PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 18:18-30
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He became very sad, because he was very wealthy.” (Luke 18:23)
In this story Jesus is showing this man his heart.
He was more concerned about his wealth than about the poor.
As I read this, I sense the Lord showing me my heart too.
To be honest, I have a hard time being generous with others.
It’s not that I don’t give a portion of my wealth… my wealth?
Am I assuming it is mostly mine to spend for myself?
Am trying to find the formula for faith and finances?
How much do I have to do or to give, how much is enough?
Jesus rejects the ‘how much is enough’ focus as selfish.
Jesus wants us to experience the joy of generosity.
But this is really hard for someone who is wealthy.
Do I really want to experience the joy of generosity?
If so, what am I willing to do today to show this?
Jesus is convicting me, challenging my own camel heart.
PRAYER
Lord,
“Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” There are too many things that can stand in the way of being fully devoted to Jesus. The song Seek ye first the Kingdom – is applicable. Being affluent – having more than I need may make me think that I can ‘do it on my own’ – but really – my possessions and wealth – can stand in the way. Rather I need to use them as tools for the kingdom. So when I give things away and focus on ministry rather than my own stuff – it is the better way. Jesus calls us to follow him – so I need to see what I have as his and then not hoard or protect but to freely share and give. That is something I need to work on every day! I do want to follow Jesus!
Our possessions are a blessing from the Lord. And what do I do with those blessings?
I need to share what the Lord has given to me. All of what I have I owe to Him and I need not be tight fisted with what I have but share. The Lord has seen to it that I always have enough, enough so that I can pass on the blessings to others expecting nothing in return. As the Lord freely gave so I too need to freely give.
1. God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name,
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’ name I come to you
to share his love as he told me to.
He said:
‘Freely, freely you have received;
freely, freely give.
Go in my name and because you believe,
others will know that I live.’
2. All power is given in Jesus’ name,
in earth and heaven in Jesus’ name,
and in Jesus’ name I come to you
to share his power as he told me to.
He said:
‘Freely, freely you have received;
freely, freely give.
Go in my name and because you believe,
others will know that I live.’