Giving and getting in return
Stanley Samuel
Reading
through Luke 6:38 earlier this week, I was reminded that this verse is very
popular among churches when offering is done. However, as I read this verse,
the Holy Spirit reminded me of the image of the Olive Press that we saw in
Israel. In this verse, we see Jesus telling the audience that, “give,
and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together,
running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back
to you.”
If we look at the operation of an olive press, we know that if we put a good measure of olives, press it down, shake the olives together, pure olive oil will be running over. I see Jesus using a common day understanding of producing olive oil to help the audience understand a powerful principle of giving. Interestingly, if you see what was given is not what is received back. As a matter of fact, the true essence or attribute of olive is olive oil and that is what is obtained. Olive oil was used by the Israelites for worshiping God, anointing priests and was also used for common day living like cooking, lighting lamps etc.
I believe Jesus is helping us understand here that when we give, may it be love, grace, affection, mercy, tithes, offerings etc.; we will get back the true essence of what we gave rather than what we gave. For example, giving tithes and offering may not always give us in return money, but we could get back joy at work, peace in the family, spiritual and physical health, love with parents and siblings, etc….since that is the true essence of our life, rather than considering our giving as an money investment principle. Additionally, with what we get back, we are to use it for His glory and also use for our daily needs. This is when the true attribute and identity of what we give comes to fruition, and our life becomes more meaningful and fruitful for His Glory.
With love and Prayers
Stanley Samuel
1 John 3:23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love another, as he gave us commandment