Subscription Lists
Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 6 at verse 38, we have this lovely and challenging parable or picture which many have proved to be so true over the years. It is about giving and it is a rather radical teaching on giving, but it comes from the lips of Jesus so we are on sound and solid ground. If people we disagree with it we can refer them to Jesus, and usually very few take up that invitation.
Love gives. It is possible to give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
In verse 38, we have this illustration of the farmer bringing his cart from the fields at harvest time. The sheaves have been pressed down as the farmer tried to get the whole harvest onto his cart but the harvest was so plentiful, it was still running over, no matter how hard he worked at trying to contain the load without spillage.
It is an astonishing illustration. Sow first - love - care - smile – money – talents – time – abilities – service!
Whatever you need more of, sow something of what you have.
There is no use buying the seed and keeping it in the barn. There is no point in keeping the seed in the seed packet. Now, that appears very obvious to almost everyone – until you come to the spiritual realm.
Jesus teaches that God takes the measure we use when giving us the harvest, or when rewarding us!
If you give in £5 notes, God will use that measure when rewarding you. If you give in £50 notes, that is the measure God will use when it is time for you reap and harvest.
Generosity is such an important theme in the Scriptures. When God created the waters, He was really generous that day. When God the Father gave us Jesus Christ His Son, He could not be more generous.
Recently I came across the number of times key major words are used in the Bible.
Believe or faith is used some 270 times.
Praise is used over 350 times.
Love is used in its various forms around 700 times.
Give or giving is used over 2,100 times.
Why is this? Well, God is a giver. He gives us so much – even the ability to earn and work and live and breathe.
God gives and forgives.
Jesus pours out the Holy Spirit upon all who are open to receive all that He has to give.
Some, I know, have prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and have then sat with their umbrella up, in case they were splashed and baptised and filled.
Where are you when it comes to giving and receiving? Generosity demonstrates and indicates the kind of faith we have and something of the depth of our discipleship, commitment and obedience.
Jesus taught that you cannot serve God and money. This is a choice which has to be made. This is a decision which some find very difficult and that is why it is best and wise to deal with it as early as you can in your Christian life.
It was only earlier this year that I noticed that miser and miserable were virtually the same word.
Remember the generosity of Almighty God, and what the Word of God teaches on this vital area.
This could just be the key you are looking for to unlock a door which has appeared shut for a long time, or transform a troublesome situation for which you have looked for a resolution.
Sowing seed and giving, in the Bible, is not a minor topic.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Word from Scotland" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.