Apicontent

“When you host a dinner or a banquet, don’t invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors so you can be invited by them in return and get repaid. But when you host an elaborate meal, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” —Luke 14:12–14

God is concerned about everyone, regardless of their economic status or popularity. I am reminded of how David became King over Israel. His predecessor, King Saul, and Saul’s son Jonathan (David’s beloved and loyal friend) were dead. At that time, it was a customary practice for new kings to execute all remaining heirs of the previous king’s family to ensure the safety of their throne. But … wanting to show kindness in remembrance of Jonathan, King David throws a kink in the custom:

“Then David asked, ‘Is anyone still left from the family of Saul, so that I may extend kindness to him for the sake of Jonathan?’ Now there was a servant from Saul’s house named Ziba, so he was summoned to David. The king asked him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ He replied, ‘At your service.’ The king asked, ‘Is there not someone left from Saul’s family, that I may extend God’s kindness to him?’ Ziba said to the king, ‘One of Jonathan’s sons is left; both of his feet are crippled.’ The king asked him, ‘Where is he?’ Ziba told the king, ‘He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.’ … ‘You will cultivate the land for him—you and your sons and your servants. You will bring its produce and it will be food for your master’s grandson to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will be a regular guest at my table.’ (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) Mephibosheth was living in Jerusalem, for he was a regular guest at the king’s table. But both his feet were crippled.” —2 Samuel 9:1–3, 9–10, 13

It has been said that you can tell a great deal about a person’s character by how they treat those who can do nothing to benefit or help them. We see from this account of David’s life that it is no wonder God calls him “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22).

We see Jesus demonstrating this same compassion in a scene described in Matthew:

“When he left there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up a mountain, where he sat down. Then large crowds came to him bringing with them the lame, blind, crippled, mute, and many others. They laid them at his feet, and he healed them. As a result, the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing, and they praised the God of Israel. Then Jesus called the disciples and said, ‘I have compassion on the crowd, because they have already been here with me three days and they have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry since they may faint on the way.’” —Matthew 15:29–32

Ever the reasonable, humanly possible thinking disciples balked at the idea, saying:

“Where can we get enough bread in this desolate place to satisfy so great a crowd?” —Matthew 15:33

Yet seven loaves of bread and a few small fish in the Master’s hands were enough to satisfy the four thousand plus the women and children:

“After instructing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, he took seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks, he broke them and began giving them to the disciples, who then gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Not counting children and women, there were four thousand men who ate.” —Matthew 15:35–38

Become More

“Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality.” —Romans 12:13

Further Reflection

“I am a humble pensioner myself for my daily bread.
Shall I forget my brother who seems in great need?
I know not how it happened that I have more than they,
Unless God meant that I should give a larger part away.
The humblest wayside beggar and I have wants the same.
Close side by side we walked when God called out one name.
So brother, it happened the name He called was mine,
The food was given for both, here, half of it is thine.” —Helen Hunt Jackson

“Then when Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable. He said to them, ‘When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, because a person more distinguished than you may have been invited by your host. So the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, “Give this man your place.” Then, ashamed, you will begin to move to the least important place. But when you are invited, go and take the least important place, so that when your host approaches he will say to you, “Friend, move up here to a better place.” Then you will be honored in the presence of all who share the meal with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’” —Luke 14:7–11

In our verses for today Jesus teaches us not to seek out importance! He tells His disciples the same thing again later in Luke:

“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 18:14

The word “everyone” used in both of these passages sounds pretty all-inclusive to me! Jesus applies this same principle of humility to our relationship with God—it is necessary for us to humble ourselves before Him. It is only when we admit that we need a Savior that we are in a position to receive God’s forgiveness.

Those who exalt themselves in God’s presence will be brought low, yet for those who humble themselves, God will exalt them. 

James tells us:

“But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.’ So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into despair. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.” — James 4:6–10

Paul tells us in Philippians:

“And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand.” —1 Peter 5:6

“Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross! As a result God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” —Philippians 2:3–11

Become More

This is how it works—we empty ourselves of our own importance and God exalts us in His timing. How much better to be exalted by God!

