October 05, 2021: SOAP #4324:  Esther 3-8; Luke 18 (rework of #2863)

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 18:17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke (NIV) 18:29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no-one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God  30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”
Luke (NIV) 18:41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

Observation:  The Kingdom of God has much to do with sacrificial giving, but it also has much to do with receiving!  In this chapter receiving is how we possess the Kingdom of God.  We take possession of rewards in this life and in the age to come.  And sight was restored as the blind man received his healing. 

A child cannot earn the kingdom; they can only receive it.  A small child does not understand the value of any gift he has just received.  He does not understand the sacrifice that might have been required to give the gift.  He just receives it and enjoys it. 

Sowing and reaping is like giving and receiving.   Being a giver leads to becoming a receiver. 

Application:    Giving is an act of obedience and faith.   Faith is the channel for receiving. (Note: John 1:12)   To receive a gift, I reach out with my hands and take possession.  To receive a gift from the Lord, I reach out with my faith and draw it into my life.  I receive God’s gifts in the same way I receive a compliment from a friend.  I say, “Thank you.”

Prayer:   Lord, thank you for giving us the desire to give and for providing for us so we can give.  As we receive from what has been sowed You enable us to give even more.  Thank you for the joy of giving and receiving from you.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!