September 24, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1–3
WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL MADE his way through Europe, specifically the region of ancient Macedonia, he shared with those believers the financial need of the Jerusalem church.
WHEN THE APOSTLE PAUL MADE his way through Europe, specifically the region
of ancient Macedonia, he shared with those believers the financial need of
the Jerusalem church. Macedonia was already an economically depressed area.
Macedonia was to Paul what Bangladesh would be to the US. It would be like
encouraging the poorest people of Appalachia to respond to those who are
hurting in the ghetto of Harlem. "You people under this bridge . . . give
to those people on welfare!" would be a strange appeal today.
You know what's remarkable? They gave—and generously! Those financially
deprived Macedonian believers were so concerned over their brothers and
sisters in Jerusalem who did not have sufficient money to make ends meet,
they gave an extremely generous gift.
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness
has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many
troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant
joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they
gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of
their own free will.
2 CORINTHIANS 8:1–3
What a remarkable report! Those Christians demonstrated authentic
servanthood in their giving. When we give as a servant gives, the same
things are true of us.
I like it that not one specific church or donor is mentioned, simply "the
churches of Macedonia." No statues of bronze were later erected in
Jerusalem, no names of super saints chiseled in marble or inscribed in some
book for others to applaud.
When we practice the art of unselfish living, let's remain joyfully
anonymous. When was the last time you gave something to someone without
anyone else . . . on earth . . . knowing it?