“Jesus is the One who shows us the paradoxical route to meaning in a chaotic and hostile world. It’s the paradox of the gospel: Strength is found in weakness. Control is found in dependency. Power is found in surrender … God uses the frustrations of this life and the hurt of relationships to compel us to look beyond what we can control to the God who controls all things in order to woo us to himself. As we move from control to surrender, we move from chasing the wind under the sun to embracing God above it.” —Dan Allender, Breaking the Idols of You

Further Reflections

“The way up is down. The lowly one becomes the lifted one. There is a marked advantage to humility—eventually it brings honor.” — Bible Knowledge Commentary

“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” —Micah 6:8

“Again he said, ‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of flour until all the dough had risen.’” —Luke 13:20–21

The work of the gospel often appears weak and small in its beginnings. The first breaking out of the gospel is like the sunrise. We see the purple, blue, and pink hues beginning to appear in the sky as the sun slowly makes its entrance, eventually giving full light to the day.

The Good News grows within us! The seed begins to grow as our actions are changed and our knowledge becomes clearer through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our love and passion becoming more and more inflamed. Just as the yeast silently works through the dough, the seed of the Gospel grows, and the world cannot hinder its growth.

Matthew Henry observes, “Thus it was in the world. The apostles, by their preaching, place a handful of yeast in the great mass of mankind, and it had a strange effect; it put the world into ferment, and in a sense turned it upside down.”

The Gospel was effective, not because of the people presenting it, but because Jesus was working in them through the power of the Holy Spirit! For we are told in Scripture:

“When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and discovered that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized these men had been with Jesus.” —Acts 4:13

Become More

When the gospel is in the heart, it works a change. It begins to permeate all the faculties of the soul conforming us into the image of Jesus—winsome, encouraging, loving, and irresistible. It is effective not by outward force but by the inner force of the Holy Spirit.

Further Reflection

“What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It will be quite different from what you expect. You expect it will appear great, and will arrive at its perfection all of a sudden; but you are mistaken, it is like a mustard seed, a little thing, is tiny to the eye, and promises but little; yet, when sown it became a tree. Many perhaps were prejudiced against the gospel, because its beginnings were so small. Christ wished to remove this prejudice, by assuring them that though its beginnings were humble, its future would be prosperous; so that many should fly there, to lodge in the branches of it. You expect it will make its way by external means, but it shall work like yeast, silently and intangibly, and without any force or violence. A little leaven leavens the whole lump; so the doctrine of Christ will strangely diffuse its savour into the world of mankind. But you must give it time, and you will find it does wonders. By degrees the whole will be leavened.” —Matthew Henry

“Jesus asked, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? To what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the wild birds nested in its branches.’” —Luke 13:18–19

Here Jesus gives us a contrast between the tiny size of the mustard seed and the great plant that grows from it. He compares it to the influence of the kingdom of heaven which appears small and insignificant but becomes a mighty force with far reaching effects. Preceding Mark’s account of this same parable, Jesus gives us another interesting story:

“The kingdom of God is like someone who spreads seed on the ground. He goes to sleep and gets up, night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. By itself the soil produces a crop, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. And when the grain is ripe, he sends in the sickle because the harvest has come.” —Mark 4:26–29

Someone spreads the seed (the good news of Jesus through the Word of God) and in the mysterious work of God, the planted seed sprouts and begins to grow! God works in the life-bearing seed which, when planted in good soil, grows from stage to stage producing the grain without human intervention. How important it is that we are faithful in the sowing! Scripture tells us:

“How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.’” —Romans 10:14–15

Are we joyful spreaders of the Good News of Jesus? 

Our Lord’s last command just prior to His ascension challenges us to share the Good News!

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:18–20

Become More

Jesus’ commission was for all believers. As Jesus was always about His Father’s business, we should be likewise.

