Devotion:
Read 2 Corinthians 9:11-12.
There was a terrible famine in Palestine, and Christians in the first church in Jerusalem were being persecuted for their faith. Paul was taking up an offering in his new churches in Asia Minor and Greece to help Christians back in Jerusalem, and here he asked the Corinthians to give generously to that cause. In doing so, he reminded them that their generosity will cause others to thank, not them, but God.
When the offering is taken in churches in South Sudan, someone typically stands up front, holding a basket; and worshipers come forward, dropping their money into the basket. During the time of harvest, it is not unusual to see a woman or two come forward carrying a basket of corn or other vegetables on their heads and place it at the pastor’s feet. Pastors work and grow their own food, so that afternoon the pastor will take the vegetables to a widow or a family in need. The recipients will likely never know the name of the donors but will simply give thanks to God. That practice so underscores to me how our thankfulness can lead to generosity, and how our generosity can lead to someone else giving thanks, not to us, but to God.
Personal Worship Option:
As you reflect today on your blessings, think about what you might give to someone or help someone in a way that they give thanks to God. The church can help you with that. Come join us in worship today!
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