Meditations

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

“He is not poor that hath little but he that desireth much.”

George Herbert (1593-1633), an Anglican priest, in The Poetical Works of George Herbert and Reginald Heber (Edinburgh: Gall & Inglis, 1875) 254.

Many people have New Year’s Resolutions. Perhaps you are among them. If you are looking for one, here’s my advice: Seek the Father’s kingdom and His righteousness in 2016!

When you do, everything else in your life will fall into the proper place. It’s not easy, but far better than filling yourself with stuff that leaves you empty and lacking.

All other roads lead to poverty. This one leads us to fullness and fulfillment. It also positions you to grow in generosity, fueled by the Father’s abundance. What will you desire this year?

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:58

“Practice goodness; and from the rewards of your labors, which God gives you, give to all the needy in simplicity, not hesitating as to whom you are to give or not to give. Give to all, for God wishes His gifts to be shared amongst all.

They who receive, will render an account to God why and for what they have received. For the afflicted who receive will not be condemned, but they who receive on false pretenses will suffer punishment.

He, then, who gives is guiltless. For as he received from the Lord, so has he accomplished his service in simplicity, not hesitating as to whom he should give and to whom he should not give. This service, then, if accomplished in simplicity, is glorious with God.”

Shepherd of Hermas (c. 140) in Commandments 2.2. I like to think of early Christian writings like this one as an early church discipleship manual. It’s great reading!

Happy New Year!

With the new year is a new banner for my daily meditations. It’s a picture of the bronze sculpture in Washington, D.C. known as “Homeless Jesus” by Timothy Schmalz, and a closer look reveals His nail-pierced feet. A dear friend who serves with the EFCA, Jot Turner, alerted me to this artist yesterday. Thanks Jot!

Why include it with my first post of 2016? Candidly, I want people to identify with Jesus rather than conform to this world. My prayer for 2016 is for God’s people to live with the simplicity that Jesus modeled for us, while growing in His grace and love, we become people who give obediently without hesitating or judging.

Also, following the advice of the Shepherd of Hermas, we must not fail to give because some receive on false pretenses, but practice goodness to all, especially those society deems undeserving. When we thus give, we are guiltless, because we have accomplished our service. Our faith is revealed in our actions and rewarded with eternal joy (cf. Matthew 25:31-46).

Let’s make simplicity our aim in 2016, shall we? That is, let’s detach from stuff and attach to our Savior. The gospel spread in the ancient world not through the power of wealthy people but through the obedience of humble people (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:26). Make it so through us in 2016, Lord Jesus!

And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9

“Whatever we acquired from unrighteousness when we were unbelievers, we are proved righteous when we have become believers, by applying it to the Lord’s advantage.”

Irenaeus of Lyons (130-202) as recounted by David Bercot in A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1998) 13.

As 2015 draws to a close, if your email box is like mine, you are getting lots of requests for year-end gifts from the ministries that you have supported in the past. Follow God’s leading in where to give.

Along with Irenaeus, I would concur in urging you, if you are a believer in Jesus, to apply God’s resources to the Lord’s advantage. Joyfully distribute them in a manner that advances God’s kingdom.

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 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.” Luke 14:12-14

“If anyone were surrounded by fire, crushed by the downfall of a building, plunged in the sea, or carried away by a river, would they not think it is the duty of a man to assist him? . . . So what reason is there to think that aid is to be withheld when a man suffers from hunger, thirst, or cold? . . . Yet, the pagans make a distinction between these things. That is because they measure all things by present usefulness—not by the truth itself. For they hope that those whom they rescue from peril will return a favor to them. However, because they cannot hope for this in the case of the needy, they think that whatever they give to men of this type is “thrown away.” . . . However, we must not bestow our funds on suitable persons [i.e., ones who will repay us], but as much as possible on unsuitable objects. For when you do it without the hope of any return, you will truly do it for the sake of justice, piety, and humanity.”

Lactantius (c. 250-325) early Christian author and advisor to Roman Emperor Constantine in Divine Institutes book 6 entitled “On True Worship” chapter 9 entitled “of the persons on whom a benefit is to be conferred” from the Ante-Nicene Christian Library, Translations of the Writings of the Fathers Down to A.D. 325.

