Redeem Your Time
Ephesians 5:15-17 - Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Scripture says we are like vapors which are here today and then, POOF, gone in an instant. Some of us may live to the national average or even past it. Others will not live that long. Whatever the case may be, Scripture reminds us, “man knows not his time.” Therefore, since no one knows when they will be called home, doesn’t it make sense to make the most of every day as though it was our last? Have you ever been asked what you would do if you only had one week or month left to live? Often, when we’re asked such a question, we offer a sweet, sentimental, or even profound answer that stresses urgency. Yet, few “live out” their answers because they suppress the truth of reality and mistakenly believe they have an infinite supply of time and opportunities before them. In our Scripture, the Apostle Paul says this is unwise. Making the Most of Time Paul instructs us to be careful in how we live. He says we need to be wise, not unwise, and make the most of every opportunity. Many of the great saints of Christian history referred to this as, “redeeming the time.” Brother, your life is a gift from God. You are called to be a steward of it. In a real sense your life is not your own. In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul said followers of Christ must offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. He lived during Israel’s sacrificial system in which the animal “gave up its life” on the altar. If we are called to be living sacrifices, we must daily put ourselves back on the altar before God in dedication to him, because living sacrifices tend to crawl off the altar by the end of each day. There is cost involved here to be sure. To give ourselves to the Lord in this way will require sacrifice, commitment, and self-discipline. To redeem the time we have been given, to make the most of every opportunity, we must change the way see and think about our daily lives. A change of perspective is required. An Eternal Perspective Needed God can be glorified in our most mundane tasks. Whether we are driving to work, mowing the yard, or wrestling with our children, we can do so to God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). What matters is the motivation of our heart. Martin Luther is attributed as saying a cobbler who makes excellent shoes on Monday glorifies God as much as the pastor who preaches the Gospel on Sunday. Both require an eternal perspective and motivation that transcends themselves. Isn’t it a relief to know you can glorify God without necessarily moving to the other side of the world as a missionary or becoming an ordained pastor? You don’t have to be doing something “religious” to redeem your time. The Apostle Paul said whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it for God’s glory. What’s more ordinary than eating and drinking? What you are doing is not as important as why and how you are doing it. So, redeem your time. Walking Points
Prayer All-wise Father, you have told me in your Word to number my days so I may have a heart of wisdom. You want me to seek wisdom and live my life in such a way that I may make the most of every opportunity. You know better than I how often I have failed in this pursuit. I don’t wake up each day planning to fail at this, and yet by not better preparing I often fail by default. Please forgive me. Fill me with your Spirit of wisdom and give me not only a desire to live each and every day wisely for you, but enable me to do so. Help me to prepare on the front end so I may be ready to make the most of each opportunity you present me. Most of all, let my thoughts, words, and deeds be done for your glory. In Christ I pray. Amen.
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Luke 1:26-38 Magnificat “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” That is how Mary responded a few days after she learned she would miraculously become pregnant and give birth to the Savior of the world. Troubled But her impulse was to be troubled and perplexed by her encounter with an angel. In Luke 1:28 we read, 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” How would you respond to an angelic visitation? Terrified? Bewildered? Break into a cold sweat? Faint? I think Mary being “troubled about the angel’s words and wondering about this divine greeting” is pretty rational and normal. The angel clearly recognized this and quickly added, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. Mary Would… The angel then proceeded to tell her the following…
Oh, and this will all happen by a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. And this baby you will carry for nine months and give birth to… he will be the Son of God. Mary’s Immediate Reply Well, we heard Mary’s response after a few days of reflection. But what was her immediate reply to this startling announcement? She said, I am the Lord’s servant,” “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Humility. Submission. Faith. Obedience. Out of the millennia of human history and all the billions of people who have ever lived, God chose this young girl to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. And even at her young age and compromised situation (she was an unmarried virgin after all), she was able to say, I am the Lord’s servant,” “May your word to me be fulfilled.” How About You? Would you be able to answer in the same way? If an angel appeared to you and said you would be part of something that was, humanly speaking, impossible – and would likely cost you your reputation and possibly your life – would you be able to say, I am the Lord’s servant,” “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Yet the truth is, Mary’s experience is not hers alone. One author put it this way, For although her role is in one way unique, in that she alone physically nurtures and brings into the world the body and person of Jesus Christ, in another way Mary is the archetype of every Christian soul, and the whole church. (Malcolm Guite) God desires