CHRIST BECAME POOR SO THAT WE MIGHT BECOME RICH

PROCLAMATION

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”  2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  In order to help the generous believers in Macedonia, who are undergoing a severe trial, Paul is requesting a generous gift from the believers in Corinth. (2 Corinthians 8:1-3)  Since the believers in Corinth excelled in everything, including faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love, Paul is asking them to excel in the grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)  He reminded them that The Lord Jesus, The Christ, was rich but became poor for their sake, so that they through His poverty might become rich.  Paul encouraged them to match their willingness to help with following through and actually helping by giving according to their means. (2 Corinthians 8:11-12)  He urged them to share so that none of the believers would do without.  Then he quoted from the Old Testament scriptures (Exodus 16:18) to support his request. (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)  He ended by saying that he was sending Titus to them to collect the offering from them. (2 Corinthians 8:22-24)

 

APPLICATION

The Bible teaches us that we should help those who are in need.  Those of us who have should share with those who have not.  It is better to give than to receive. (Amos 20:35)  When we help those who are in need, we are actually lending to The Lord and He will repay us for helping them. (Proverbs 19:17)  When we are generous and provide a blessing to others, we will also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)  Remember what Christ did for us.  He left the splendor of heaven, put on human flesh, became poor, was rejected, was crucified, died, was buried, and rose from the dead for us.

 

BUT SUCH AS I HAVE I GIVE

PROCLAMATION

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’”  Acts 3:6 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After the day of Pentecost, receiving The Holy Spirit, (Acts 2:1-4) and preaching to the crowd, (Acts 2:14-41) Peter and John went to the temple.  There was a man outside the gate, who was lame from birth, begging for money. (Acts 3:1-3)  Peter said to him, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee …” (KJV)  The man jumped to his feet, began to walk, and went into the temple with them and praised God. (Acts 3:8)  The people in the temple recognized the man and came running to Peter and John.  Then Peter admonished them and told them that this was done by the power of Jesus, The Christ, whom they had handed over to Pilate to be crucified. (Acts 3:12-13)  Peter also said that they disowned Christ before Pilate and asked for the release of a murderer when Pilate wanted to let Him go. (Acts 3:14-23)

 

APPLICATION

There are plenty of people today begging for money.  There are also plenty of them who would appreciate something to eat or some warm clothing.  We who have been blessed with a lot should share with those who are less fortunate.  We have clothes that just hang in our closets, which someone else could make good use of.  We also have shoes in our closets that we do not wear which someone else could use.  If you don’t want to give them money, you could pay for their meal.  Donate something to a shelter.  Such as we have, we should give to the less fortunate.  We are blessed by The Lord God in order to be a blessing to others.  He that blesses others shall himself also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

 

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS

PROCLAMATION

“There was a rich man … At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus … longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.  …  The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.  The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’  But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony…’ ”  Luke 16:19-31 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  Here Jesus continued to teach His disciples.  He told them The Parable of The Shrewd Manager. (Luke 16:1-13)  His point was that no one can serve two masters, we cannot serve both God and money.  He also told them The Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus. (Luke 16:19-31)

 

APPLICATION

There are those who have been blessed to receive more than sufficient finances, some with great wealth.  There are also those who were not blessed with very much in terms of financial means.  While we may not consider ourselves to be “rich”, those of us who have should share with those who have not and are in need.  We were not blessed in order to hoard our blessings and keep them for ourselves.  Remember the parable which Jesus taught about the rich man who built bigger barns to store his excess goods.  He would not share his excess with others, feeling that he had enough to last for years, and he died before he could enjoy his excess. (Luke 12:16-20)  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others who are less fortunate than we are.  He that blesses others, will himself also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)  Our final destination after death will depend upon the belief in our heart.  Those of us who are believers will be absent from the body, and present with The Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