Each one of us has a field within our sphere of influence. Oftentimes we are the only Jesus many will “see.” So how are you doing? This is a high and worthy calling. Many will not hear our words because our lives are too loud. We often blend with the world and not with Christ. This is due to many things, not the least of which is ignorance to God’s will which is revealed through His Word. I will never forget many years ago when someone asked me if I thought it was acceptable for them to take a certain action that, evidently unbeknownst to them, was a blatant “no” in Scripture. This person was someone I thought had at least a basic knowledge of God’s Word. It left quite an impression on me. We must know God’s Word! We are all susceptible to sin—it is called human nature. But God’s Word will guide and guard us.

“The best protection against Satan’s lies is to know God’s truth.” —Anonymous

Further Reflections

“God has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the fame of His name among the nations.” —John Piper

“Carrying God’s gracious offer involves human beings whom God has brought to Himself and then uses as His heralds. They share God’s message of salvation because He will save everyone who calls on His name. Paul quoted from Isaiah concerning the eagerness of the bearers of good news. Those who bear it have beautiful… feet, that is, their message is welcome.” — Bible Knowledge Commentary

“Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the worker who tended the vineyard, “For three years now, I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and each time I inspect it I find none. Cut it down! Why should it continue to deplete the soil?” But the worker answered him, “Sir, leave it alone this year too, until I dig around it and put fertilizer on it. Then if it bears fruit next year, very well, but if not, you can cut it down.”’” —Luke 13:6–9

Jesus’ main point here is that judgment will come to non-fruit bearers. Scripture continually teaches us the importance of a walk that matches our talk. The fact is, talk is cheap. It is easy to talk about the truth, but difficult to live it. A person will live out what he or she believes. This is precisely why John the Baptist cried out to the Pharisees (the religious leaders of his day):

“But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don’t think you can say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.’” —Matthew 3:7–10

We are all sinners in need of a Savior! Not one of us is righteous in our own standing. These religious leaders believed they were safe because of their ancestry. After all, they were children of Abraham. Jesus came and confronted this way of thinking. In His talk with Nicodemus, one of Israel’s teachers, He said:

“I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time, can he” Jesus answered, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’” —John 3:3–7

No one receives preferential treatment. We all come to the cross as sinners. Since this is the sad state of every unbeliever, those who have been redeemed through faith in Christ, those who are children of the King, those who belong to Jesus, should indeed “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). There certainly should be a difference in the life of one who is redeemed that ultimately points others to Christ. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be made manifest in our lives.

In this parable, it was God who came to look for the fruit. This fig tree was planted in His vineyard using up His good soil. It was given an advantage over the fig tree that perhaps grew by the side of the road. God requires and expects fruit from those He has planted in His vineyard. It dishonors Him when we enjoy the privileges of the gospel and yet do not live out its truths. In our parable for today, the landowner had been patient. He had waited three years and had not found any fruit. He had not been overly ambitious in His expectations, He merely expected fruit. Not only was no fruit produced, but His good soil had also been wasted.

Judgment is passed against it: “You can cut it down.” Barren trees are to be cut down because there is no place for purposeless trees in God’s vineyard.

Become More

Enter the Jesus, the intercessor, the caretaker of the vineyard! He asks for a reprieve. He is our great Intercessor! He is our example to follow in pleading for others. We owe it to Jesus that barren trees are not immediately cut to the ground. He prays for a merciful reprieve and His prayer is reinforced by His endeavor to save the tree. What are you doing to intercede for the barren fig trees in your life?

Further Reflections

“For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; its fate is to be burned” —Hebrews 6:7–8

“Unfruitful professors of religion, if after long unfruitfulness they will repent, and change, and bring forth fruit, shall find all is well. God will be pleased; minister’s hands will be strengthened. There will be joy in heaven for it; the ground will be no longer used up, but bettered, and vineyard beautified, and the good trees in it made better. As for the tree itself, it is well for it; it shall receive the blessing of God; it shall be purged, and shall bring forth fruit.” —Matthew Henry

“But if that slave should say to himself, ‘My master is delayed in returning,’ and he begins to beat the other slaves, both men and women, and to eat, drink, and get drunk, then the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not foresee, and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or do what his master asked will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know his master’s will and did things worthy of punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.” —Luke 12:45–48

The end result doesn’t sound too good for the faithless, does it? There will be a day of reckoning for every person who has ever lived.

