Good morning my “Walking with Jesus” friends,
Generosity is a wonderful thing isn’t it, especially when it is ‘no strings attached’ generosity! ? Have you ever been part of that? You and I live at a time in world history when global events are reported to the world within seconds, often stirring up a radical generosity response from people who’ve never been to that disaster location nor do they know anyone there. But also, with modern transportation and communication, often the practical help needed, in a major disaster, can be on location in a very short period of time, saving lives!
But centuries ago, news traveled much more slowly and disaster response often did not arrive until vast numbers of people had died. The apostle Paul was writing his first letter to the Corinthian Christians at a time like that, the mid first century.
As Paul drew this letter to a close, he wrote something fascinating: “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.” (1 Cor. 16:1-3)
What is Paul talking about here? Did you know the first few decades after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus were VERY difficult for followers of Jesus Christ known as Christians almost everywhere in the Roman Empire, for a variety of reasons? In Jerusalem the Christians were hated by the Jews who saw them as traitors to their ancient, God given heritage. Much like today, often disagreements turned to violent conflict which then drew the attention of Roman soldiers tasked with keeping peace in very volatile Jerusalem.
Often employment for Christians was hard to find in Jewish Jerusalem. To make matters worse a great famine struck the province of Judea, including the city of Jerusalem, lasting for several years around 45-48ad. Paul repeatedly urged Christians in the places he visited to send financial help to starving Christians in Jerusalem. Acts 11:27-30 is one example.
Today please join me in asking God to teach us from Paul’s letter even though it was written 2000 years ago. I see several important, helpful principles at work here in what Paul was instructing Christians to do, who were more than 900 miles away from the disaster in Jerusalem.
First… Paul challenged the Gentile Corinthian Christians to be AWARE of and CARE about the painful situation among primarily Jewish Christians in Jerusalem.
Do you see how radical that was at that time in history? So how does that apply to you and me today? What effort do we invest in being well informed regarding the plight of our fellow Christians around the world, especially those in the war torn, or famine ravaged, or persecuted church parts of the world?
Have you found the Holy Spirit moves informed, tender, compassionate hearts to PRAY and care about those who are suffering? What does it mean for you and me to pursue aligning our hearts with Jesus’ tender heart, as He watches the plight of His suffering people around the world?
Second… Do you see Paul urged them to take action EVERY week, not simply a one-time reaction to the need far away.
This is a fundamental stewardship principle for God’s people all around the world, isn’t it? Weekly, on the first day of the week, in honor of Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week, Christians set this day aside as a Sabbath of TIME to rest, spiritually refresh, and gather to worship and praise God. That also includes the privilege of bringing our offerings to advance God’s Kingdom work, as we steward the finances God has entrusted to us, His people, right?
Yes, I know that for many people the easy thing to do is a regular, automatic bank transfer, but that’s so impersonal and truthfully, we rarely think about it. Paul was urging the Corinthians to spend time EVERY week seeking guidance from Jesus regarding HIS instructions to each of them as a steward of His finances. How might that help align your heart and mind with the heart of God?
Third…I appreciate that Paul urged the Corinthian church to select some trustworthy men for taking the special offering to Jerusalem and to their fellow Christians in great need.
Paul is acting as a ‘spiritual coach’ for this group of people he has helped to know Jesus. Paul understands the importance of every Christian maturing, growing in wisdom and as a group, learning to function as a local church responsible to Jesus Christ and fulfilling God’s mission for them in their city.
Look closely at your church, my friends. How is your church helping you grow in spiritual maturity and wisdom? How are you contributing to its development and the accomplishment of the mission God has entrusted to your church in your city? And how does your church respond to or participate in what God is doing far away from where you live, in other parts of the world?
Finally, the next verses tell us Paul was planning his next trip, and he was anxious to visit these Christian friends in Corinth. But he also tempered that excitement with making sure the timing would be right. He wanted to neither be a burden by staying too long, nor an intrusion by only stopping by but expecting them to stop their normal lives to receive him.
Also, I notice Paul was aware of two strategic things happening in Ephesus where he was. First God had opened a door of opportunity and we should assume people were responding to the Gospel and growing in their faith in Jesus. (1 Cor. 16:7,8)
But also, as often happens when the Spirit of God is working, do you see Paul states “and there are many who oppose me.” I’m challenged by that. Am I discerning enough to see HOW God is doing great work in my city and how I am part of that, but also do I discern dark kingdom work in my city and opposition to me? What about you, my friends?
Let’s pause here reflecting on how aligned or out of alignment our hearts are with Jesus and HIS burden for His people around the world, but also how aware are we for what Jesus sees in the cities where we each live.
The ‘lessons learned’ notes are at the study link, and a wonderful worship song is ready to help us praise our Lord Jesus, and I’ll meet you here tomorrow for one final look at Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Christians.
Today’s Scripture: 1 Cor. 16:1-9
Choose below to read or listen.
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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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