2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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BE READY TO GIVE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27
2 Corinthians 9:1-5
2 Corinthians 9:15
“… ye may be ready.”
BE READY TO GIVE
It is interesting that Paul thought it superfluous to write to the Corinthian Christians about giving to the poor saints in Jerusalem. This was because he had earlier witnessed their willingness to give to this cause. However, due to internal issues, the Corinthian Christians were distracted from contributing to the fund. Thus, Paul was now anxious that they should complete the collection.
To encourage the Corinthian Christians in the completion of their task, he revealed that he had earlier boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians’ generous spirit of giving. The example of the Corinthians provoked the Macedonians to give effusively to the Jerusalem saints. In fact, the Macedonians were so moved in their heart that they became more diligent than the Corinthians in their giving.
In addition, since Paul had used the Corinthians as an example, what shame it would be if the Corinthian church did not complete the collection. Therefore, it was necessary for the Corinthian Christians to be ready to give when the collection was made. This readiness to give was not to be just in word, but also in action.
Similarly, when the call comes for you to give to the Lord’s work, are you ready to give? Do not let it be by word only, but be always ready to give. Consider what great privilege it is that we can play a part towards contributing to the Lord’s work. When that work is completed, the window of opportunity to contribute will be gone. Even if we want to contribute, it will be too late. Consider this scenario in the building of the tabernacle. “And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing” (Exod 36:5-6). Therefore, let us hasten to give when it is time to give.
THOUGHT: Am I ready to give when the Lord demands it?
PRAYER: Father, may I be ready to contribute to Thy work.