At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world, and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that, according to their ability, each would send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. Acts 11:27-30
“When a king demands gold from you, no matter how much he wants—threatening to tie you up and hang you—you give him what he wants. Even if you are poor, he pays no attention to the means that different people have, but he seeks only his own gain. But God is not like this, for he asks only in proportion to our means.”
John Chrysostom (347-407) in On Fasting and Almsgiving.
Today marks the last post from this excellent treatise on fasting and almsgiving. It’s short and sweet.
We learn that earthly kings tend to try to demand an extra more from us without giving attention to our situation or resources. John Chrysostom tells us that our God is not like this.
Instead God only wants us to give in proportion to our means, which follows the pattern of the first disciples.
In today’s Scripture we see that the disciples collectively determined to send aid according to the ability of each one. Notice the collective and individual nature of New Testament giving.
They all reflected the same witness, that is, proportionate giving, though they gave different amounts. And the giving appears as timely. They acted immediately upon hearing of the need.
I was so encouraged yesterday. A good friend signed up to give $100 monthly to GTP. I mention this for two reasons.
Firstly, I am realizing as CEO that I should have encouraged monthly giving from the start. It flows regularly and proportionately from faithful stewards. And we need more of it to deploy staff in humble service.
Secondly, this giving comes at a time of need like the situation in the Acts narrative. In that sense, it’s timely. So, if you have sent support to GTP in the past, can I ask you to set up monthly giving here?
Your proportionate support will provide timely assistance. Thanks.