PROCLAMATION

“… ‘And who is my neighbor?’  In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  …  Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’  The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’  Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ ”  Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, which were spoken by Christ according to Luke, the physician.  After feeding the five thousand men plus their wives and children, Jesus went off privately with His disciples. (Luke 9:18)  He told them of His upcoming death. (Luke 9:21-22)  Eight days later, Peter, James, and John witnessed His transfiguration and saw the appearance of Moses and Elijah. (Luke 9:28-36)  The next day, in front of a large crowd, Jesus healed a demon-possessed boy. (Luke 9:37-43)  Then for the second time, He predicted His own death. (Luke 9:43-45)  As He was heading for Jerusalem, He told them that there was a price to pay for following Him. (Luke 9:57-62)  Later Jesus appointed seventy-two men, gave them the power to heal the sick and to cast out demons, and sent them out to the surrounding villages, two by two, as He had done earlier with His disciples. (Luke 10:1-17)  On one occasion, as He was teaching, an expert in the law asked Him, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”  Jesus replied to him, “What is written in the law?”  The man answered, “Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Jesus replied that he had answered correctly and said, “Do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:25-28)  However, the man wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  In reply, Jesus told him The Parable of The Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:29-37)

 

APPLICATION

In this parable, three people came upon the man in need, a priest, a Levite (a man of the church) and a Samaritan.  The priest and the Levite passed by the man without stopping to offer any assistance.  Only the Samaritan stopped and helped the man.  He even took the man to a place where he could receive more care afterwards.  The Samaritan showed mercy to the man in need, and he went above and beyond in offering assistance to him.  The point here is for us today to “Go and do likewise.”  Today, there are many people in need of assistance and there are many ways that we can help them.  It is not always about giving someone money, although that would be helpful.  We are blessed in order to share and to be a blessing to others.  Many of us have clothes which we don’t wear that someone could use.  Most of us can afford to buy a meal for a needy person.  The Bible says, “… As you give so shall it be given unto you…” (Luke 6:38)  However, if you are going to give money to an organization, please check it out and make sure that the money is going to the purpose for which it was intended.

 

PRIDE CAN CLOUD ONE'S JUDGEMENT AS WINE DOES

PROCLAMATION

“Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley; to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!”  Isaiah 28:1 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

In the previous chapters twenty-four through twenty-seven, the prophecies of Isaiah were regarding events which would occur far into the future.  Here in chapter twenty-eight the prophecies are focused on the immediate future of the northern kingdom of Israel, herein referred to as Ephraim and later on as Samaria, which would soon go into Assyrian captivity. (Isaiah 28:1-13)  The leaders were so full of pride that they had forgotten about The Lord God.  This chapter also included a warning to the southern kingdom of Judah to change their behavior or they would also be taken into captivity. (Isaiah 28:14-22)  

APPLICATION

Too much pride can cause one to have an over-inflated image of one’s self.  Pride usually precedes a haughty spirit and a fall. (Psalm 16:18 and 29:23)  Leaders can become “drunk” from pride, popularity, and prosperity which can lead to poor decisions.  When leaders have too much pride it usually results in the destruction of the nation. (Isaiah 28:3-4)  Even religious leaders can be proud and their judgements can be affected as if they were drunk on wine or beer or some other alcoholic beverage. (Isaiah 28:7)   We are taught not to have too high of an opinion of ourselves. (Romans 12:3)  Too much pride can cause one to look down on others and to think too low of them.  Being pleased with a personal accomplishment is probably okay, but we should remember that our goal is to please The Lord God and not ourselves.  Our accomplishments should allow us to be better positioned to help and bless others.  Remember, to whom much is given, of him will much be required. (Luke 12:48)  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others (Proverbs 11:25) not to lord over them.

BUT SUCH AS I HAVE I GIVE

Proclamation:

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’”  Acts 3:6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After the day of Pentecost, receiving The Holy Spirit, (Acts 2:1-4) and preaching to the crowd, (Acts 2:14-41) Peter and John went to the temple.  There was a man outside the gate, lame from birth, begging for money. (Acts 3:1-3)  Peter said to him, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee …” (KJV)  The man jumped to his feet, began to walk, and went into the temple with them and praised God. (Acts 3:8)  The people in the temple recognized the man and came running to Peter and John.  Then Peter admonished them and told them that this was done by the power of Jesus, The Christ, whom they had handed over to Pilate to be crucified. (Acts 3:12-13)  Peter also said that they disowned Christ before Pilate and asked for the release of a murderer when Pilate wanted to let Him go. (Acts 3:14-23)

