Generous - by Jeremy Duke
We’ve all grown up in a world where we have the illusion of being able to provide ourselves with almost anything we want. From food and clothes to electronics and cars, even family and children - if we want something, we can find a way to get it. It’s all just a google search away!
Yet underneath our prosperity and luxury is a fear - the fear of there not being enough for everyone. When the supply of our luxurious lifestyle runs low, this fear can surface. I think it surfaces in different amounts depending on the person and situation - think of the recent shortages at the supermarkets during COVID and how people responded.
This theme is throughout the storyline of the bible. Satan’s temptation in the garden planted the idea that God doesn’t provide enough for us - we need to take for ourselves.
The bible invites us to see the world a different way: a world of abundance, full of gifts from a generous God - plenty for everyone.
Consider Jesus’ words:
““And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 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. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:28-34 NIV
Jesus trusted in a generous God even though he grew up in poverty, had no permanent home during his ministry, and even though he suffered and died. How can we be like him?
Our hearts are bent towards selfishness and the idea that there isn’t enough for everybody, so I need to take in order to survive. God’s word challenges our hearts:
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 NIV
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV
This is worth meditating on. Even in a broken world with inequality and lack, we believe in a God who is abundantly generous. Consider the birds and flowers - see how he provides for them. How much more does he provide for you?
If you’ve got a spare 5 minutes, watch this video on generosity by the bible project!
The bible project runs a podcast where the creators Jon and Tim talk about the ideas and theology behind their videos. It’s my favourite podcast and it is the inspiration behind this devotion!
God bless,
Jeremy