Giving
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food
will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your
righteousness. You will be
enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will
produce thanksgiving to God."
In writing his second letter to the
Corinthian church, Paul is strengthening the church, and his relationship with
them, during his absence. He is
also preparing them for his second visit, talking about an offering to support
the starving churches in Judea. In
Chapter 8 Paul talks about the churches in Northern Greece (Macedonia), and
their generous giving. In chapter
9 he tells the Corinthians that he boasts just as freely to the Northern region
about the Southern region (Achaia, which Corinth is part of), noting
specifically that the entire region was largely provoked by the Corinthian's
zeal. Sending Titus ahead, Paul
let's the Corinthians know that he's on his way, and that Macedonians are with
him, as he passes through Corinth to collect their offering for Judea. In this, he is giving the Corinthian's
a "head's up" that they are coming, so there will be no embarrassing,
last minute efforts to raise the funds.
It is in this context that he plays with the farming metaphor, exhorting
them to remember that their generosity in sowing the seed of giving will
produce a harvest of gratitude from Judea, as well as virtue for Corinth.
This reminds me of a farmer who enthusiastically
embraced the Mosaic teachings of leaving produce in his fields for the needy to
harvest (Lev. 19:9-ff). His
earnest discipline gave him the reputation as a man of competence, faith and
character; and, the benefits went beyond a good reputation. One day a beautiful young woman came to
his fields because of her needs, her character, and his reputation. Her name was Ruth, and as she became
his wife, they became the ancestors of Israel's greatest Kings.
What would the Lord do with each of us
if we managed our resources with such intentional generosity? Let's find out!
David Rucquoi, Darien, 20 years at Hope, serving as an Elder.
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