Application:

There are plenty of people today begging for money.  There are also plenty of them who would appreciate something to eat or some warm clothing.  We who have been blessed with a lot should share with those who are less fortunate.  We have clothes that just hang in our closets, which someone else could make good use of.  If you don’t want to give them money, you could pay for their meal.  Such as you have, you can give to the less fortunate.  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.  He that blesses others shall himself also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES WITH THE CHOICES THAT WE MAKE

Proclamation:

“There was a rich man … At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus … The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.  The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.  So he called to him … ‘send Lazarus … because I am in agony’ … ‘Then I beg you … send Lazarus to my family … let him warn them’ … He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”  Luke 16:19-31 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter Luke records the parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1-13) which Jesus told His disciples, in addition to His words to the covetous Pharisees (Luke 16:14-17) and His words on divorce. (Luke 16:18)  Then Jesus presents the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. (Luke 16:19-31)  Both of the parables deal with the unwise choices that men make.  The shrewd manager was dishonest and then made “self-preservation” deals with his master’s debtors and proved that he was not trustworthy.  The rich man had plenty of everything, during his life, but did not share any with the poor man outside of his gate.  In death the rich man suffered and became a beggar, begging for water and then begging to help his five brothers.

Application:

There are two very important lessons here.  The first is that we cannot serve The Lord God and love Him, and also serve and love money at the same time. (Luke 16:13)  If we follow the first rule of the world, self-preservation, and let the love of money rule us, then we will find ourselves wrapped up in evil. (1 Timothy 6:10)  The second point is that if we are too hard-hearted to share with the less fortunate, The Lord God will not be pleased.   Christ said that as we did, or did not do, to the less fortunate people, we did it, or did not do it, to Him. (Matthew 25:35-45)  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others, and we will be blessed for being a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25)  We are also to share The Word of God with others.  However, not all of the people will believe The Bible or that Jesus, The Christ, was raised from the dead; but some will believe and confess. (Romans 10:9)

THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Proclamation:

“In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest … a Levite … a Samaritan … Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man …’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”  Luke 10:25-37 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Luke begins this chapter by stating that Jesus appointed seventy-two additional men to go out two by two ahead of Him to every town and place where He was about to go. (Luke 10:1-24)  Then Luke presents the parable of the Good Samaritan which Jesus told them.  The parable was in response to a second question that an expert of the law had asked Jesus after his first question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He then asked, “And who is my neighbor?”  The parable states that three men came upon a man in need who had been robbed and beaten.  The priest and the Levite passed him by but the Samaritan stopped, offered him assistance, and took him to a place where he could be cared for and paid for the care. (Luke 10:33-35)  Luke ends the chapter by giving an example of how we can get so involved in the busy-work until we miss out on the most important part of why we are here. (Luke 10:38-42)

Application:

Sometimes, like this young man, we do and say things just to justify ourselves. (Luke 10:29)  We know what The Bible says about something and yet we still have questions as he did. (Luke 10:25-29)  Jesus, The Christ, makes it clear that we should do what The Bible says. (Luke 10:26)  He also tells us to help those who are in need. (Luke 10:37)  All too often we, the people of the church, see people who are in need of assistance and we just pass them by.  It is possible to help people in many ways including, but not limited to, giving them money.  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.  Jesus said that as we treat the least of the people, He takes it as if that is how we have treated Him. (Matthew 25:35-45)  Knowing what The Bible says does not do us any good if do not live by what it says.

A LONG AND PRODUCTIVE LIVE FOR THE LORD

Proclamation:

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of The Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.’”  Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV)

Explanation:

Although there is some debate about it, the words of this psalm appear to have been written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Here the righteous are compared to a tree, firm and strong, not like the grass which is weak, bendable, and easily cut down, to which the wicked are compared. (Psalm 92:7 and Psalm 37:1-2)  The righteous will flourish in God’s garden and be rooted in Christ.  They will be productive servants for The Lord even in their old age.  The palm tree is symbolic of victory and the cedar tree is symbolic of strength and seriousness.