For the non-believer, we are told in Revelation:

“Then I saw a large white throne and the one who was seated on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and another book was opened—the book of life. So the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.” —Revelation 20:11–15

Those who belong to Christ, who are redeemed by His precious blood, will stand before the judgment of God to receive their reward. And those too who do not belong to Christ will also receive their reward.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.” —2 Corinthians 5:10

“Believers then, are to walk (live) carefully, so as to be wise or skillful and thus please the Lord. The manner for this careful, precise walk is making the right use of every opportunity, and the reason for this careful walk is that the days are evil. Many are walking in sin, and since the time is short believers must make full use of their time to help turn them from darkness to light. This necessitates wise conduct.” — Bible Knowledge Commentary

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” –1 Peter 4:7–11

While salvation is secure for the believer through Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, a verbal acknowledgment without actions or a changed life or any appearance of the fruit of the Spirit the Bible tells us is not saving faith.

Unfortunately, many people today “say” they have faith, and yet their lives do not reflect a relationship with Christ. They actually have a false sense of security. A believer in Christ will demonstrate a changed life—not a perfect life, but a changed life. Certainly, to believe in Christ is far more than just words. As James tells us:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,’ but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works.” —James 2:14–18

Accountability—defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “responsible; required to account for one’s conduct”— is the point Jesus is making here. We are held accountable for the truth we have been given, not to mention the gifts that have been bestowed upon us.

Become More

May we always conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, pleasing Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with power according to His glorious might so that we may have great endurance, patience, and joy.

“O Lord, what shame that You should need to beg us thus! Better that others might find us unavailable because of our occupation with You, rather than for us to be so slow to come, so dull to hear, so cold of heart, so indolent of soul. O God, spare us Your wrath! Do not let Your anger be kindled against us. Let us ask only one thing more, and do not turn away. Grant this one prayer more, O Lord, that You would give us all that is lacking in us; intensify our hunger and fire our devotion; take the indifference from our spirits; and have within us Your wonderful way and perfect will, O God, we pray.” —Frances J. Roberts

Further Reflections

“Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.” —Ephesians 5:15–17

“Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:1–2

“The Lord replied, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his household servants, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds at work when he returns. I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions.’” —Luke 12:42–44

A very important question for each one of us is this: What is the task the Lord has placed in my hands at this particular time?

Could the task be extraordinarily difficult, requiring His all achieving power and our diligence and perseverance to carry it out? Could the task be extremely boring and mundane, requiring the same all achieving power and our diligence and perseverance to finish it well?

Oftentimes life’s work can become quite daily. A great verse to memorize is the wonderful command in Colossians:

“Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.” —Colossians 3:23–24

Our heavenly Father, who judges without favoritism or partiality, will repay each and every person in full when He comes again. When we work as unto Him, all our efforts become set apart for God’s glory. We are told in Isaiah:

“Look, the Sovereign LORD comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him.” —Isaiah 40:10

Jesus said:

“But as for that day or hour no one knows it—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son—except the Father. Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert.” —Mark 13:32–34

Jesus’ message is for each generation to be watching, waiting, and working until His return or our own homegoing. Paul gives us a wonderful charge:

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem without knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit warns me in town after town that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not consider my life worth anything to myself, so that I may finish my task and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” —Acts 20:22–24

Life is not nearly long enough for everything! As believers, we must be focused on the things of God! We must stand firm in our commitment to Him and remain unencumbered by things that might keep us back from attaining our goal. This is the lesson of Hebrews 12:1–3:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.”

