It Starts Small

To understand today’s portion of scripture we need to put some Old Testament glasses on. In those days, many were poor and struggling. They would have to go to a money lender and take out a loan. The money lender would charge an amount of interest on the loan. The person would have to continue to barrow to pay. The money lender got richer and the barrower got poorer. In Jesus’ day, not only were the people paying tax and interest on unpaid taxes to Romans, they were borrowing from the rich Jews and downing in the interest being charged. So what is David telling us? TO need a loan in that Hebrew culture meant that you were living in poverty and their poverty was being exploited.

In verse 5, David is asking us to do a holy introspection on what we are concerned with. Someone who wants to worship in God’s sanctuary and presence are those who lend money without charging interest. What we do with our money shows us what we are most concerned about. The type of person who lends without interest is concerned for the economically vulnerable.

Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.

Deuteronomy 15:10

I believe this is deeper than just our finances. What about our time, talents? Do we find ourselves in a position to give and charge interest of it to others. Meaning do you charge conditions to loving others. I will love you if… I will give my time if…. I will give my talent if…. Remember our scripture from yesterday says a righteous person gives without counting the cost. When we give and recognize the needs of others, do we have expectations on a return?

Jesus said:

³⁵ But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. ³⁶ Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

Luke 6:35-36

This morning let us ponder:

Do my finances and schedule reflect care for people living in poverty?

What are my eternal feelings about people living in poverty? or living in abundance?

Do I set conditions on my relationships to get rather than to give?

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