March 21, 2019
Luke 12:22-34
LISTEN TO HIM
When I feed the birds, I have never once thought of expecting anything in return. I’ve got a pretty good hunch that the birds have never thought about paying me back either. Yet by giving freely to them, I receive almost effortlessly from them. I enjoy the glory of their presence and their color and their song. Are they doing that for me? Heavens no! That is just who they are. They are being who they were created to be.
When I plant a flower garden, I don’t think about those flowers owing me anything. yet they give to me in ways I could never reciprocate. These flowers are not blooming for me but for the glory of it all. I have no claim on them yet I get to enjoy them.
What if my life could be this way? What if I could freely receive and freely give? When Jesus says, “Seek the Kingdom,” I think he is saying, “Learn to receive.” Here’s what I think. To the extent we can receive from God, our lives will be a gift to others. Doesn’t Jesus say as much?
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The fundamental brokenness of the human race, the essence of the brokenness that we call sin, is the inability to freely receive. Isn’t that the story of Eden; we preferred to “take” (i.e. steal) rather than receive. Fear and anxiety lead to “taking.” Faith and love lead to receiving.
I’m beginning to think the secret to being a generous person is the ability to freely receive. What if my ability to give is only limited by my ability to receive?
The Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a son/daughter.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a saint.
The Question
On a scale of 1–10 (10 is highest), rate your ability to freely receive. What is behind that number? How might you grow this muscle in your soul?
For the Awakening,
J.D. Walt
Sower-in-Chief
seedbed.com
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