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Tuesday, January 11, 2005
My friends in the band "Lost and Found" have a song that I really enjoy, entitled "The Kingdom." Here are the words:
© 2001, LOST AND FOUND AND LIMB RECORDS, BOX 305 LEWISTON, NY, 14092. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
(Chorus)
THE KINGDOM'S BIG ENOUGH FOR YOU
YOU WERE MADE TO BE HERE TOO
THE KINGDOM'S BIG ENOUGH FOR YOU
WHERE YOU ARE
AS YOU ARE
So many people pushed away
Ones that are loved told they can't stay
The question is what would Jesus say?
(Repeat Chorus)
God's own people close the door
The loud and the angry take the floor
We know what you fear
But what are you for?
Furthermore . . .
(Repeat Chorus 2x)
I think, in many ways, that's what was going on in the early first century with regard to the daily spiritual life of the Jewish followers of God. There were a group of "have's" and "have-not's." The "have's" were generally wealthy, and well-educated, and often used their position to societal advantage.
The "have-nots" were pushed away.
The "have-nots" were told they couldn't stay.
The question, in the manifesto that is the Sermon on the Mount, is what would Jesus say?
We catch a glimpse of this in Matthew 6: 2-4, which follows a general statement Jesus made in 6:1 to walk with God in such a way that your inner realities show an outward change...and not to practice your righteousness before men.
"When, therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you."
Apparently, the loud had taken the floor.
Apparently, they had closed the door.
I can't imagine Jesus was making up a scenario to illustrate a point here. I firmly believe that those in power in religious circles were organizing parades and trumpet fanfares to make sure that everyone would see them give alms.
So, you plan to give a few bucks to the needy to help them out, so you organize a band and parade through the streets to make sure that everyone can see you do it. And, who wouldn't applaud that parade, at least inwardly? At least they were GIVING to the needy, right? At least they were trying to make a difference, right? At least, the bottom line is the poor get help, right? And, man oh man, look at how MUCH that guy's giving! Wow!
Jesus called these people "hypocrites." The Message translates it "play-actors." They would act compassionate while someone was watching, but it was really all about them and what they were doing. They'll get applause and acclaim...but that's pretty much all they get.
Jesus talked about how giving should be done: In secret. Behind the scenes, so much so that one hand wouldn't even know that what the other one was up to, and they're generally within 6 feet of each other! Just helping people because you love God...and because He loves people (especially the underdogs), you love people. So, because you've been blessed, you can bless others.
So, today, ask yourself how you can give to others because of your love for God. It may be a tsunami cause or one of a bajillion other needs around the globe who need financial help. It might be that you decide to sit with the guy at lunch who nobody sits with, not out of pity but because of love for people. It might be going on a mission trip at great expense to you to help build homes, or build a church, or present the Gospel...even though there are some other ways you could be spending your time and money this summer. Whatever.
And ask yourself if you have a plan for giving that is based in grace, and is consistent. Not giving because your have to, but because you love people that God loves. Sometimes it's giving to your church. Sometimes secretly to someone else in need. It's a part of the spiritual life that sometimes can get neglected...especially by young people.
The Kingdom is big enough for you.
And it's big enough for others.
And we should do what we can financially and with our time and other resources to help ensure that the others who were made to be here, too, where they are, as they are, aren't pushed away. Told they can't stay.
Not to make ourselves look good.
Brent 4:16 AM
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