“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
TO PONDER
A few years ago now, my wife and I were surprisingly invited to a wedding at rather short notice with the young couple to be married being openly transparent that some of their extended family from interstate were regrettably unable to attend due to imposed COVID lock-downs. Whilst we had no expectation of being part of the celebrations, we indeed considered ourselves honoured to have been asked retrospectively. The church service, where we witnessed the young Christian couple become ‘man & wife’ and the wedding reception to follow topped off a beautiful day / night and my wife and I were so appreciative that we were part of the celebrations. I reiterate that we were honoured to attend and we have no doubt whatsoever that had we not been able to make it at short notice, that the invitation would have been further extended and accepted by someone else to join in the wonderful celebration.
In today’s Bible verses from the great feast parable, we have a similar situation, though perhaps those who now could not attend had much more feeble excuses for their late inabilities than a COVID lockdown.
The master in today’s parable, who had arranged all the catering, had everything prepared for the guests who had R.S.V.P.’d as ‘Yes’, and had paid for the entire event, could not bear to see places wasted. The master was adamant that the feast would go ahead, every table setting would be occupied and that all in attendance would experience the goodness and abundance of the food, drink and the fellowship that was being offered.
This is a similar setting and feast to what God has prepared for us in our eternal home with Him in Heaven (except we know it will be better). However, there is no limit on numbers at His table. All that is needed is to believe in Him and accept the invitation.
As His servants then, we too should be like the servant in today’s reading. Bold and infectious with our invitations to the world to come and join us in the celebration and all that awaits believers.
PRAYER: Eternal Banquet Master, I am honoured to be part of your plans and to take my seat at your table. I know that the same invitation awaits everyone who believes in you so help me to infectiously extend this invitation on your behalf to others daily. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
TO PONDER
Our message in the verses above quash the thinking of the original Latin term, that is commonly used in the English language today and that many live by of ‘quid pro quo’. That is, we should not have an expectation of goods or services being provided back to us as a form of repayment for any good, service or gesture we provide or perform for someone. To operate on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis is portraying self-centred living! This is the exact opposite of what God has done for us through the death of His own son on the cross at Calvary. There is no way we can repay the gift of eternal life that we have been given.
To think or act in a self-centred way is not Christ-like. There is something wonderful about giving a gift that can never be repaid. Jesus himself tells us this in Acts chapter 20 verse 35: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
So how do we be Christ-like with our invitations of hospitality to others? Just like Jesus did when He was here on earth, we too should include the marginalised, less fortunate, homeless, poor and the needy. Our invitation should be extended to anyone who does not yet know Jesus as their saviour. Not only will we experience an overwhelming sense of satisfaction by these Christ-like actions, but we will be more than repaid through the promise freely given to us through Jesus’ resurrection.
What invitation can you extend to someone today / tomorrow to help them to get to know Christ?
PRAYER: Heavenly Host, you have shown me through your own selfless actions just how I need to go about my life extending the invitation of hospitality and Your love to others. Please walk with me and continue to give me the tools to do this precious work to grow your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
TO PONDER
The book of Malachi addresses the Israelites’ spiritual apathy and disobedience including the practice of tithing [giving one tenth of their income]. God promises that when they bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, they will receive abundant blessings. The storehouse was the temple treasury that supplied the needs of both temple and priesthood, and also used to provide some aid to neglected and shunned people outside the temple. We can imagine if the income was not as expected there would be a degree of hardship. God is challenging them to return to him, promising them a visible result of his favor.
What can we learn from these verses and apply to our giving today? God is always generous toward us; through faith we trust in his provision and trust him with our resources, recognizing all blessing come from our faithful God. There is emphasis on the importance of obeying God’s commands, especially in giving, and as we have been reading this week there is the increased spiritual blessings of faith, joy and peace, when we give generously, even finding that little bit extra. Mathew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 talk about tithing specifically by the Jews who prioritised tithing over other more important matters – principles of faith, compassion and kindness. Our giving is our service to God, following the example of Jesus, and it is to come from a loving heart, not legalistic obligation, and, as God promises, when we do it, we will be blessed.
Prayer :Faithful, promise keeping God, thank you for all your blessings and gifts to us; may we always be aware of those around us who are in need, or marginalised, may we generously use the resources you have given us, material or of ourselves and show kindness as we help them that they too may come to know you, your love and generosity. Amen
Today's daily verse written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they make take hold of the life that is truly life.
