The Challenge of Scripture

Sometimes it is the little phrases of Scripture that bring to us the biggest challenges. It is those compacted lines in the Bible that hold such life altering truths that make us stop and think if we are really taking God seriously or not.

One such line is in the book of Acts, chapter 20:35. “. . . remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.”

At this time of year these words of our Lord become even more weighty as we think of him leaving heaven, setting aside his glory and coming to earth to die for us. A close look at these words clarifies what the Lord Jesus said and brings to us the full weight of the challenge of Scripture.

The word “more” is a contrasting word. I think it would be fare to say that the Lord is teaching there is happiness in receiving. Jesus never ignores life’s realities. But his emphasis is clearly on the odd thought that there is greater happiness in giving. I am sure you realize that “blessed” means, happy. In making this statement God the Son has just told us an indicative truth about life. It is something like the laws of nature that cannot be altered. It is true, and always will be true in life, that it is more blessed to give than to receive! Oh, one other thought. This giving is a lifestyle. It is not writing a check or delivering a Christmas basket to the needy once a year.

Do you want to be happy? Do you believe God? Well, what are you waiting for?

Tony