Thursday, November 17, 2011
1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, 19 thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
I love stories! One of my favorites, especially around this season of Fall, leading up to Thanksgiving, is the story of Stone Soup. You might recall there is a group of travelers coming through a small village; all they bring with them is a large pot hoping to find some within the town willing to give a little so they might fix a meal. Of course no one is willing so they go to a stream fill their giant pot with water and a stone and begin the cooking process. Before long people in the village become curious and decide they might add some to the pot until eventually all have contributed and a glorious feast is shared by all.
What a fantastic story! What a great representation of how if we take a little, or great deal, and give it back to God, how God can turn that little into a great feast! As I pray towards this commitment Sunday that is quickly approaching I too am curious about how my “little” might be able to do a “lot” when it comes to the larger pot, but then I think back to the generosity of God. I think to the numerous stories from the bible that speaks to God’s generosity, God turning the “little” and multiplying it to feed and nourish the thousands. I know that sometimes I too am skeptical, like the villagers in the story Stone Soup, but look what happened when they all came together and became a generous people. What would happen if we gave not simply out of obligation but as an expression of the same love and extreme generosity that God shows us on a daily basis?
Prayer: Gracious God, as we approach this commitment Sunday help us live into that call for love and generosity that you show us each and every day. That we may not give simply out of obligation but out of your love. In the name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen!
Today’s devotion was written by:
Rev. Ross Baker, Associate Pastor
East Heights United Methodist Church
www.ehumc.org
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