Application:

Believers who follow The Word of God and maintain a close relationship with The Lord God will grow strong and their efforts will be productive, and they will continue to bear fruit even into their old age. (Psalm 1:3 and Psalm 92:12-14)  Those who walk in fellowship with The Lord will be powerful men and women of God.  Their lives will be an example to others as they let their light shine.  They will be a blessing to others and they themselves will also be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)  By their good works The Lord God will be glorified.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE KIND TO THE POOR AND THE WEAK

Proclamation:

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; The Lord delivers them in times of trouble.  The Lord protects and preserves them, they are counted among the blessed in the land … The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”  Psalm 41:1-3 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this psalm were written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Most of The Bible scholars think that David was making predictive references to Jesus, The Christ, in this psalm.  The reference to Judas Iscariot, one He trusted and shared bread with that turned against Him, (Psalm 41:9) is considered a prophecy. (John 13:18)  However, literally David’s friend and counsellor Ahithophel turned on him and counselled Absalom against him. (2 Samuel 16:21)  Additionally, the original Biblical Hebrew word which has been translated to mean weak or poor was written in the singular form.  This is also thought to be a reference to Jesus, The Christ.  Jesus, though He was rich, became poor for our sakes. (2 Corinthians 8:9)  Blessed is the man who has compassion for, and helps the poor and the weak, for he that is kind to the poor lends to The Lord and He will repay or reward him for doing so. (Proverbs 19:17)  Jesus said as you have done it to the least of these people, you have done it to Me. (Matthew 25:35-40)  The Lord protects and preserves the poor and weak believers, He is a refuge for them in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)

Application:

We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.  Those of us who have compassion for the less fortunate, the poor, the weak, the hungry, and the sick, will be blessed.  Giving to the poor and the hungry, helping the weak, and visiting the sick demonstrates Christ-like behavior and our love for our fellow man.  The Lord God protects and provides for them.  If we allow The Holy Spirit of God to use us to be a blessing to them, then we ourselves will be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)

WE ARE NOT THE PERSON WE USED TO BE

Proclamation:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.  The old has gone, the new is here.”  2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Corinth.  Paul wanted the people of God to know that once a person accepts Christ as their personal savior they become a new creature, or a new creation.  They are no longer the person that they used to be.  The corrupt old nature is still present but the person is different because of the implantation of new principals of grace and holiness.  This gives them a new spirit and a new heart which results in new desires, new affections, new delights and joys.  They now see things differently and they behave differently.

Application:

All of us have done some things in the past that are an embarrassment to us now.  It does not matter how many skeletons there are in our closets, God can still use us.  All of the great men of the Bible were sinners, except Jesus, The Christ, and God used them.  We should not let our past sins get in the way and stop us from serving God now.  We have changed, we are new creatures.  Thanks to The Holy Spirit we are not who we used to be.  The fact that we have stopped doing some of the things that we did in the past may help us reach someone who is lost in sin where we used to be.  However, we are not perfect.  We still struggle with some of our sinful ways.  That is why we pray daily to ask God to forgive us of our sins and to help us as we walk this Christian walk.  God has a plan for each of us, and I am sure that part of that plan involves helping someone else and sharing with others what we know about Christ.

BLESSINGS COME TO THOSE WHO BLESS OTHERS

Proclamation:

"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."  Genesis 12:3 (NIV)

Explanation:

Abraham, the father of the faithful, was initially called Abram but The Lord God changed his name. (Genesis 17:5)  Abraham walked in the ways of The Lord and was obedient when God told him to leave his homeland without telling where he was going. (Genesis 12:1)  God said that He would bless him and make a great nation out of him and make his name great. (Genesis 12:2)  The nation refers to Israel.  The three great religions of the world, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, all hold Abraham in great respect.  God also said that He would bless the people who blessed Abraham, and that all of the people on earth would be blessed through him.  The earthly genealogy of Jesus, The Christ, can be linked to Abraham. (Matthew 1:1-16)  That is how all of the people on earth were blessed through Abraham.

