A Promise of Returned Blessing

Scripture: Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little." 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

Observation: Paul is pressing the church at Corinth to make an offering to aid the church of Jerusalem. He uses examples of the Corinthians' own prior giving, and the generosity of the church in Macedonia. However at the end he uses another scriptural context ... the collection of manna during the wilderness years of Israel.

It is not clear how the Greeks in Corinth would understand this Old Testament reference, but certainly Paul knew they would. The idea, as he said, was sharing in equality. This was not a matter of people simply needing whatever they had, but rather the sharing of plenty to those with less so everyone had the same.

Application: These verses challenge our understanding of giving and equality. Equality again has become a 'loaded' word these days, and Paul is challenging us to think in terms of giving away our excess - and even more than that - with the faith that it will be returned when needed. As this works within the community of faith, this makes sense. It is why we give away the use of our house, and provide to others other blessings when we can. We have plenty.

I may soon be in a time of need. I do not know - I pray not - but it might come to pass. I hope we don't need help, but I am encouraged by God's promises in all their forms ... both to protect, and to care during hardship. I will accept all of God's promises, not just the ones I want.

Prayer: Lord, Abba, I embrace the promise that you may care for me through other human hands during a time of need. Again I pray, I do not want that time of need to arrive. But if it does, I trust in you. Amen.