each of us to answer his call in our lives with Mary’s words, I am the Lord’s servant,” “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Now, we will not be called to bear the Lord Jesus, but each of us is called to “treasure his words and the gift of his Spirit in our hearts and… in our daily lives.” (Malcolm Guite) In this way Mary is our example and encouragement, especially during this Advent season, when we prepare for the arrival of our Savior. The Secret The secret to Mary’s success as well as ours, can be found in the words of the angel, for they are just as true for us as they were for Mary. “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (v. 28) Think about that… “The Lord is with you.” Do you believe that? In the deepest places in your heart, mind, and soul, do you really believe that? What difference would it make in your life if you really, truly believed that God was with you? That, like Mary, you were highly favored? The Difference I reflected on that question and brainstormed a few answers that blessed me. Knowing God is with me gives me…
What would you add to that list? Each of those words and ideas could be sermon unto itself, couldn’t it? What would you add? When I visit a hospital or hospice room, one of the things I always pray for is for God to be present in that person’s life at that moment. In truth, I am really reminding them that God is already present – fully present – right there, right then, and he has promised to never leave them nor forsake them. But that is not a comforting word for hospital and hospice rooms only. That is a truth which should impact every single day of each of our lives. The angel tells Mary she is highly “favored.” The Greek word for “favored” is “charis,” from which we get our word “grace.” Mary was an ordinary girl, whom God favored in a unique and spectacular way. God Is with You Too Yet that same favor – that same grace – is offered to each of us. It is available for the taking. Beloved, the good news is that God would not have you walk through the journey of this life alone. God is with you. During the most turbulent times of your life, God is with you. During the most mundane and boring times in your life, God is with you. When you feel you are at your lowest, God is with you. When you feel most in despair, God is with you. When you are sick and struggling physically, God is with you. When you have lost a loved one and do not know how to face the future, God is with you. When you are confused and do not know which way to turn, God is with you. You too are highly favored by God. In Matthew 1:23 we read these words, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s many promises made hundreds of years before his arrival. God is the God who makes and keeps all his promises. And one of those promises is Jesus – Immanuel – God with us. John Wesley The founder of the Methodist Church, John Wesley, was on his deathbed being comforted by those who knew and loved him. And before he died, he “gathered his strength” one last time and “cried out, ‘The best of all, God is with us!’” He died soon after. (Kenneth Collins) None of us need to wait until our deathbeds to be comforted or strengthened by the truth that God is with us. It can and should be a living reality for each us. Yet for that good news to impact our lives we must believe it is true. We must place our trust in God and the good news of his Son. We must give our very lives to God and this precious gospel-truth. Joy of Every Longing Heart Charles Wesley wrote these beautiful words, Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (v. 28) Thanks be to God. Day 22
Patient Delight Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, on this blessed day, as we gather to reflect upon your Word, we open our hearts to receive your guidance and wisdom. We pray for your Spirit to illuminate our minds, helping us to understand your Word. Prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. In his name, we pray. Amen. Scripture Reading Isaiah 37:1-7 1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. The Great Tradition In everything he taught the benefit of hope in God: the person hoping in God, he says, and fed by him will enjoy the goods supplied by him while those who find delightful constant converse with him will most of all attain them. (Theodoret of Cyr) How do you show yourself subject to [God]? By doing what he commanded. You do not receive your reward yet, but that may be because you are not yet capable of it. He is already able to give it, but you are not able to receive it. Exert yourself in your tasks, labor in the vineyard, and when evening comes ask for your wages, for he who brought you into the vineyard is trustworthy. (Augustine) Prayer of Confession Gracious Lord, forgive us for the times we have allowed the success of those who follow wicked paths to disturb our peace. In moments of uncertainty, strengthen our trust in you. Help us to focus on the eternal perspective, knowing that your ways are higher than our ways. We confess our impatience and pray for a heart that waits on you with unwavering faith and delight. In Christ we pray. Amen. Reflection Do you trust the Lord when times are tough, when you see those who do not appear to care about the things of God prospering? I believe our trust grows as our eternal perspective becomes clearer. How little would we worry about the things of the world, or value the things of the world, if we saw things more clearly from God’s perspective? If we valued what God values? The Psalmist encourages us not to fret about those who do evil or be envious of those who do what is wrong. Instead, we should not wander off to the right or left, but continue down the right path, trusting God the whole way, obeying him as we travel. Better yet, as we travel with God, let us love what he loves and desire what he desires. How do we discover what those things are? Theodoret tells us we do so by conversing with God continually. And as we speak with, and listen to our loving God, he will not only show us what delights him, but will give us those things as well. But we must be patient with God. He reveals and gives according to his schedule, not ours. We must trust that he always has our best interest at heart and knows what our best interest is. When we’re certain of those two truths, we can be at peace because we know we are being well loved and cared for. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion As we navigate the challenges of life, let’s anchor our trust in the Lord, finding peace in the hope of his promises. This Advent season let’s prayerfully pursue a spirit of trust, delight in the Lord’s ways through continuous communion and conversation, and patiently trust in his timing. And let’s remember the words of Augustine who said, “Exert yourself in your tasks, labor in the vineyard, and when evening comes ask for your wages, for he who brought you into the vineyard is trustworthy.” And so, he is. Thanks be to God. Day 21
Watch and Pray Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, as we delve into your Word today, we humbly ask for the illuminating guidance of your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts to receive the lessons you have for us during this Advent season. May our reflections be a source of growth and readiness for the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In his name, we pray. Amen. Scripture Reading Luke 21:29-38 29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” 37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple. The Great Tradition “Watch” over your life. Do not let “your lamps” go out, and do not keep “your loins ungirded,” but “be ready,” for “you do not know the hour when our Lord is coming.” Meet together frequently in your search for what is good for your souls, since “a lifetime of faith will be of no advantage”2 to you unless you prove perfect at the very end. In the final days, multitudes of false prophets and seducers will appear. Sheep will turn into wolves, and love into hatred. With the increase of iniquity, people will hate, persecute and betray each other. Then the world deceiver will appear in the disguise of God’s Son. He will work “signs and wonders,” and the earth will fall into his hands. He will commit outrages such as have never occurred before. Then humankind will come to the fiery trial, “and many will fall away” and perish. “Those who persevere in their faith will be saved”5 by the Curse himself. Then “there will appear the signs”7 of the Truth: first the sign of stretched-out hands in heaven, then the sign of “a trumpet’s blast,” and third, the resurrection of the dead, but not all the dead. As it has been said, “The Lord will come and all his saints with him. Then the world will see the Lord coming on the clouds of the sky.” (Didache 16.1–7) Prayer of Confession Gracious Lord, forgive us for the times we have allowed the distractions of this world to draw us away from the richness of your Word. We confess moments of spiritual distraction and laziness and the pull of temporal pleasures. Renew within us a spirit of watchfulness and a commitment to persistent prayer. Thank you for your grace that restores and refocuses us. In Christ, we pray. Amen. Reflection In many ways this is Part Two of yesterday’s devotion. Many texts through the Advent season encourage us… urge us… to be prepared, as we have noted several times. We hear those parabolic warnings throughout the Gospels of thieves coming in the night, virgins being unprepared with their oil when the bridegroom returns, and more. Jesus assures us in today’s Scripture reading that though the whole universe will pass away, his words will never do so. It has been said that the only things that will last for eternity are people and the word of God. Therefore, we have confidence that what Jesus shares with us in these hard words are not only true, but lasting. Furthermore, they are shaped in the form of promises, so they will come to pass as surely as the sun will rise and set each day. In verse 34, Jesus says, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” Have you found yourself so caught up in the troubles and worries of each day that you forget to keep your eyes on Jesus? Or, perhaps you have discovered during the tough times of your life, or even those mundane seasons of life, that we can all too easily turn to distractions… distractions that numb us to life’s cold realities. Of course, the answer to our problems is Jesus, which sounds like a proper Sunday School answer, but it’s still a true answer. Jesus warns us against being “weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.” It might accurately be said that Satan and his evil underlings know us better than we know ourselves. That demonic company knows our weaknesses and the best ways to tempt us. Thus, Jesus tells us to beware of such things, for they are traps being set for the unprepared and unsuspecting. That’s why so much time is spent in Scripture, and throughout the Advent season, urging us to be ready for the Day of the Lord. We won’t get an email or text at the beginning of the year to let us know of Christ’s return. And, as we learned yesterday, whether he returns before we die or we return to him before his second advent, we will still stand before him to give an account. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather my Advocate, the Lord Jesus Christ, be the one to stand in my place and plead my case by declaring the precious truth that he took upon himself my sin and brokenness, rather than me sharing my own spiritual resume with God. So, Jesus says in verse 36, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” Always! Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, month by month, and so on. We must always be on watch, for the devil is like a lion waiting to pounce upon us in those unguarded moments. Let us also remember we cannot do what is being asked of us, at least not in our own strength. We need the Spirit of the Living God flowing through our hearts, minds, and souls. We need to pray without ceasing and constantly be lovers and students of the Word of God. We need the fellowship of the saints to rally around us with love, care, and encouragement, just as we, in turn, offer the same to them. When Jesus returns it will not be in secret. The whole world will know. And that will not be the day to “get right with the Lord.” That will be the day, as C.S. Lewis observed, when you discover whose side, you have been on all along. And so, to emphasize the point yet again, today is the day of salvation. Turn to Christ today and live. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion “Watch and Pray.” That combination seems so simple yet the need to practice those disciplines daily can wear us down. But that remains our Lord’s admonition. He has our best interest at heart and wants us to persevere to the end and finish our journey well. He has given us his eternal and unchanging Word to encourage and equip us to stand firm against the various distractions of this life. May our hearts and minds be attuned to the rhythm and reminders of Advent, ever watchful for the glorious return of our Lord. Amen. Day 20
Preparing for Glory Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, as we open our hearts to your Word, guide us in our reflections on the second coming of your Son. May we find wisdom and inspiration to live each day in anticipation of your unveiled glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Scripture Reading Luke 21:20-28 20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The Great Tradition The conclusion to the eschatological discourse focuses on the need to prepare for the coming of the Son of man on clouds after people see the signs in the sky (Didache). Christ comes in a cloud to cover the mystery of his heavenly descent, like the presence of God in the Old and New Testaments (Ambrose). “Son of man” is the title most associated with Jesus in his passion. Now the crucified and glorified Christ comes from heaven (Augustine). When believers see him coming, they know that that the dead are about to be raised and they will receive the glorious body promised in the resurrection of all flesh (Cyril of Alexandria). The coming of the Son of man only intensifies the fear of unbelievers, for people will wither from suffering, and fear is a sign that the end is near (Augustine). Prayer of Confession Lord, forgive us for the times we have neglected to watch for the signs of your coming. We confess our shortcomings and seek your mercy. Grant us the grace to live each day with the awareness that our redemption is drawing near. In Jesus’ name, we humbly ask for your forgiveness. Amen. Reflection As alluded to in a previous devotion, many Christians today associate Advent readings almost exclusively with the coming of baby Jesus and discourses on his incarnation. Our Lord’s first Advent, of course, has much to do with both. And make no mistake about it, that is reason to rejoice! But, in the early church, Advent was understood to also be a time of penitence. Reflections during the season of Advent included both the first and second coming of Christ. Today’s Scripture highlights his second coming. It’s an unsettling portrait painted by our Lord, one we often forget is in the New Testament, or at least in the Gospels. Yet here it is. When Jesus spoke these words, the fall of Jerusalem was about four decades away. When Jesus would return in clouds of glory, only the Father knew. That remains true today as well. Yet Jesus makes the point to his first-century hearers, and us as well, that signs will attend his return and we ignore them at our peril. In fact, many of the readings throughout Advent remind us that the surest way to be ready for Christ’s return is never to not be ready, pardon the poor grammar. As the Boy Scout motto declares, we must always “be prepared.” And when Christians see the signs of eternity intermingled with signs of the times, we should recognize that the time of our redemption draws near. And whether Christ comes in the middle of this paragraph, five years from now, or whenever our last day will be, we must live each day as though it is our last, knowing we will live in God’s unveiled presence forever. We shall see him as he is, and it will be glorious. It will be beautiful. C.S. Lewis reminded us of both sides of the coin of Christ’s return. Paraphrasing Lewis, he said the return of Christ and the end of all things as we know them will bring either intense joy or intense terror. Those of us who know Christ will experience no condemnation, for our sins have already been condemned when Christ took upon himself our judgement. Those who depend upon themselves and their own righteousness, or who reject the idea of needing to be righteous in the first place, will find themselves judged by the King of kings and Lord of lords on that Day. A mentor of mine said often that every Christian should have two days marked on their calendar: today and that Day. Christ will return in glory. He will carry the sword of justice. Grace is for today. Today is the day of salvation. Therefore, entreat your loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, and others not to put off turning to Christ in trusting faith. He calls to them even now. Like the Hound of Heaven, he is in continual pursuit of those who would flee him. Yet, they too can enjoy the assurance and delight of knowing their judgement has been atoned for by the cross of Christ. They can rest each night knowing their guilt has been forgiven and their consciences cleansed. They can simultaneously be thrilled and humbled in knowing they will experience no condemnation, but only eternal fellowship, rest, and joy with the One who loves them with a perfect love. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion As we continue our pilgrimage through this Advent season, let’s prayerfully consider how we can embrace the dual nature of our Advent anticipation—joyful celebration of Christ’s first coming and vigilant preparation for his glorious return. May we stand firm, lift our heads, and live each day in the assurance that our redemption is drawing near. For it is. Day 19
