Daily Devotions

The Old Testament and particularly the book of Proverbs is peppered with exhortations to live a generous life. For example Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”

I must admit, that I have never considered to idea of lending something to God. The Hebrew word here is a multifaceted concept and can mean to join, be joined, to attend to borrow or lend. The implication of the term "lend" suggests that God will repay those who are generous—not necessarily with earthly wealth, but in spiritual blessing. The statement foreshadows the words of Jesus. 

Interestingly, Jesus speaks of lending to those in need in Matthew 5:42 “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” 

So, are both these verses really speaking of a disciple's responsibility as a good steward of what God has already entrusted to our care. Although perhaps there is another way of looking at this. 

In his book of sermons “The Living Faith,” Lloyd C. Douglas tells the story of Thomas Hearne, who, in his journey to the mouth of the Coppermine River, wrote that a few days after his group had started on their expedition, a party of Indians stole most of their supplies. His comment on the apparent misfortune was: ‘The weight of our baggage being so much lightened, our next day’s journey was more swift and pleasant.’ Hearne was on route to something very interesting and important; and the loss of a few sides of bacon and a couple of bags of flour meant nothing more than an easing of the load. 

Billy Graham once said, “God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.” And in line with our thinking today, author Tim Keller states “A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God's.”

O God, send your Spirit upon us and light our path,

that we may travel the road you have prepared for us.

Having heard your scriptures proclaimed,

and your word revealed,

enable our hearts and minds to more fully understand

your goodness and your grace.

Help us break free from ideas that no longer bring life,

that we may embrace the life-giving work of your Spirit.

Challenge us to forsake paths that ask little of us,

and help us resist the evils and temptations of this world,

that we may truly follow the way of kingdom living. Amen.