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AUTHOR: Aniel Barbe
Who Can Outgive God?
1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
Our generosity is inspired by God’s generosity. In preparation for the construction of the temple, the Bible reports about the generosity of Israel. First, King David gave lavishly out of his personal treasures. Then the other leaders gave willingly, following his example. Inspired by their leaders, the rest of the people gave “freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD” (1 Chron. 29:9). Seeing such an expression of generosity, David burst into praise and mentioned the factor driving such a profusion in giving: “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand” (v. 14). David considered giving as a response to what God had already provided: Election, forgiveness, presence, promises, and abundance. No one can outgive God. Even if someone chooses to give everything, God has all the means to replenish that person’s resources. This was the mindset of David, a leader-giver in Israel.
Abraham, a Masai man, had a similar mindset. He was the owner of 1,000 head of cattle and large herds of sheep and goats. Acknowledging that God was the Source of his blessing, he decided to be faithful to God. He placed his cattle in large pens and counted them as they walked through a chute. Every tenth cow Abraham dedicated as tithe for God. His friends and acquaintances were amazed. In their culture, people’s wealth is measured in cattle. One doesn’t just give away his cows! They began to mock him, and many people declared him to be crazy. But the laughter abruptly stopped nine months later when 40 of Abraham’s cows gave birth to twins! In addition, many of his goats and sheep birthed triplets!
“Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Num. 23:19). This week, as we worship with our tithe and regular offerings, let us reflect on the truthfulness of these words in our own life.
Prayer: Lord, Your generosity toward us has no limit and it embraces all aspects of our existence. Make us generous as You are.