SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 29
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! [1 Chronicles 29:14]
Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! [Matthew 10:7-8]
In today’s reading we see the blessing of generosity, of recognizing God’s amazing generosity to us, and of returning that generosity to God and others.
The early missionary John says that we love because God first loved us [1 John 4:19]; we give generously for the same reason.
David recognizes that the amazing donations presented for the temple building project were actually a return to God of the abundance He had lavished on them.
This applies in all the ways God blesses us: in forgiving as we have been forgiven; in showing mercy as we have been shown mercy; in loving our enemies, as God first loved us; in concern for the weak and oppressed, as God showed concern for us; in denying ourselves for the sake of others, just as He denied Himself for our sake.
David lays open his heart to the Lord, knowing that He knows his heart and motives: I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives… [1 Chronicles 29:17]
So what does the Lord see when He examines my heart?
Does He observe my appreciation for the amazing grace and mercy He shows me?
Does He observe a strong desire to bless others just as I have been blessed?
Does He see in me a commitment to seeking His kingdom purpose first, that is, setting His agenda of restoring a world of love and peace as my top priority?
God’s kingdom of love and peace is coming, He is working through Jesus and through the Spirit to separate those who desire it, from those who reject it.
He is raising up an army of people who are prepared to give themselves and all their blessings to the cause of restoring God’s kingdom of love and peace.
He is not just looking for people who desire love and peace, but a people who are willing to dedicate themselves and their wealth towards realizing it!
I love the sense of joy and celebration that the people share this time together, as they renew their commitment to God and His kingdom.
Sure, it is short-lived (as the story of Chronicles will reveal), but it is a picture of the joy and celebration we can experience when we devote ourselves to this cause.
PRAYER:
Lord, I want this. I want to be a part of a people who wholly dedicate themselves and their blessings to being a blessing to the world. Help me appreciate Your generosity, and help me to be generous!
Oh what a joyous celebration and willingful giving. To do all with great joy in the presence of the Lord God in unity. Wow! And so freely. The words of this song immediately came to my mind –
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.
May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive,
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our firstfruits give.
O hearts are bruised and dead,
And homes are bare and cold,
And lambs for whom the Shepherd bled
Are straying from the fold.
To comfort and to bless,
To find a balm for woe,
To tend the lone and fatherless
Is angels’ work below.
The captive to release,
To God the lost to bring,
To teach the way of life and peace—
It is a Christ-like thing.
And we believe Thy Word,
Though dim our faith may be;
Whate’er for Thine we do, O Lord,
We do it unto Thee.
Help me each day to be a blessing unto others, in Jesus’ name. Amen.