But, They All Gathered!

Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 8-9

Scripture Focus: Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. (2 Corinthians 8.13-15)

Devotional Thought: But they all gathered!

As Paul encouraged the Corinthians to be generous in light of the great needs of their day, he reminded them of the story of manna in the wilderness. God had sent the Israelites manna to feed them on their journey to The Promised Land. It was always sufficient for their daily needs. It came, however, with specific instructions. One of those instructions was to gather just enough for the day, not to hoard it for tomorrow.

Even today, we are to follow God's instructions as we enjoy and share our material benefits, as God gives us our daily bread. Paul wrote: "For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness" (2 Corinthians 8.13-14).

I like how Frank Carver described it: "All wealth is as manna from the Lord, intended not for intemperance and luxury but for the relief of the necessities of the brethren. Wealth enjoyed at the expense of those in want soon corrupts like hoarded manna and leads to inequalities that are contrary to the nature of the Christian community" (Beacon Bible Commentary, 581).

Let us remember the words of Jesus: "Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10.8). But also remember, "They all gathered!"

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving so generously to me: life and love and my daily bread. Grant me opportunities to reflect your generosity today. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! 2 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" 3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. 6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. 7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. 8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. (Psalms 115:1-8)