The Faithfulness of a Poor Widow Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, as we gather in reflection and meditation, open our hearts to receive the wisdom found in your Word. May the lessons of sacrificial giving and steadfastness shape our lives as we navigate the Advent season. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Scripture Reading Luke 20:41 – 21:4 41 Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 43 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ 44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” 45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 21:1 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” The Great Tradition Although the spite of some people does not grow gentle with any kindness, nevertheless the works of mercy are not fruitless, and kindness never loses what is offered to the ungrateful. May no one, dearly beloved, make themselves strangers to good works. Let no one claim that his poverty scarcely sufficed for himself and could not help another. What is offered from a little is great, and in the scale of divine justice, the quantity of gifts is not measured but the steadfastness of souls. The “widow” in the Gospel put two coins into the “treasury,” and this surpassed the gifts of all the rich. No mercy is worthless before God. No compassion is fruitless. He has given different resources to human beings, but he does not ask different affections. (Leo the Great) Prayer of Confession Merciful Father, forgive us for the times we have given out of abundance without true sacrifice. We confess the moments of comparison that have tainted our joy in giving. Grant us the grace to cultivate sacrificial hearts and to embrace a Kingdom economy that values steadfastness and godly affections. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen. Reflection I am tempted to let Leo the Great’s words stand alone for today’s reflection for they are beautifully and poignantly expressed. This morning I was reading A Christmas Carol by Dickens. The two men collecting money for the poor introduced themselves and their errand to Scrooge, at which time they were immediately and ungraciously rebuffed with his contempt and disdain for others, including these “do-gooders.” Here was a man who could have financially helped everyone within his sphere yet closed his heart to them all. (Of course, we know the rest of the story and what can happen to a person whose heart is reborn and reopened by grace.) Yet the people Luke tells us about in today’s Scripture are of a different kind than Scrooge was in the scene I described. These are people who could give much and did so. It’s not that they were wrong to give. But they were giving out of their abundance and thus their offering was not sacrificial. The poor widow, who probably should have been the recipient of the temple treasury’s provision for the poor, gave out of her impoverished condition. Hers, according to Jesus, was the sacrificial gift that is dear to our Father’s heart. Whether we are giving money or our time and talent, God calls us to be living sacrifices, which is our acceptable service to the Lord (Romans 12:1). It shows our commitment to God to be sure. But it also reveals a deep dependence upon him as well. For if we give what we will not miss, or do that which costs us nothing, we are not living sacrificial lives. Let me hasten to add that we are not called to live this sort of life in order to earn the favor of God. If we are Christians, then we have already been saved by God’s grace alone, received by faith in Christ alone. This is no meritorious system. This is fruit. What else would a life redeemed and reconciled by a gracious God look like? The other word of caution we must be mindful of is to avoid comparing our giving to others. All others. As the old saying goes, comparison is death to contentment. Another cliché reminds us that comparison is death to joy. The widow gave numerically less than the others yet gave more because it was all she had. That’s how God’s Kingdom economy works. In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the person who increased the two talents he was given to four, received the same praise as the one who doubled his five talents to ten. Each was given a particular number of talents. Each was faithful with what he had been given. Each received the same praise from his master. Whether you are rich or poor, gifted with many talents or few, you are called to give out of what the Lord has provided you. If you have more, give more. If you have little, give what you are able. Leo was surely correct when he said, “What is offered from a little is great, and in the scale of divine justice, the quantity of gifts is not measured but the steadfastness of souls.” Let the steadfastness of your soul be enlarged, like the widow’s soul in our Scripture, or like the soul of Ebeneezer Scrooge himself. Not because you have to, as our senior pastor likes to put it, but because you get to. Yet let this paraphrased divine caveat be inserted here: “to the person who has been given much, much is expected (Luke 12:48). Let the recipients of such gifts rejoice at the opportunities that await. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion During this Advent season let’s intentionally seek ways to sincerely express the words of gratitude, “Thanks be to God,” for the opportunities that await us in sacrificial giving. May the lessons from the widow’s offering inspire us to live out the principles of a sacrificial heart, God’s Kingdom economy, and a life free from comparison. In every act of giving, let’s reflect the love and generosity of our Savior, who gave himself for us, sacrificially. Amen. |
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January 2024
Click image above to learn more about and order this follow-up to "Lord of All."
Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: (Proverbs 23:19)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
(Matthew 7:13-14) |