03/05/2021
We spend a great deal of our prayer time asking God to do things for us, and the bulk of the remainder in thanking Him for what He has already done. Then, we go about our day, and dedicate most of our waking hours to fending for ourselves by working, or following other worldly pursuits. So, today let’s ask ourselves if there is anything that we can possibly give to God, the creator of all things, and look for ways we can give something, anything, to Him... just as He has so often given to us.
“What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?”
Psalm 116:12 ESV
We want to buy a new house so we pray that this is the right one for us, go to a lender for a loan, pray again that our loan will be approved, and while signing the loan papers we pray that nothing will keep us from repaying this debt. Does this sound familiar, well it should because it happens all the time when money is borrowed, and specifically in the mortgage business.
Now let’s turn the transaction around and put ourselves in the place of the lender... What if a poor man comes to us for a loan? What if we thought that he would have trouble repaying the money he was asking of us? Would it make a difference if the wealthiest man in town stepped forward and co-signed that loan? Sure it would, because our loan and profit would certainly be secured. Now, what if I were to tell you that this transaction happens every day in your life, that you are asked daily to be a lender, and that more often than not you walk away from the poor man, and his wealthy co-signer? What if I told you that you leave the certain profit of these transactions behind? Would you believe me?
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Proverbs 19:17 ESV
Suddenly we see that those times when we could have fed a hungry man, provided shelter for a homeless family, given a cool drink to a thirsty person, handed a beggar a few dollars, or provided one of hundreds and hundreds of other mercies was actually a secured loan to God Himself that we walked away from. We see the poor borrower and the wealthiest man in town in a new and spiritual light, and realize that we have turned down God himself when He has come to us for a loan...
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25:40 ESV
God co-signs our loans every day, and does so knowing full well that there is a very good expectation that we will default on them. We call this grace... an unwarranted gift, a loan for which there is no hope of repayment. It is the same when we show someone mercy... and walk away from it without asking for anything in return... grace.
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all the mercy and grace with which you provide for us, but thank you even more for allowing us to give you those things we can, by giving them in like kind to your children who are in need. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who has created all things, and yet shares them so freely with us. Praised be your name for every answered prayer, every mouth we feed, and all mercy and grace we find flowing from you, through us. Great are you in humility Father, and wondrous are those things you provide in secret. Help us to pray, and give, in secret, in love, and without expectation of reward because in this way we are blessed by showing grace as you have taught us through Jesus. Cover us in the blood and righteousness of Christ, and fill our hearts with the love for you and an everlasting need to show grace to all of your children... wealthy or poor in faith. In this way we pray that we will be pleasing in your sight, and found righteous in your judgement. Make us all willing to render unto you everything we have, and to trust in you for the gift of eternity you give as redemption for our loans to you.
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:7-11 ESV
Rich Forbes