Sell your possessions, and give to the needy...
- Luke 12:33
Kingdom people are radically generous people.
In Luke CH. 12, Jesus gives us a picture of what Kingdom people look like, and Jesus is clear—
Kingdom people are radically generous.
When Jesus tells us to "sell our possessions, and give to the needy," He is trampling on the Old Testament standard of the tithe.
The tithe is simple; things come in, and you give 10%.
As your income comes in, give 10%. When the crop comes in, give 10%. You receive 20 coins, give 2 away. Not radical, simple.
In Luke 12:33, Jesus commands something more, something radical.
Jesus isn't talking about income; He is talking about assets; He is talking about your life!
Jesus tells us to take the things we own, the things we enjoy, the things we value, and be radically generous.
With one phrase, Jesus blows past the simple practice of the tithe, and He commands radical generosity.
So why aren't more of us radically generous?
Jesus tells us, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (vs. 32).
Jesus introduces radical generosity by telling us to "not be afraid."
The opposite of generosity is not greed—the opposite is fear.
People do not practice radical generosity because they are afraid. Afraid of not having enough. Fearful of having less than my neighbor.
Fear, not greed, is what keeps us from being generous.
Yet Jesus is telling us, "drop your small ambitions and trust me." "Fear not," He says, "you are Kingdom people with a King's inheritance."
Your prayer today, "Jesus, help me be more generous."
Press on,
Pastor Chris