TO PONDER
I can remember wartime ration cards, shortages and our mothers cleverly altering ‘hand me downs’ so the garments appeared new. It was the early nineteen fifties when Australia ‘rode on the sheeps’ back'. Years later I recall interest rates at eighteen percent, and more recently the global financial crisis and the current cost of living crisis. But I never saw the divide between the haves and have-nots as great as it is at present; wealth is flaunted to the extent of being vulgar at times. This display of wealth is exactly what Paul is warning against in this text. I also know someone who scans the financial results each day, recently with some fear – Paul warns not to put hope in wealth as it is so uncertain.
The most important word in the text is ‘command’, something God expects us to do willingly as we go about our day. God is the generous provider of all our needs enabling us to enjoy our life on this earth, but we shouldn’t hoard these things for our benefit; rather adopt a constant pattern, willingly sharing our wealth. When we do, we glorify God and align ourselves to Christ's teaching.
Our giving should have a positive impact through acts of kindness and pursuing social justice. When we lack monetary wealth, we give of ourselves, telling others the good news of the Gospel, helping out and visiting when there is sickness, offering hospitality, giving encouragement, taking a meal or making a phone call to someone who is lonely or whom others avoid. Verse 19 is about the reward we are building up for ourselves as we live our lives this way, and we all look to the perfect life we will spend with Jesus in eternity.
Prayer:Dear Father God, the blessings you have given me are countless; you richly provide me with all that I need to enjoy my life. May I never be tempted to hoard more than I need, but may I recognise the needs of those around me and share with them. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
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 the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
TO PONDER
My mum had some firm ideas when teaching me ‘house wifey’ skills. One day I had to make cupcakes under her watchful eyes, I scooped a cupful of flour from the bin, “What’s that?” she asked. When I told her she took the cup banged it on the table then hit the contents with a spoon. Well it took nearly another quarter of a cup to fill the cup so that any more would spill over. I then received a lecture about living life to the very best I can, when I thought I had done my best make sure I couldn’t do a bit more, it didn’t matter if was my time, gifts or money but, while not expecting it, I would see some reward.
Today’s text has the same lesson, our generous giving will result in goodness being poured into our laps; this probably referred to the way the outer garment was belted to leave a fold large enough to hold a measure of wheat, which the seller would pat down to give full measure.
However, if we read the preceding verse, verse 38 really refers to ‘heart giving’ - kindness, forgiveness, love and grace. We are not to judge others or be stingy with these, we should give freely as God has given to us. Neither are we to give these things expecting a return. We cannot love like Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit’s help so that we can show kindness, forgiveness, grace and love in amounts that reflect our faith in and love of Jesus. We will receive reciprocal blessings, spiritual and relational when our heart giving is over the top generous.
PRAYER:Father God, I thank you for the way Jesus has shown me how to love abundantly, not to judge others but to forgive and show kindness and grace without measure. Forgive me for the times I have not been as generous as I could have been or completely missed the chance to do so. May your Holy Spirit be with me enabling me show overflowing heart giving. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed
TO PONDER
In the Old Testament, Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes were seen as wisdom books and associated with a class of people called wise men or sages. These were people called to give advice to kings and young people, whereas the priests and prophets dealt with the religious side of life; we could say today’s text is about teaching us to live happy productive lives before God and the world regardless of our age.
On first reading the text it would seem there will be material gains for our generosity, but our generosity is rewarded in emotional, spiritual and relational gains and our generosity is a witness of our faith. Generosity itself is not predicated on wealth, but rather it is about the readiness to give, share and be a blessing toothers.
Yesterday we read of the joy of generous giving, from today’s text we can expect relationships to grow as we use and share our gifts in the many various ways to help those in need, using our voices to tell of God’s goodness and grace, our actions as a church community can be a powerful witness, even in this materialistic and cynical age. We can become closer to know and support each other, and be blessed by getting to know those we are helping; generous giving should become a habit because modelling generosity can be a powerful testimony.
At times we may wish to give but things might be a bit tight and stretch us beyond our comfort zone, and test our faith, but verse 25 tells us that as we refresh others, we ourselves will be refreshed.
Prayer:Thank you, Father, may I learn from books like Proverbs, how to live a happy and. productive life before you and the world so that I can use all the gifts you have blessed me with to generously use as a blessing to others. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Each man should give what he has decide in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.
