"Lighting the Fire"
Jotting – Week 20

Give One’s Treasure

God’s Treasure

We are God’s treasure. He created us. He loved us so much that, rather than condemn us to everlasting damnation because of our sin, He sent His Son Jesus to take our punishment, to suffer our condemnation, to submit to the horrors and agony of pain and degradation and crucifixion. “Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you” (Isaiah 43:4).

We are God’s treasure. “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine” (Exodus 19:5).

We are God’s treasure. “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you ... ” (Deuteronomy 7:6-8a).

Our Treasure

What is your treasure? Is it your wealth? Your health? Your spouse? Your children? Your friends? Your house? Your community status? Your leisure time? Your books? Your work? Whatever it is, it belongs to God: “For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness” (Psalm 50:10-12).

When we use whatever our treasure is for spreading the kingdom of God, we are giving God only what is His. God wants us to enjoy what He has given us, but also to use it wisely and carefully, to manage all His gifts in ways that please Him and bring Him glory, in ways that proclaim Christ and bring His Word of salvation to others.

There are two favorite Old Testament stories about giving from one’s treasure–here meaning worldly wealth–that I find uplifting and encouraging. The first is found in Exodus 35:4 through 36:7. This is the story of Moses and the Children of Israel giving gifts for the building of the tabernacle. Take time to read this Biblical account of what was to be offered, how the Lord stirred the hearts of the people to give, and how they gave so much that finally Moses had to say, “STOP! We have enough and more than enough.” (Wouldn’t you like for that to happen in your congregation!)

The second story is when David, forbidden by God to build the temple (David was a man of war), gathered offerings from the people to have in readiness for his son, Solomon, when the temple would actually be constructed. That account is found in 1 Chronicles 29:1-9. David himself gave so liberally that the leaders of the people also offered their treasure willingly. David’s prayer that follows the giving is one we should all memorize. It begins: “Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, That we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, And of Your own we have given You” (1 Chronicles 29:13, 14, emphasis added). Later, the people “ate and drank before the LORD with great gladness on that day” (v. 22).

Giving Our Treasure

God wants us to know the joy of giving. He knows what giving will do–not for Him, but for us. When we give our earthly treasures for Him–our wealth– we can know that God will return to us in lavish amounts–perhaps in ways we don’t see right away or don’t expect. Paul wrote: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

Whenever we give generously, we can know that God will never let us be in want. There are numerous stories about people who have given their last dollar or last coins into an offering for the Lord only to find an unexpected check, a bag of groceries, or some other gift waiting.

When we give our earthly wealth for God’s kingdom, His rewards are eternal. Through our gifts, new missions are established locally and globally; pastors, teachers, DCEs, directors of music, and many other church workers are trained; workers for inner city ministry, ethnic ministries, and community outreach centers are supported.

Through our gifts, groups of people are able to take part in short mission trips where they build, teach, reach out, serve food and give medical care, teach English or VBS, build relationships, and most of all, share the love of Jesus in very tangible ways. (If you are interested in such a venture or in setting up or supporting a team, go to http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=960.)
Through our gifts, devotions and Bible studies are put together, religious curriculum is prepared, books are written; supplies for teaching are bought, construction material for the building of churches, schools, and medical facilities is provided . Through our gifts, people around the world have the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus. All because we give, those who sit in darkness will see the Light of God’s love.

Jesus says, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44).

What’s in your treasure chest?

Pray: O generous Lord, Owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, Ruler of the universe, You have given us so much wealth–not for our own use, but to employ for Your Kingdom and to bring You glory. You have promised that when we give, it will be given to us: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. By Your Spirit, empower us to give and give with joy, not because we want something back, but because we can’t help ourselves. Use the gifts we give You to spread Your love to all the world. In the strong name of Jesus. Amen.