Second’s Appearance
Generous Giving – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Luke 6:37-42

Key Verse:  Luke 6:38

Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Yesterday we studied the command to give beyond the basic command of tithing or ten percent giving.  We saw that living out the motto of “I am second” is revealed in our generous giving to others.  Those who are still making self first, give to self first and generously.

            Let’s finish the words of Luke 6:38.  It includes a promise.  When we give, it will be given back to us.  Jesus wanted to clarify the truth that you and I can’t out give God!  When we give, we’ll get back rewards in much greater proportions.  Jesus used the phrase: “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.”  Isn’t that a great picture of a great God?  God is so loving and so generous that He always meets our giving with a much greater portion of giving back to us.

            It is true that some people read this and start giving simply to get.  But remember, God looks upon the heart and knows our deepest motivations.  This promise was not given to cause selfish giving, but to give assurance to those who give generously.  God will always take care of those who are “second.”  God will take note of His children that give to God’s kingdom and to others first, before themselves.  If the first check you write is your tithe check, God never ignores that kind of faith and trust in His promises.  Are you second?

Father, you are first.  I am second.  I will live that value today.  Open my eyes to the needs of others before my own.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.