A Gift for the King

​Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday.

Christmas is a day of wonder and joy for our little ones, and our bigger ones as well.  But times have been tough.  Our children and grandchildren don’t always understand the pressures we face.  Yet we want to give them what will bring a tear of joy, an explosion of laughter, or an ear-to-ear grin.

Christmas is also the day we celebrate the birth of the King of kings, Jesus the Messiah, the Good Shepherd who came to seek and to save the lost.  He would give the greatest gift, the ransom of a life for a life, to redeem all who believe in Him.

Give for the Gospel to Children

​We have a lot of demands on the resources God has entrusted to us.  But as Christmas approaches we should remember the good shepherd who sought the lost sheep. (Luke 15:1-7)  Remember his joy when he brings that lamb home.  Remember the celebration that takes place in Heaven when one sinner repents, the rejoicing angels, the smile that must spread across our Savior’s face.

Times have been tough, and we hope and pray that things will get better.  But we, who trust in Christ, have a greater hope:  The return of Jesus Christ, and the reward and honor He will bring to those who served and sacrificed for Him.  “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12, NIV84).

It wasn’t Giving Tuesday, but Paul wrote about the Macedonian churches and their concern for the saints in Jerusalem and the collection they gathered for them.  The Macedonians faced perhaps tougher times than we, yet Paul said of them,

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. (2 Corinthians 8:2-4, NIV84)

​As we look ahead to the joy of Christmas morning and plan now how to marshal our resources to make that anticipation a reality, let us make generous room in our spending to bring joy to our Heavenly Father and the Christ who suffered for us and for the countless souls who have yet to hear of His saving grace.  God will repay you!  That is a sure promise!

Whether you give to CEF Hawkeye Chapter or to some other God-honoring, Kingdom-advancing ministry, remember that Jesus will reward you according to what you have done.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, NIV84)​

​Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fun and exciting.  Giving Tuesday is third in these spending “holidays.”  This year, let it be first in our expenditures.  “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21, NIV84).

The Lord will reward!

Give for the Gospel to Children