SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 18
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had taken from the other nations—from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek. [1 Chronicles 18:11]
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” [Mark 12:41-44]
How does God measure the offerings we make to Him?
The widow gave 100% of her limited wealth, the rich gave 10% of their huge wealth.
So does God calculate the percentages to measure our gifts?
It is not the amount of the gift, but the heart behind the gift.
David was overflowing with gratitude, knowing that God was the source of his success; the widow was hugely committed to God; even though her greatest daily need was food, she dedicated her few coins to God.
Were the gifts of the rich people unacceptable?
No, if their gifts came from the heart, then they were acceptable too.
But make no mistake, you can tell a lot about the heart by reflecting on the generosity of the giver.
Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” [Luke 7:41-42]
The answer to Jesus’ question here is obvious to us.
This is how we need to see David’s gifts, and the widows gifts, and the gifts of the rich people… and our gifts.
They are a reflection of our response to God’s amazing grace to us, how much He has done for us, how good He has been to us.
The question for me today is, what does my response to God reveal about my heart?
PRAYER:
Lord, remind me again how much You have done for me; impact me with Your grace, that I may overflow with generous gratitude!
‘The Lord gave David victory everywhere he went.’ This is repeated again in the reading. Also it is stated that ‘David reigned over Israel, doing what is just and right for all his people.’
David knew the source of his power. He lived a life of thanksliving because he dedicated the spoils to the Lord. He dedicated his life to serve Him. The riches he also gave to the Lord.
What about me? What do my riches tell about my service? What does my checkbook say who is first in my life?
As the Lord was with David, so too, today, He is with me. I go forward in His power today. He is the wind beneath my wings. I can do all things since it is the Lord who empowers me. May those around me see Christ Jesus living in me. Help me this day Lord to do what is just and right for the school and all the activities happening here of this campus built on the Rock. Thank You be being here. Thank You Lord for empowering us.
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.
Thy thoughts, O God, how manifold,
More precious unto me than gold!
I muse on their infinity,
Awaking I am still with Thee.
The wicked Thou shalt surely slay,
From me let sinners turn away;
They speak against the Name divine,
I count God’s enemies as mine.
Search me, O God, my heart discern,
Try me, my inmost thought to learn;
And lead me, if in sin I stray,
To choose the everlasting way.