A Gift from the Lord

Thursday 12 October
READ: Matt. 2:1-2, 10-11 
MORE LESSON:  Psa. 108:1-5

An essential part of our worship is giving. God requires that we give to Him, His servants, our fellow brethren and even our neigbours. Giving is a token of love and appreciation. It is an investment that produces great dividends both here and in Heaven (Prov. 19:17). The attitude of the wise men from the east, who brought gifts to the Lord, is worth emulating. They saw Jesus’ star from the east and traced Him to Bethlehem to worship Him. As part of the worship, they brought gifts- gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They enquired of Him that was born King of the Jews (v.2) and found the child with His mother; they fell down and worshipped Him (v. 11). They were not moved by His age or size; they worshipped Him and gave Him gifts. They could have changed their mind when they saw that He was only a baby, and give Him gifts like toys. But they gave Him their best as they had determined in their heart before they left the east (II Cor. 9:7). Give God your best all the time, irrespective of what someone else around you is giving.

Again, though the gifts were for Jesus, it was obvious that the child Jesus would not be able to use them considering His age. These wise men did not bother about who would use the gifts or how the gifts would be used. As far as they were concerned, they had given the gifts to the Lord. Don't involve yourself with how the gifts you give to God are used. Some people even monitor church leaders’ use of tithes and offerings. Others want to know how a fellow brother uses a gift from them. A gift to the Lord should be given to the Lord without looking back.

The attitude of giving and the gifts given are both important to God. Even the packaging of our gifts to God must not be shabby or poor. We must remember the kind of God we are giving to. He is the great God full of majesty, to whom nothing can be added or removed; He has the whole world in His hands. We must give to Him in utmost joy, respect and honour. We must learn from the shepherds and give the best to the Lord in the best way. 

Prayer/Action
*Ask God for grace not to withhold anything He wants you to give out, in Jesus’ name.
*Receive grace to be a joyful giver, in Jesus’ mighty name.
*Ask God to remember all your gifts and bless you in multiple fold, in Jesus’ name.

TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER
I refuse to fail in anything I do because God is not a failure, in the name of Jesus.