Daily Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:12 KJV
2 Corinthians 8:12 KJV
(12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Today’s Devotional Is ABOUNDING IN THE GRACE ALSO
ST. PAUL would be in great demand to preach special sermons to raise funds for charitable and religious work. This chapter shows that he was a gifted and ingenious person at obtaining gifts from God’s people. He exhorts the Corinthians to remember the generosity of the churches of Macedonia, in spite of their poverty. He reminds them that, even though they have so many graces and gifts, they still need to ensure that they do not lack “in this grace also.” (2Co_8.7). He cites the example of our blessed Lord and reminds them that everything is due to His condescension. He says that God only wants to see people willing to give. He also suggests that God accepts the need of the poor to give to all, with the same joy as the riches of the millionaire (Mar_12;41-44).
The ninth verse is a beautiful text! George Herbert’s poem depicts our Lord removing Himself from the Throne as He descends to Bethlehem’s manger-bed. He took off His tiara and the jewels that belonged to it were transformed into the milky way. He also put aside His sceptre and it became a lightning flash. He also removed His girdle and it became a rainbow. He gave away the robes belonging to His royalty and they became sunset clouds. It is amazing to consider that the Lord of Glory was so poor that he had no place to rest his head and depended on charity for food all the time.
We are made rich because He is poor; He is homeless. He opened the “many mansions” to us. Because He was stripped of everything, we can wear the white robes and sit with Him at the heavenly places. He invites us all to be ministers to Him in helping His brethren who are less fortunate. While we can’t really help others if we don’t have enough, we do not need to be losers. God is not in man’s pockets. What we keep, we lose. But what we give is like a scattering seed that reaps bountiful rewards. Lay your heart on the heart of Christ until you are filled with His love, spirit, and content to give up everything. For His glory and the benefit of others, be the steward of all you have.
PRAYER for Today
O God, nothing is worth giving or receiving. Our best was given by Thee. Accept us with all we have. Give us the grace to consider it a gift from Thou. AMEN.