Application:

When God said, "I will bless those who bless you ..." He was clearly talking directly to Abraham.  It can also be said, however, that He was talking to us today.  That would be consistent with the statement in Proverbs 11:25, "... and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" (KJV) or as stated another way, "... he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." (NIV)  He that blesses others shall himself be blessed.  Because we are believers, God will bless those who are a blessing to us, and He will bless us for being a blessing to others.

TRUE FRIENDS ARE A SPECIAL BLESSING

Proclamation:

 “Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends …”  John 15:13-14 (ASV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, which He spoke to His disciples as recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle John.  He told them this after He told them that they should love one another as He had loved them. (John 15:12)

Application:

We call a lot of people our friends.  However, most of them are actually more appropriately classified as acquaintances, associates, classmates, colleagues, or co-workers.  Additionally, thanks to social media, we also have some “friends” who are only internet contacts.  Most of us use the term “friend” very loosely.  Jesus referred to His disciples as His friends and He said that He loved them enough to lay down His life for them.  Most of us would be willing to die for a loved one or a family member but not necessarily for our “friends.”  Think about all of the people you refer to as your friend and then ask yourself would you be willing to die for them.  Jesus loved us enough to die for us.  Most of us would not be willing to die for Him.  “What a friend we have in Jesus …”  As believers in Christ, and as students of The Word of God, we should value our relationship with The Lord and with each other.  People are allowed to enter our lives for a reason.  Some of them are a blessing to us which we may not recognize or appreciate during our encounters with them or at that time.  We should thank God for all of our friends, especially any friend that we love enough to die for, because that friend is truly a blessing.

GIVE AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU

Proclamation:

“Give, and it will be given to you … For the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, which He spoke during His Sermon on The Mount as recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Jesus told them that as they gave to others, it would be given to them the same way.  They would receive a good measure, “… pressed down, shaken together and running over …”  A heaping measure, as much as the measuring cup could hold, would be given to them if they were equally generous to the indigent people in need.  If they were not generous with others, then The Lord God would not be generous with them.

Application:

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)  It is good to be blessed, but it is even better to be a blessing to others.  Giving someone money is not the only way that we can bless them.  As the saying goes, giving a hungry man some food is a blessing to him, but teaching him how to fish and cook it can bless him for the rest of his life.  If you want to receive more blessings, try giving more blessings to others.  Be a blessing to someone and you will receive a blessing.  All that we have received was not meant for us to keep for ourselves, some of it was for us to share with others.  Remember what The Bible says about the rich man and Lazarus, the beggar who sat outside of the rich man’s gate. (Luke 16:19-31)  Apart from our money, most of us place too much importance upon our words.  We think that what we have to say is a blessing to those that hear it.  While it is possible to bless someone by what we say, what we do for them is usually much more of a blessing than what we say to them.  Our actions speak much louder than our words.  That which we have but are not using could be a blessing to others.  The time spent caring for others, visiting the sick or the incarcerated, could be a blessing to them.  The Apostle Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you.” (Acts 3:6)  However, if you do have silver or gold or money, it is okay to share that also.  When we give to the less fortunate, we are lending it to The Lord God, and He will repay us. (Proverbs 19:17)  "Give, and it shall be given unto you..." (Luke 6:38)

INFLUENCE FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Proclamation:

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish.  And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 (NIV)

Explanation:

There is some debate among Bible scholars as to the human author of this Book of The Bible, but the influence of The Holy Spirit of God is present revealing how God can use ordinary people to accomplish His purpose.  Through a series of unlikely events, Esther, a beautiful Jewish girl who had been raised by her cousin Mordecai, had married King Xerxes, King of Persia and Media, and become Queen.  Mordecai found out about the plot to kill the king and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king.  Somehow the king honored Haman for this, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles.  All of the people were to kneel down and pay honor to Haman, for the king had commanded it.  But Mordecai would not kneel down.  Haman learned that Mordecai was Jewish and wanted to kill all Jews because of his disrespect. (Ester 3:5-6)  Mordecai sent word to Esther to beg the king for mercy and plead with him for her people.  Going before the king without being summoned by him could cost Esther her life.  Esther did as Mordecai had requested and the Jews were spared, and Haman was eventually hanged in the gallows which he had ordered built to hang Mordecai. (Esther 7:10)

