In Luke, chapter 11, Jesus teaches us a lot about what it means to be a giver and not just a receiver. For so many people desire good gifts from people and God but are not willing to give the same good gifts to people and God. So what we have are a lot of hypocrites who say and teach one thing, but can’t do it themselves. Now, to put this in perspective let’s dive into what Jesus said. It is written, “and he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” (Luke 11:5-8) Here we learn about what many people do when they are interrupted at bad times, like late at night. In this instance, a person has traveled a long way and desires for his friend to give him three loves of bread. And instead of helping his friend, he tells him that he cannot because it is late. His children are in bed and doing that would disturb them. However, when times are good, he will help out his friend. However, because of sin in their life, the same things do not happen because more things are inconvenient to them. How many people do you know do this? I know you have once or twice or many, but it doesn’t mean it is right. Therefore, we got to rethink our lives and allow the Lord to give us a new heart of generosity.
Jesus also said, “and I say unto you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:9-13) Now, although people may be so willing to help out there friends at different times of the day or not, because of times when it is convenient, the same people expect God to be there at all times. How convenient is it for these same people to receive good gifts from God, but still cannot do the same for people? This should make people stop and think twice about what they are doing in life and if their walk is in line with God or not. How is it that our Heavenly Father is only asking that we knock and He shall answer, but even more so than this? We also answer at inconvenient times, but the Father doesn’t turn people away like we do all so often. He is always giving us good gifts, which we should be thankful for. Therefore, stop and think about what you have done up until now, and confess those sins to God. He will help you become more of a giving person. Someone who will stop and help anyone, no matter the circumstances. Even homeless people, will they see on the streets and help them. This is God’s desires for our lives. That as we receive from the Father, we all give to others.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will repent and come unto You in their confessions. That people will no longer do things when it is convenient for them, but do things also when it is difficult. For how many times do we feel burdened and call upon Your Name for help, and You come to our rescue. But why can’t we do the same for others who are in need of our help? This is what makes no sense to me. I know that I was often this person, but You have delivered me from a life of sin and into a life of showcasing Your love to others. So it would make sense if people have not allowed You to transform their lives yet, that people would be acting so selfish towards people in need. How people put labels on homeless people, so they don’t have to give to them. Saying that they will only use their money for booze or drugs. How untrue this is for so many homeless who are simply hungry and needing some food. How they are in need of new clothes, shoes, coats, and more, but we cannot see past what we think to care for their needs. And not just them. Even our friends and neighbors do we disregard their need for help if we are in a rush or late a night. How people get inconvenienced by the littlest things, but then expect You to always give good gifts to them. I just wish that people would understand that we are Your chosen vessels on earth. And in so doing, we are to act with You being the head of our lives. If people would just allow this to happen, then that heart of generosity and charity would begin to form like no other. These inconveniences would vanish away, where more people would be helped instead. This I know, for You did this to me. Thank You, Jesus. I love You. Amen.
