SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 15
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” [Deuteronomy 15:10] God’s generosity is an invitation to our own generosity. We love because God loves us, we give because God gives to us. We forgive because He forgives us. As image-bearers of God, we reflect Him. Moses reminds the people that they are to be a living reflection of grace and generosity, as a witness to the world. How they treat each other is directly related to how God treats them. He will bless them so that they can be a blessing. In this way God reveals His kingdom to the world’s kingdom.
Jesus sends out His disciples with the same mandate. “As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” [Matthew 10:7-8] A living reflection of God’s grace and generosity, a blessing to the nations. Observe the parallel between Moses’ words and Jesus: “Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. [Deuteronomy 15:14]; Freely you have received, freely give.” [Matthew 10:8]
One reason why I resist the emphasis on tithing (giving 10% to the Lord) is that it can lead to the idea that we give God 10% so we can enjoy 90%. This is not the intent of tithing, but it often becomes the result. The biblical emphasis is on grace and generosity, of the same kind as God. Self-denial, sacrifice for the sake of others, even of our enemies, overflowing liberality in giving and serving and loving. What was built into the Jewish calendar every seven years was a reminder of what was intended to be the normal attitude and expression of the heart: freely you have received, freely give.
Grace and generosity are the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of God at work in me. This is an even greater miracle that healing the sick, raising the dead or turning water into wine – turning self-centered and stingy sinners into gracious, generous God and people lovers. This is how the world will know that we are His disciples – by the grace and generosity evident among us. This is how Israel was to realize the blessing of the nations, and this is how we are to bless the nations. To show them the way of God’s kingdom. To model the pattern of grace and generosity – every day of the year.
PRAYER:
Lord, I am not as generous as I should be. I do not appreciate enough how gracious You have been to me. Freely I have received, help me to freely give.
God loves a cheerful giver are the words which come to mind. All what I have is His! It is not just the first fruits, but all. And how do I use the ALL in His service.
The Lord has given much. The Lord has given His Word. How do I apply that Word to my life? Exactly. Am I law driven or spirit driven? As I have received so I must give. All is His to use for service and not collect my ‘toys.’
Lord help me daily to freely use the gifts You have given for kingdom service – to the beggar on the street or the church in need of rebuilding or the blanc who needs encouragement by financial support in his/Your ministry. ll what You have given me need to be used in service to You. Help me daily to share the blessings You have given to those I can be a blessing.
All that I am I owe to Thee,
Thy wisdom, Lord, has fashioned me;
I give my Maker thankful praise,
Whose wondrous works my soul amaze.
Ere into being I was brought,
Thine eye did see, and in Thy thought
My life in all its perfect plan
Was ordered ere my days began.