Jesus used illustrations such as “who to invite to a meal” to explain “grace” giving to us. This was foreign to people who measured their “philanthropy” based on what they could get in return. Church Fathers like Lactantius, similarly had to instruct Constantine and others he tutored what Christian giving was to look like. In their language, giving to “unsuitable objects” reflects justice and “piety” which is also translated “godliness”.

What’s this got to do with you and me today? Don’t measure your giving like the world does. That is, distributing to those you think are deserving (also known as “suitable objects”). Give to those who cannot pay you back. If you want to give like God and look like Jesus, give to those who cannot repay you. Your treasure will be in heaven. And there will be no need to thank me or Lactantius later for this. Thank Jesus who taught us this first and showed us by example. We are the unsuitable objects.

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21

“See how much he sins in the church—he who prefers himself and his children to Christ! Such a person preserves his wealth and does not share his abundant estate to relieve the poverty of the needy.”

Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258) as recounted by David Bercot in A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1998) 10.

Our culture celebrates stewards that hoard for themselves. Jesus calls it foolish. Cyprian labels it sin not to share an “abundant estate” following the instructions of Jesus. I believe this is one of the greatest sins in the church today.

God’s design for all of us is to work to have resources to enjoy and share with those who cannot work. How we handle the fruit of labor exhibits our faith. Our generosity, or lack thereof, reveals where our trust has already been placed. Where is your estate?

Don’t store up treasures on earth! Store them up in heaven through giving not because I say so, but because Jesus says so (Matthew 6:19-21). Candidly, letting go of our wealth was not easy, but it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 

You don’t realize that Christ is all you need until Christ is all you have. Don’t wait! Share your “abundant estate”. In instructing us to live this way, Jesus is not trying to bankrupt us. He’s teaching us how to take hold of life.

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18

“If your brother should be weak (I speak of the poor man), do not visit such a one empty-handed when he lies ill. Do good under God. Pay your obedience by your money…Similarly, if your poor sister lies upon a sick bed, let your matrons begin to carry food to her. God himself cries out, “Break bread to the needy.” There is no need to visit with merely words but with aid. It is wicked for your brother to be sick because of lack of food. Do not satisfy him with words! He needs meat and drink!”

Commodianus (c. 240) was a Christian Latin poet. Today we have only two extant writings: Instructiones and Carmen apologeticum. This excerpt from Instructiones 4.217 is recounted by David Bercot in A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1998) 9.

With the expression “pay your obedience by your money” Commodianus is basically saying “put your money where your faith is” to his readers. With the candor of John the Apostle, he urges Christians to care for brothers and sisters in the faith with words and aid. This was convicting for me. Often I offer nothing but words. How about you?

If I look into my heart, I find that sometimes I fail to offer aid to brothers and sisters in the faith because I may be aware that their calamity came from their own poor choices. Perhaps you can relate. That’s our flesh thinking “they are getting what they deserve” when, conversely, the Spirit nudges us to visit them and extend aid with grace and mercy. What will we do?

Father in Heaven, make us a people known for offering aid with words and actions. Help us, by your Holy Spirit, generously live out our beliefs with our brothers and sisters in the faith, so that people will see Your grace and love through our obedience. Do this I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:5-8

“You say, the temple revenues are every day falling off: how few now throw a contribution! In truth, we are neither able to give alms both to your human and your heavenly mendicants; nor do we think that we are required to give any but to those who ask for it. Let Jupiter then hold out his hand and get, for our compassion spends more in the streets than yours does in the temples. But your other taxes will acknowledge a debt of gratitude to Christians; for in the faithfulness which keeps us from fraud upon a brother, we make conscience of paying all their dues.”

Tertullian of Carthage (c. 155-240) in Apology XLII which goes by a longer title: Quintus Septimius Florens Tertulliani Apologeticus Adversus Gentes pro Christianis translated as The Apology of Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus for the Christians.

Christians were under attack in the days of Tertullian, so he wrote a defense (literally, an “apology”) for their collective behavior. While their generosity to Jupiter (the supreme God of the heavens in the ancient Mediterranean mindset) ceased, their respectful behavior, their faithfulness in paying taxes, and their support of those in the streets persisted faithfully.

This behavior follows the instructions of Paul to the Romans. God’s people in the epicenter of the empire were to submit to the authorities, pay their taxes, show respect, and pay their debts, especially the continuing debt of love and compassion. How fitting that Christians by the days of Tertullian would become known for caring for the needy in the streets!