Become More

Just as surely as there are always consequences to sin, there are always blessings to obedience. In our verses for today, Jesus speaks of the rewards of the faithful. Scripture has many illustrations regarding rewards in the here and now and also our future eternal rewards. Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded according to our actions:

“For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” —Matthew 16:27

Paul echoes the same principle in Ephesians:

“Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people, because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord.” —Ephesians 6:7–8

Further Reflections

“If by doing some work which the undiscerning consider ‘not spiritual work’ I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel, thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is the interesting and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”—Amy Carmichael

“Let us work as if success depended upon ourselves alone, but with heartfelt conviction that we are doing nothing, and God everything.” —St. Ignatius Loyola

“He then told them a parable: ‘The land of a certain rich man produced an abundant crop, so he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to myself, ‘You have plenty of goods stored up for many years; relax, eat, drink, celebrate!”’ But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God.” —Luke 12:16–21

The Oxford Dictionary defines “hoard” as accumulating more than one’s current requirements. God addressed this issue early on in the Old Testament when He gave instructions to the Israelites regarding manna from heaven. We find in Exodus:

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people will go out and gather the amount for each day, so that I may test them. Will they walk in my law or not? On the sixth day they will prepare what they bring in, and it will be twice as much as they gather every other day.’” —Exodus 16:4–5

A few verses later we read:

“When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ because they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the LORD has given you for food. This is what the LORD has commanded: “Each person is to gather from it what he can eat, an omer per person according to the number of your people; each one will pick it up for whoever lives in his tent.”’ The Israelites did so, and they gathered—some more, some less. When they measured with an omer, the one who gathered much had nothing left over, and the one who gathered little lacked nothing; each one had gathered what he could eat. Moses said to them, ‘No one is to keep any of it until morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses; some kept part of it until morning, and it was full of worms and began to stink, and Moses was angry with them.” —Exodus 16:15–20

While saving is prudent and commendable, hoarding is greedy and selfish. It reveals an attitude that lacks faith in a God who always supplies our needs. It points to the fact that we somehow believe we are responsible for our lives—taking God out of the equation. Just like the Israelites, our hoarding produces maggots and begins to smell.

We are told by Paul:

“Now with godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either. But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that. Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.” —1 Timothy 6:6–1

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:11–13

The secret of Paul’s contentment was the power of Christ within him, giving him strength and peace. Contented people do not live excessively. They are not always searching for more and more. They understand when enough is enough. There is a great deal of freedom and insight to be gained from this. We have been sold the idea that accumulation brings contentment. Oftentimes, quite the opposite is true! Are your possessions possessing you? Possessions are supposed to bring us joy, but they can end up consuming our time, talents, resources, and abilities! I am sure that is one reason we are told in Proverbs:

“Remove falsehood and lies far from me; do not give me poverty or riches, feed me with my allotted portion of bread, lest I become satisfied and act deceptively and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or lest I become poor and steal and demean the name of my God.” —Proverbs 30:8–9

Become More

God desires for us to give freely and cheerfully, sharing with those who are in need and practicing hospitality. When we are on the receiving end, we are in turn to pass on the blessing to others. Luke tells us:

“Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.” —Luke 6:38

Further Reflections

Contentment is a learned secret. Sacrifice and self-control are beautiful graces.

“It is another one of those ‘immutable laws of the universe’ where sharing, caring and giving trumps self-centered, narcissistic and selfish every time.” —thinktq.com

“Then he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has stopped here while on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.” Then he will reply from inside, “Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though the man inside will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the first man’s sheer persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.’” —Luke 11:5–8

In this story, Jesus is teaching us about the need for boldness and persistence when we pray. This same principle is presented in Luke 18 when Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow. The widow keeps approaching a judge for justice. The judge was neither God-fearing nor cared about people, yet because of her persistence, he granted her request just to avoid having her wear him out. Jesus ends that story with:

“And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! Won’t God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long to help them?’” —Luke 18:6–7

In contrast to an unjust judge who is compliant simply to get someone off his back, God, who is just and holy and righteous, will respond quickly to the cries of His children. We are told in Hebrews:

“For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.” —Hebrews 4:15–16

Jesus, our High Priest, who lives to intercede for us, administers mercy to us as we approach the “throne of grace.”

