According to His Riches
Originally scheduled for October 16
Perhaps you have never thought of this, but there is a
certain style to giving. It largely depends upon the reason for
which the giving is done. For instance:
·
There is a type of giving which is based upon someone’s need. The
giving tends to be quite simple; no one wraps a gift for a guy with
a cardboard sign by the freeway exit.
·
On the contrary, there are those gifts we give for special
occasions — weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas. These
we present rather ornately in wrapping paper, and hope to receive a
form of appreciation from the recipient.
·
There is also giving by social status. If you know someone who is
rich, you expect them to give more just because they are rich.
That last item deserves a little more attention. If you
expect a rich man to give generously, simply because he is a rich
man, then how much more would you expect God to give? His style of
giving would indeed be that of one who is both holy and enormously
wealthy.
The Scripture assures us here that he will give “according
to his glory.” As one author put it, “glory is to God as style is to
an artist.” If he is giving to meet someone’s needs, the needs will
be met with the gift which is pressed down and running over. He will
give inappropriateness to the occasion; specifically, when it comes
to rendering salvation to those who are sinners who call on his
name, we find that he has been more than extravagant. If it’s his
social status, then consider how completely and abundantly he gave
you salvation.
Style is important. Do you not see that God gave his only
Son for us on the Cross, and did so in a simple manner that would
reach and touch the hearts of the lowest orders of society. His
sacrifice is completely understandable by even the least of us. It
is also a style that flies above what the richest and most capable
of us could do. It is one thing to give money; it is another thing
to give your only begotten son. Thus, when he instituted the
memorial feast for this, he needed something that would have the
simplicity to touch the lowest and the elegance to touch the
highest. Thus we received bread and wine, after giving thanks.
Ponder it, if you will. This day you have been given a
reminder of the greatest gift that any human being can have:
salvation. The reminder tells you of the price he paid for this
gift. Even in its style you can see the simplicity and compassion of
God. So before you partake today, set your mind in order. Confess
your sins to God and then partake of the gift which he gives you. Do
not take it lightly; do not take it quickly, but rather in the full
reverence it deserves.
