Sun.’s Devo - The Gift of Generosity

Read: Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25 The young man, who is God begins by describing the fellowship he enjoyed when his bride was near. The bride describes a time when she heard her lover knocking on her door. As she is contemplating whether it is worth getting out of bed and redressing, he leaves. By the time she realizes she wants to see him, he has gone. This describes Israel’s relationship with the Lord all through the Old Testament. God would draw near, but they seemed preoccupied with the latest god they had collected from other countries. When they found themselves in trouble they would eventually turn to the Lord and he was faithful to deliver them. This happened over and over until finally, Israel was taken to Babylon for 70 years. She had no temple or place to worship God. *** In our story, the young women of Jerusalem ask her to describe why her lover was better than any other. She gives a detailed description of how lovely God is and it is like they are describing the Temple that once stood in Jerusalem. That was the closest thing they had that to give them a picture of who God was. But, the Temple was torn down. She speaks of the prophets and blamed them and their prophecies for what has happened to them. She is now ready to repent, just like the prophets had urged them to do. *** The young man describes the people as being as beautiful as that Temple they remember. To God, it was never the Temple he was interested in - it was them and their hearts. *** The young woman thinks there is no way she will ever be reconciled to her lover. He has gone to his garden looking for him. He assures her that he still sees her as lovely. He has not given up on her and still chooses her. He sees her coming out of her exile leaning on him. *** The story shifts to the woman’s sister who is growing into a young woman. There is much hope for her. She stands for Judah. But, she is also promiscuous like Israel and she goes after other lovers. Still the call goes out for her to come near to God and be his possession. *** In this book we see the relentlessness of God’s pursuit of a relationship with us as his children and his bride. May we respond with a resounding, “Yes!” *** In Corinthians, Paul makes a big deal about this offering they are taking up for the believers in Jerusalem. He uses it as an opportunity to teach them about generosity. Those who love to give and help others will be rewarded by the Lord. Their needs will be met and what they give will be remembered forever in eternity. Their gift is their seed which is planted in God’s garden and it will increase in a great harvest. As a result, God will get much glory and all will be blessed because of it. *** Lord, help us to have generous hearts to give to your Kingdom. May the promise of eternity lead our actions. Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.