“So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised. For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay.” —Hebrews 10:35–38

“With such a High Priest, it follows that believers should approach the throne of grace with confidence. In a book filled with lovely and captivating turns of expression, few excel the memorable phrase “throne of grace.” Such a conception of the presence of God into which beleaguered Christians may come at any time, suggests both the sovereignty of the One they approach (since they come to a “throne”) and His benevolence. At a point of contact with God like this Christians can fully expect to receive mercy and find grace to help … in … time of need.” — Bible Knowledge Commentary

“God, the eternal God of the universe, stands, as it were, like an almighty servant and says: ‘If you, My child, will only pray I will work; if you will only be busy with asking I will see to the doing.’ Not only does He bestow at our cry, but He acts. Not only does our praying evoke His bounty, it sets in motion His omnipotence. Wherefore, as we enter into the secret chamber of prayer, nothing will so stir us to mighty intercession, nothing will so soon make us master-pleaders with God for a lost world, as to whisper to our own soul, again and again, this wonderful truth, ‘While I am praying God is really doing that which I am asking!’” —James H. McConkey

Become More

God calls each one of us to pray both boldly and persistently, not on our own merits or righteousness, for we have none, but on the merits of Christ!

“God’s best gifts, like valuable jewels, are kept under lock and key, and those who want them must, with fervent faith, importunately ask for them; for God is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” —Dwight L. Moody

Further Reflection

“Effectual fervent prayer has been the mightiest weapon of God’s mightiest soldiers.” —E. M. Bounds

“Which of these do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” The expert in religious law said, “The one who showed mercy to him.” So Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” —Luke 10:36–37

Once again, Jesus reminds us that mercy wins!

The prophet Micah’s words come to mind:

“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the LORD really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” —Micah 6:8

Sounds easy, living it out is a bit more difficult. Our “self” just has a way of getting in the way! Earlier Jesus had said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” and the teacher of the Law had asked, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered that question by telling him the Parable of the Good Samaritan which precedes our verses for today.

In the parable, a man is heading from Jerusalem to Jericho—a journey of about 17 miles descending 3,000 feet. It was a dangerous, steep, winding way oftentimes laden with robbers. Jesus described how this man fell into the hands of this rabble. They beat him, stripped him of his clothes, and left him half dead. A priest and a Levite (both leaders in the Jewish community) passed by this half-dead man, actually crossing over to the other side of the road, ignoring the blaring need before them. Then Jesus tells us a Samaritan comes along, taking pity on the man. This is particularly interesting in light of the fact that the Samaritans were scorned and looked down upon by the Jews because of their mixed Jewish and Gentile ancestry. 

This merciful Samaritan bandaged the half-dead man’s wounds, poured on his own oil and wine, placed the man on his own donkey, and took him to an inn to care for him out of his own means. The next day, the Samaritan went the extra mile by telling the innkeeper to tend to this man’s needs and that he would reimburse him for any expenses incurred. At this point in the story, Jesus poses the question, “Which one of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man?” Jesus certainly has a way of getting straight to the heart of the matter!

Similar to the priest and the Levite, we can put our blinders on to the needs of those who our care. We walk on the other side of the road either pretending the problem is not there or being so consumed with our own lives and problems that we don’t even notice the hurt of others. Perhaps we have no idea how to help. But the Samaritan simply did what he could!

As I read this story, I am struck by the principle that loving our neighbor will probably cost us. It will cost time … and money … and comfort! But, when we come to the aid of others, it forces us to take our minds off ourselves. The beauty of this is that through our helping others, we are elevated and helped! Reaching out to the needs of others lifts us up.

Become More

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.” —Proverbs 11:25

This can be through our material possessions including our money, our time, or our talents.

“Every act of compassion done by anyone … is done by Christ working in him.” —Julian of Norwich

Further Reflections

“The best exercise for strengthening the heart is reaching down and lifting people up.” —Ernest Blevins

“We are to do acts of kindness to those that least of all deserve it.” —William Law

“Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, and learning.” —Frederick Faber