Ever wondered why there is a need for us to give to God? In the tapestry of Christian faith, the practice of giving to God emerges as a vibrant thread woven with theological depth and spiritual significance. Rooted in gratitude, obedience to Biblical principles, and a recognition of God’s sovereignty, the act of giving encompasses various forms – be it financial contributions, the offering of talents, or the dedicated investment of time. This sacred practice not only reflects a commitment to worship and stewardship, but also resonates with the core Christian values of compassion, generosity, and a profound trust in God’s providence. In this message, I share how your gift placed in God’s hand can only be multiplied back to you. Be enlightened as you see how you can never outgive the One who keeps giving to you.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Mathew 2:1-2)
11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Mathew 2:11)
They gave extremely valuable gifts to the child Christ Jesus. My question is, why did the wise men give gifts to Jesus? Giving gifts to the Lord Jesus was a sign of great respect and honour.
Giving is a way to honour God. The wise men understood how to honour God. They understood Him to be the Christ of Israel and worthy of worship. They had a sense of paying homage to a royal superior. The wise men fell down before the child in a gesture of deep respect and submission. They honoured the child Jesus. Then when Jesus grew up and started his ministry, the Bible says some women sponsored him. Jesus and his disciples depended on the goodness of others to provide daily provisions and a place to sleep.
Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities – Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3)
Among them were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Salome. In Galilee, these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Apparently, these good women assisted in the Lord’s sustenance because they “ministered unto him of their substance” (v. 3), meaning they gave to him from their own resources. They honoured the Lord Jesus. Let me just make a connection here that this is not a new thought. This goes all the way back to the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, which says, “Honour the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of your increase.”
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Scripture gives many reasons for giving, but this verse says it is a way to honour God. The word ‘honour’ means respecting, trusting, or valuing. If you aren’t honouring the Lord with your substance then the implication is that you don’t value his words and you don’t value his promises. You need to honour the Lord with your substance. The implication is that if you aren’t giving and trusting God in this area of finances, you are not honouring God. Therefore, those who don’t give don’t honour Him.
You may say I honour God. And I want to ask you, do you give consistently all the time or just occasionally or when it’s convenient? The Bible says that you’re supposed to give a tithe (10% of your income). Are you saying I don’t give all the time or I don’t give 10% of my income but I honour God? This scripture says you honour the Lord with your substance. You can say what you want to say, but this is what the word says and notice, we are to give God the first fruits, not the last fruits. It says “and with the first fruits of your increase,” not the last fruits of your increase.