Hello my “Walking with Jesus” friends,
The “ripple effect” is something you’ve probably seen when you throw a rock into a pond or lake, right? But what does a ‘ripple effect’ look like with people as our lives respond to what is happening in each other? We’ve probably all seen examples of the overflowing joy of one person, rippling out affecting many others and soon a celebration breaks out, even spontaneously! Sadly, we’ve also seen grief or discouragement or deep sadness ripple out contagiously drawing many others to tears, right? So the obvious question is this: What is the ‘ripple effect’ of your life on the people around you?
Here’s another question: Does God’s expectation of the ‘ripple effect’ of a person’s life change when that person becomes a redeemed, Holy Spirit filled follower of Jesus Christ?
Yesterday we were with the apostle Paul as he was writing the 9th chapter of his letter to the Corinthian Christians in the mid first century. Paul was encouraging their joyful generosity in response to the famine crisis which they heard was happening in Jerusalem, 900 miles away. Most people in Corinth had NEVER been to Jerusalem, but the hearts of these Corinthian Christians were deeply moved by the Spirit of God and they promised to give very generously. That promise, when reported by Paul to Christians in other towns in Macedonia, had a ‘ripple effect’, and the Macedonians gave generously, even though many of them were struggling in deep poverty! (2 Cor. 8:1-4)
Paul had urged the Corinthians to recognize that God was the supplier of ALL they had, from which they could give, and God had unlimited ability to KEEP supplying what He knew they needed! Do you believe that my friends and are you living joyfully in God’s supply EVERYDAY? Now watch what Paul wrote next: “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Cor. 9:10,11) Do you see the ‘ripple effect’, my friends?
God supplies what ONLY God can supply… you and I can’t produce TIME or AIR to breathe can we? And God increases His supply of what we need, as HE sees we need more. Now let’s be careful, God does not promise abundance nor wealth. God promises that He knows our NEEDS better than we do… past, present and future, and He has full ability to supply for every need He knows we have… or will have. (Ps. 33:18-22)
Paul was declaring that God provides more than what is needed so that the surplus can be distributed, according to His leading, to help supply for others in their need. Have you ever been part of that miracle of God’s distribution plan? Isn’t it exciting? Paul was watching Christians in the towns of Macedonia, as well as the great city of Corinth, give generously and joyfully so a crisis in Jerusalem could be helped. The result was great thanksgiving both in the towns that gave and in Jerusalem which received. And everywhere the story was told, Jesus Christ received the glory and praise!
So Paul wrote: “This service that you perform is not only supplying the need of the Lord’s people but it is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God!” (2 Cor. 9:12) Do you see the ripple effect… financial help in crisis and a crescendo of joyful thanksgiving to God! And just like the ripples in the pond keep going out, long after the stone has sunk to the bottom of that pond, Paul wanted these compassionate, generous Christians to know the ripple effect of their God given compassion was rippling out far beyond Corinth or Macedonia or even Jerusalem! “Other people will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for your generosity. And in their prayers for you, their hearts will go out to you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (2 Cor. 9:13-15)
So let’s pause and consider some important questions my friends...
* What has been the ripple effect of your life in the past year?
* How far has your life ripple effect reached?
* What in your life is causing the widest reaching ripple effect?
* How is Jesus honored and praised by the ‘ripple effect’ of your life?
The ‘lessons learned’ will be very helpful in guiding our prayerful contemplation about what and why Paul wrote this 9th chapter. I wonder what wisdom on this matter of ‘ripple effect’ you will pass on to your children and grandchildren, especially as the holiday season approaches? The worship song I’ve chosen will be very helpful, and I’ll be here this weekend, ready to meet with you again.
Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:10-15.
Choose below to read or listen.
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Bible images provided with attribution to www.LumoProject.com.
Have a comment or question about today’s chapter? I’m ready to hear from you, contact me here.
Pastor Doug Anderson
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)
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