much more.
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
Proverbs 11:30 ESV
When we give of our life’s bounty, our time, and tithe to God he does far more than match our offering. We receive an abundance from the meager gifts we are obedient in giving Him, and this blessing is more than an in-kind transaction. He gives us far more than we originally gave Him, and then he goes on to protect us, our land, and secures our children in their faith by protecting them from Satan. This is not a talent for talent exchange; it is giving a cup of water to a thirsty man, and receiving an endlessly flowing spring in return.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.”
Malachi 3:10-11 ESV
Even when we suffer, the steadfastness that comes from our trials and pain is rewarded beyond our wildest dreams, God’s abundance is poured out on us. We are perfected, and completed by it, and in the end we lack for nothing.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:2-4 ESV
Then there is our faith, and belief. Jesus rewards us in this regard by not only allowing us to perform the miracles that He has done, but promises us that we will do far greater things than these, and God not only rewards us on earth, but offers us eternity with Him. This is how much that God loves us, and values us. By sending His only begotten Son to live, suffer, die, and be resurrected for us He is showing us that He is like the merchant in the parable of the pearl that Jesus told His disciples, and we are the pearl…
““Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:45-46 ESV
Are we ready to receive the overflowing love and the endlessly abundant blessings of God? Are we ready to believe, and become that one pearl of great value?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the outpouring of your love, and the more than generous nature of your blessings that you continue to impart to us. Thank you for considering us to be so valuable that you are willing to pay more than the going price, even the life of a Son, to secure us, and to keep us with you for all eternity. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose goodness, and mercy know no bounds. Praised be your name for every good thing you give us, and for your endless grace that is more than fair compensation for our damaged lives… lives that must be restored, and refinished. We worship you Holy Father, and long to sit as children at your table forevermore… worthy of your love, and made complete in the radiant image of Christ.
Rich Forbes