After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:1-3
“The titans of philanthropy will be remembered for giving to good causes; Gospel Patrons will be remembered for giving to eternal ones. Where philanthropists aim to nourish peoples’ bodies and train their minds, Gospel Patrons prioritize peoples’ souls. Gospel Patrons treat symptoms, but ultimately, they go after the disease.
And to cure any disease you must begin with a correct diagnosis. God’s diagnosis is that humanity’s fundamental problem is not poverty or lack of education. It’s not drugs or disease. It’s not capitalism or communism, politics or religion. Our core problem, the Bible says, is that we’re all sinners, guilty before God and headed for God’s righteous judgment. Like our first parents, Adam and Eve, we turn to our own ways, focus on ourselves, and ignore, neglect, and reject the God who made us. Our relationship with God is broken because of our sin, and the punishment awaiting us is death and hell. That’s the bad news — the true diagnosis.
The good news is that God knows we can’t save ourselves, and He doesn’t ask us to. Even though we act like His enemies, God loves us so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us. Jesus exchanged His life for yours and mine. He died in our place for our sins, taking our punishment on Himself, and rescuing us from the judgment we deserve. He is our substitute, our sacrifice, and our savior. And everyone who turns away from their sins and trusts Jesus will be saved. You don’t have to fix yourself or try harder or do better; you simply have to humble yourself, believe that Jesus paid it all and receive His forgiveness and eternal life. This is the cure.
Understanding our true diagnosis and its one remedy leads us to the most loving and lasting cause we can give ourselves to. Whether we run a company, lead a department, or answer the phone, our mission is the same: to advance the message that Jesus saves people who are lost in sin. God is not looking for philanthropists who can write big checks, but for people who love Him and spread the good news of His son, Jesus.”
John Rinehart in Gospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed the Word (Minneapolis: Reclaimed, 2013) 23-24.
What a great last line: “God is not looking for philanthropists who can write big checks, but for people who love Him and spread the good news of His son, Jesus.” Regardless of our level of wealth, thankfully we can all be “Gospel Patrons” by giving ourselves and resources to making Jesus Christ known, just like the first disciples along with Mary, Joanna, and Susanna! Are you a Gospel Patron?