Day 4: (2/20) Giving
Day 4: Giving
Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:13-17
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
you who are God my Savior,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise.
My college degrees are in education, and teaching has always been my first “love.” Besides parenting, I have taught piano, middle school, preschool, Vacation Bible School, and currently tutor two neighbors. Maybe that’s why Psalm 51:13 jumped out at me. “Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home.” (MSG) In the midst lamenting over his sin of an affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), David asks God for a teaching job! How could he possibly expect God to let him teach!?!? Yet David, probably the greatest Israelite king, is exactly who God used to instruct the Israelites (and us) about living a life of faith!
Isn’t it easier to hear from someone who has experienced what we’re going through? Don’t we appreciate someone who is honest about their faults?
Matthew 9:13b says, “…For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Every one of us is a sinner, yet every one of teaches others by how we live. As we grow in faith, God wants us to share our joys, challenges and mistakes with others! Someone in my/your “5×5” needs to know about the mercy and forgiveness I/you have experienced in Jesus.
The third Lenten discipline you may hear about is “giving.” What can you give or share with others during these 40 days in response to God’s grace, generosity and love for you? (artwork, a letter, your time, a meal, worship, money, a talent, hospitality, etc.)
Prayer: Lord, you have created me uniquely for your purposes. Help me use those gifts to share your love with those around me today. Amen.