Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:33
“Give alms out of thy substance, and turn not away thy face from any poor person: for so it shall come to pass that the face of the Lord shall not be turned from thee.
According to thy ability be merciful. If thou have much, give abundantly; if thou have little, take care even so to bestow willingly a little.
But do not hesitate to give alms; for thus thou storest up to thyself a good reward for the day of necessity.
For alms deliver from all sin, and from death, and will not suffer the soul to go into darkness.
Alms shall be a great confidence before the most high God, to all them that give it.”
Tobias 4:7-12 (dated to second or third century BC) is a Jewish work Jewish work describing how God responds to prayers, tests the faithful, and protects His people.
The idea of storing up treasure in heaven did not start with Jesus. It was part of the Jewish tradition. In this light, it reflects an exhortation to everyone.
What God desired for His chosen people, He expects of His church, His “called out” ones. He wants us to store up treasures for the day of necessity. That’s when it matters.
What we do in this life, will echo in eternity, and the time is not to respond in obedience. Today is the day to prepare for the day of necessity.
For Tobias or Tobit, the test of the faithful is clear. Will we pass? Will we be found faithful, or will our handling of money show where we really placed our trust?
How we treat the poor links to how Jesus will treat us. Please make a gift today to GTP, as we train workers to spread “Stations of Generosity” among the poorest of poor.
We get to help them understand that “if thou have little, take care even so to bestow willingly a little.” Thanks in advance for your partnership with us by giving here.
Click here to learn about our Palmful of Maize vision rolling out in Malawi inspired by Handful of Rice in Northeast India. Store up treasures for the day of necessity.