Receive, then Give

2 Cor 9:6-10

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 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. 9 As it is written:
          “He has dispersed abroad, 
          He has given to the poor; 
          His righteousness endures forever.” 
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness."



Sara got her seed catalog in the mail about a week ago. Time to plant seeds already. It felt way too early for that, with all the snow around. There is a time to plant and a time to harvest. The way we pass the trays for communion shows this to you. Right now you are receiving bread and wine from someone else. And right after you receive, you give it to the next person. That’s a great picture of how it is with us. There are times to receive help. And with that help we are to give in return to others. Give generously. Plant seeds everywhere, all the time. Preach the word in season and out of season. But all your serving must come from having first received here, from Christ Himself. If you are not fed by his life, your service will not bear fruit in the end. As you abide in Christ, plant peace patiently, rest and trust in God’s control, and He will provide for you.


1/16/11