Lent-Day 7
2/24/10
Day 7
Listening to the Sermon on the Plane:6
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” – Luke 6:38 (NRSV)
If cooking is an art, then baking is a science. The difference between a culinary masterpiece and total disaster can be found in the measuring. Most good cookbooks will have an explanation of what the measurements really mean. Is a teaspoon to be measured level and lose or tamped and heaping? The answer can make a difference, but how often do we pay attention to such instruction?
These words of Jesus can be seen as a promise or a threat. Is God generous or vengeful? It is a question that we have to answer. The way we understand God will shape they way we relate to God and treat God’s children. In a way, the judgment we place on God will determine the terms of our own judgment. In this line of thinking either way we choose to understand God is correct. It is through giving that we actually expose the character of our own spirit, and we judge ourselves.
Today we choose to take comfort in these words of Jesus. We are encouraged in knowing that no act of mercy goes unnoticed. Every little attempt of honoring God through service to others counts for something. We take these words to heart, because we often feel that our little bit is lost in the chasm of need. We cannot always see the full fruit of our efforts, but we can trust that every charitable deed is also an offering to God. When we give to others to the glory of God, nothing can take way or diminish the power and worthiness of that sacrifice to God. Today we give out of our poverty in honor of a God who gives abundantly from endless wealth. – Rev. John Mattox
Lord,
This scripture has often been quoted to prompt us to give.
However, we know that it is not truly giving if we expect
something in return.
Lord, Help us to give and not count the cost,
Help us to seek the greater blessing that comes from sharing your love.
Amen. -Rev. Katie Mattox