TO PONDER
I grew up on a small mixed farm knowing nothing about wages. I knew however, from an early age, that monthly there was payment for milk and eggs that varied due to the amount and quality of each, other produce was seasonal. My dad had a large tin with the heads of working dogs on it and this was his ‘bank’. When money came in the tin came out and money was allocated to last to next payment. The first thing that came out were the church envelopes, after they were sealed the rest of the money was allocated. When I was older, I asked “Dad, why the church first and always the same amount?” I cannot remember his exact words but they have influenced my attitude to giving - God loves us, Jesus died for us, his love and care enables us to work and earn money which we too should share in the same manner.” For my rather taciturn father this was a huge speech.
Our attitude, as well as the gift we bring, reflect God’s own generous and loving nature. The same attitude should also be seen in all acts of generosity with our time, talents, and resources. The value of the gifts is also in the spirit behind them, not just the material aspect. When we give with a cheerful heart it becomes an act of worship mirroring God’s grace and love, so embrace generosity as a joyful response to God’s love, trusting in his provision, so that your actions reflecting his love.
Prayer: Father God, when I read and hear your word I am humbled by the boundless love and grace you bestow on me, you sent your Son, Jesus, to live and die that I can have forgiveness of my sins. This is a gift of generosity beyond my understanding, please enter my heart enabling me to see where the many gifts you have given me can be used in your service, used joyfully and generously. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace God has given the Macedonian churches, out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
TO PONDER
Paul set out a plan in 1 Corinthians, for the churches to collect money for the church in Jerusalem which was struggling because of persecution and rejection of their religion and practice of baptism. Paul planned to collect this money on his next visit and arrange for it to be taken to Jerusalem. He said he would begin the next journey in Macedonia. The Church in Corinth was in disarray and had let the collection lapse. When Paul arrived in Macedonia he found they too, were struggling under harsh religious persecution and had virtually hit rock bottom. They begged Paul to take what they determined what they could afford and then some. It may not have been huge in numbers but it was given from generous hearts. Luke 21:1-4 similarly commends the widow whose mite was of greater value than what the rich people were making a show giving in the Temple. The Macedonians put God first and the example of the self-giving grace of our Lord Jesus and generous giving followed.
I can remember reading this text summed up as Grace comes down. Joy rises up and generosity flows out. Are we part of a grace driven Church? Do we share what God has so generously given us. It is not the amount we give but the spirit in which it is given. It is not only money; a welcome to a stranger or lonely person, a helping hand or meal in sickness or hardship. Volunteer when you can and give money as you consider you are able and then some. It is not what we give but the spirit in which it is given. This is sacrificial giving. It won’t cause you distress or hardship because God’s grace flows down and joy rises up.
Prayer: Generous God, from the beginning you have been generous to your people, I know that I have been less than generous on occasions and I ask your forgiveness. Please put a right spirit in my heart that I can perceive people’s needs and act accordingly using the many physical and mental gifts you have given me. May I give of these gifts and then some knowing this service will bring me joy. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Isn’t it comforting to know that our God of grace and love has already prepared good works in advance for us to do? It’s not simply that he has work waiting for us, or that there are things He wants from us—he has taken the initiative and prepared everything according to his plan. The preparation itself has been done by the Lord.
We don’t follow God blindly, uncertain if we are on the right path or if what we're doing will please him. Instead, we walk with confidence, knowing that he has already prepared us for the tasks ahead. God continually works within us, shaping and equipping us through Christ Jesus.
Often, I don’t recognize the preparation God is doing in my life until I look back on past experiences. Reflecting on those moments, I can clearly see how God’s hand was teaching, growing, and forming me through the challenges and lessons I've encountered, all so I could fulfil his purpose at the right time.
Even as I consider how He is leading me today and into the future, there are plenty of times when I cannot see what God is doing to prepare me. Yet I am assured that, whether I notice or not, he is constantly at work in my life. Because of this, I can walk confidently with the Lord, trusting that he holds me and provides everything I need to accomplish all he has prepared for me.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for working in my life, even when I do not see it. Thank you for your love and grace, and for preparing me for all that you have planned. Help me each day to lean on you and trust in your guidance. When I feel anxious, remind me to rest in your promises, knowing that you hold everything in your hands. Give me confidence in my walk with you in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Pr Nich Kitchen, Epping