Make it so again today Lord Jesus through the hands of faith Christians!

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-13

“For he that vaunts his good services, receives glory as his reward. And he who does any duty for the sake of recompense, is he not held fast in the custom of the world, either as one who has done well, hastening to receive a reward, or as an evil-doer avoiding retribution? We must, as far as we can, imitate the Lord. And he will do so, who complies with the will of God, receiving freely, giving freely, and receiving as a worthy reward the citizenship itself…For it is right to supply want, but it is not well to support laziness.”

Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215) in Stromata 1.1.1816-1818.

Having received the gift of Christ this Advent, let us show that we are not “held fast in the custom of this world” but that Christ has transformed how we live and give. To this end in the coming weeks we will consider together various early church teachings in the NT and see how they are echoed in church history.

Following the thinking of the Apostle Paul, Clement reminds us to imitate the Lord and set an example to others regarding work and generosity. Good advice! Together let us resolve to celebrate hard work, to not support laziness, and to never tire in doing good for eternal reward and not for earthly recognition.

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:1-2

“According to Isaiah, the people who sinned sat in the shadow of death. [Isaiah 9:2] For these a light arose, not by the merits of their virtues, but by the grace of God…No man can say that he can acquire more by his own efforts than what is granted him by the generosity of God.”

Ambrose of Milan (337-397) excerpt from his treatise, On Paradise 5.29 (307).

About 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah writes these words. The land in view is Galilee. It is filled with gloom and covered in the darkness and distress of sin. Yet Isaiah has hope as someday in the future, in an obscure, off-the-beaten-path place beyond the Jordan, a great light would dawn. The great light in view is Jesus, the Christ of Christmas, born in the tiny town of Bethlehem.

Ambrose, approximately 1,000 years later, reminds God’s people that this light arose not because anyone deserved it, but by the grace of God. The gift of Jesus to a world filled with gloom and deep darkness is God’s greatest act of generosity. How his listeners (and that includes us) receive this light—God’s greatest gift—shapes everything in our lives, including our generosity.

If today we believe we have received this gift by our own efforts, we will likewise give to others only rooted in merit, that is, to those we deem “deserving” of aid. We must not go there. In antiquity such giving was called “philanthropy” which is why you will never ever hear me talk about Christian giving with that term!

Alternatively, if we come to realize that a light arose to us not by our merit but by the grace of God, this biblical idea shapes our living and our giving. We become more gracious and generous people. It is fitting that the New Testament writers abandon the worldly language of “philanthropy’ and describe giving as a “grace” for us to grow in as well.

My Christmas prayer for myself, my family, and each of you, now that the waiting of Advent is over and Christ is here is this: May our giving reflect God’s giving in a world filled with gloom and darkness, so that His light, grace, and love shine through us until He calls us home or until His second Advent.

Happy Christmas everyone!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7

“The Lord returns to Zion as the reigning king. The herald, who comes from afar, and the watchmen, who stand on the walls of Jerusalem, announce to one another the coming redemption that each will experience personally…the practice of sending a fleet-footed runner to deliver messages of salvation and victory is also found in 2 Samuel 18:19 “Ahimaaz son of Zadok said: ‘Let me run and report to the king that the Lord has vindicated him against his enemies.'” The first to see the runner is the watchman standing on the battlements: “The watchman on the roof of the gate walked over to the city wall. He looked and saw a man running alone” (2 Samuel 18:24).”

Shalom M. Paul in Isaiah 40-66: Translation and Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012) 390.

Today is Christmas Eve.

Later, we will go to church and sing our favorite christmas carols. “O Holy Night” is tops on my list. Then we will pick up a pizza (so we don’t have to cook dinner) and head home to watch It’s a Wonderful Life together.

My favorite scene in the movie is an obscure shot of George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) in his father’s office where the framed quote on the wall reads: “All you can take with you is that which you have given away.” Great generosity quote!

Why am I sharing all this?

These traditions have shaped my life and my family. They solidify our role, that is, why we are on this round ball called earth. We are messengers of the good news of our Lord Jesus. Sharing this good news is our greatest act of generosity.

Let us resolve to be fleet-footed runners so that all may experience personally the coming redemption.