Application:

Sometimes we are placed in positions of influence and need to speak up for what we believe.  There is a cost associated with taking a stand and speaking up, but there is also a cost for keeping silent when we should speak up and for not helping others when we could.  In our circles of family, friends, and co-workers, we all exercise some influence through our advice and opinions.  Let each of us speak up for Christ and make sure that our advice and opinions are solidly Bible based as we attempt to help others.  It is very possible that the events of our lives, the lessons learned, and the blessings received have prepared us to be in position that we are in "... for such a time as this" in order that we might be a blessing to others.  Let us pray to God that we use our influence wisely.

BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED

Proclamation:

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed ..." Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Explanation:

The Proverbs of King Solomon contain some of the best advice ever given, from the wisest man that ever lived. (2 Chronicles 1:7-12 and 1 Kings 4:29-34)  Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, Solomon wrote that generosity would be rewarded.  He said that if they were a blessing to others, then they themselves would be blessed.  Solomon also said that if they went about looking for the good in others, then good things would come to them. (Proverbs 11:27)

Application:

As we sow, so shall we also reap. (Job 4:8)  What we give out is what we will get back.  And, one who gives will get back much more in return than they give out.  A seed which is planted produces not just another seed, but many times more seeds, often there is more than a one hundred fold increase. (Matthew 13:8 & 13:23)  That which we want more of, we should try giving more of that to others.  As we give to others, so shall we receive.   He who is a blessing to others, will himself also be blessed.  When we give to the poor we are actually lending to The Lord and He will repay us. (Proverbs 19:17)   Jesus, The Christ, said that it is better to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)   A generous giving person will be blessed for being a blessing to others.

USING OUR GOD GIVEN GIFTS

Proclamation:

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.  If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are The Holy Spirit inspired words written by the apostle Peter to the believers in order to expose, counter, and thwart the false teachers of his time.  His point was that every man has received a gift from God, and he should use that gift to the benefit of others and to the glory of God.  Some have been given a combination of various gifts blended uniquely for each individual for the benefit of others within the body of Christ.

Application:

As we study The Word of God we learn that we each were uniquely and wonderfully made by God. (Psalms 139:14)  We each have a unique and different set of God given abilities, talents, and gifts.  We are blessed with them according to our ability to handle them. (Matthew 25:15)  We were not blessed for us to brag or boast or for the exaltation of ourselves.  We each should use what we have as best we can to be a blessing to others, for by blessing others we will be blessed. (Proverbs 11:25)  As we help and bless the less fortunate, Jesus said that we have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:40)  In all that we say and do, we should use our abilities, gifts, and talents as if we are using them for The Lord God, to please Him and to give Him glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)  We should be good stewards over the abilities, gifts, and talents which God has given us.  Let us also remember that to whom much is given, much will be required. (Luke 12:48)  We need to use our blessings wisely for one day we will have to give an account of our stewardship. (Romans 14:12)

Have Compassion For The Needy

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.' "  Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, recorded by the Apostle Matthew, the former tax collector, as He spoke to His disciples regarding the parable of the sheep and the goats. (Matthew 25:31-46)  He told them that when the time is come, He will separate people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25:32-33)  He will direct the righteous to His right side, and the non-believers to his left.  The righteous He will tell to come and claim their inheritance as their reward for how they treated Him. (Matthew 25:34-36)  Then they will ask Him, when did we treat you that way, and His reply will be, as you did it for the least of these, My brothers, you did it for Me. (Matthew 25:37-40)

It is clear that Jesus regards our treatment of the least of the believers as if we had done it to Him.  Who are the least of His brothers?  They are the hungry, the thirsty, those in need of clothing, the sick, and those who are incarcerated.  When we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, give clothing to those in need, care for the sick, and visit the incarcerated, in His eyes we are doing it to Him.  We should be very careful in the way that we treat people, especially the down and out.  We are blessed in order to be a blessing to others. (Proverbs 11:25)  It is possible that we may encounter an angel and not be aware of it. (Hebrews 13:1-3)