Tuesday, February 14
Day 9: Gift-Filled Generosity
READ
REFLECT
Have you ever been asked to house-sit or dog-sit for someone? Or maybe you’ve asked someone to do this for you? Then you know what it means to take care of someone’s possessions for them while they are away. And you will also know where Jesus is coming from when He tells this parable.
Jesus tells this parable right after Zacchaeus’ repentance and decision to sell half of his possessions and to return fourfold what he had stolen from others. Jesus’ parable focuses on a nobleman, whom many scholars state represents Jesus. While preparing for a long trip, this man gave money to his servants so they could make more while he was gone. When he returned, he called his servants so they could give an account of the money he had given them. The first two did well and were able to multiply the money. However, the third servant did nothing with the money and, as a result, was severely punished by the nobleman. Jesus then stresses the point of His parable is that when we are given responsibility, He expects us to use it to grow His kingdom. If we are faithful in little, He will expand our opportunities to serve Him.
Everything God gives us is ultimately His, not ours. Thus, we are to “steward” His possessions well because we will give an account for them when Jesus returns. When we use God’s gifts to us to benefit others, we are being generous. We would do well to ask ourselves, “How am I multiplying what God has given me? How am I being generous with my current possessions and opportunities?”
RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.
Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do
Inward: Who you are; How you live
Outward: Intercession for others
Today’s Prayer:
“God, reveal to me the gifts and opportunities you have given me. Help me use them to advance your kingdom and not mine. Show me how I can multiply your gifts through generosity. Help us as a church family know what opportunities we have before us and guide us in being generous to others with those opportunities.”
Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship
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