Day 4

Deuteronomy 14-17

GIVE AS YOU ARE ABLE

They shall not appear before the Lore empty handed – Deut. 16:16

            Three times a year every Jewish male was required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the most significant Jewish festivals – Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and Feast of Tabernacles.  If the person lived close enough to make the trip he was required to bring an offering.  It was to be proportionate to the blessings of the Lord (v.17).  They were not to come empty handed.  We are not told what these offerings were used for, but they seemed to be appreciation gifts for the blessings of the Lord.

            In 2001 a friend called to ask if I knew of a worthy mission projects he could give to.  I shared the need of a vehicle for an African pastor who had scheduled a recent ministry for us by walking, riding his bicycle, and using public transportation.  It took him far longer to make arrangements for our ministry trip than it did for us to make the trip.  We felt we could not expect that of him again if we returned.  Within days a check was sent.  By the time our congregation matched his gift Pastor James was able to purchase a rebuilt Suzuki that is in use till this day.  Little did we know how meaningful that automobile would become.

            That appreciation gift has multiplied itself again and again.  The vehicle has been used for multiple purposes, including mission trips for Americans that have taken the Gospel to East Africa for ten years now.  I have been personally blessed by that four-wheeler in the nine subsequent trips I have taken to Kenya and bordering countries.  That car has taken us thousands of miles to dozens of churches, pastor conferences, evangelistic crusades, prison services, witnessing opportunities, as well as meeting the transportation and work needs for New Dawn Community (the high school orphanage that resulted from our ability to travel there).

            We come to Christ empty-handed. Salvation cannot be bought.  “Nothing in my hands I bring.  Only to Thy Cross I cling.”  However, Jesus never leaves us empty.  Bless the Lord…and forget not all his benefits:  Who forgives…heals…redeems…crowns… …satisfies…renews (Psm. 103:1).  We come to the Cross with empty hands and leave with a full life.  One day we’ll lay our rewards at Jesus’ feet.  For now we can choose not to appear before the Lord empty-handed. 

Full hands,