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The Corinthians and the Macedonians
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2 Corinthians 8:4-5,8 But they asked us again and again-they begged us to let them share in this service for God's people. And they gave in a way that we did not expect: They gave themselves to the Lord and to us before they gave their money. This is what God wants… I am not ordering you to give, but I want to see how real your love is by comparing you with others who have been so ready and willing to help.
Listen to the radio broadcast of The Corinthians and the Macedonians
Download audio fileIt’s amazing how touchy people can become, when they’re asked to support God’s work through this ministry or that. In fact, some of the rudest letters I’ve ever received, have been about money.
The Apostle Paul sometimes makes me wince. He’s so blunt, so direct, almost to the point of rudeness. So, he’s writing to the wealthy Corinthian church about money … and he begins by telling them about the Macedonians who, frankly, were as poor as church mice. You’ll find this fundraising letter – and that’s exactly what it is – in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 8. And the nub of what he’s saying is:
2 Corinthians 8:4-5,8 But they asked us again and again-they begged us to let them share in this service for God’s people. And they gave in a way that we did not expect: They gave themselves to the Lord and to us before they gave their money. This is what God wants… I am not ordering you to give, but I want to see how real your love is by comparing you with others who have been so ready and willing to help.
See, Paul’s rubbing the wealthy and no doubt selfish Corinthians’ noses in the sacrifice of the much poorer Macedonians and then he goes on to challenge them to match this generosity. To be honest, I wouldn’t dare write a fundraising letter that blunt, that direct to our supporters. Truly!
But there it is, in God’s Word. Why?
Because this is what God wants …
If you want to see how much a person loves God, how much they truly are a disciple of Jesus, just look at how they spend their money. See to what extent they’re giving, sacrificially, to God’s work. That’s all the evidence you need.
And that’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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