07: Formational Stewardship
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
(Luke 6:38 NIV)
Date: 60-61 AD
Writer: Apostle Luke
The Context
Luke was a physician and companion of Paul. He writes to share "an orderly account" (Verse 3) to Theophilus, whose name means "lover of God." Assuming Theophilus is a person of status, the goal is to share his personal account of Jesus so that Theophilus, and the surrounding community "may know the truth." (Verse 4) By the time of this writing, Christianity was spreading throughout the Greco-Roman community, which attracted attention as well as opposition. Luke writes to emphasize that Jesus was a friend to all. He highlights the humanitarian nature of Jesus' character and that His ministry was conducted in peace. Luke's overall theme is salvation, and that Jesus came to restore Israel.
The Book
In Luke, Jesus is the compassionate Messiah. The story arc focuses on the birth narrative and childhood, His parents and family, His ministry, parables of compassion (e.g. The Prodigal Son), the Beatitudes, and His climactic final days. The book also "grounds the spread of the Gospel to all nations." Luke "embeds the story of Jesus in the history of Israel." He connects to the writings of Matthew & Mark, while incorporating his own sources of narratives, teachings and appearances.
The Text
Within Chapter 6, Jesus declares himself the "Lord of the Sabbath" (Verse 5), He heals on the Sabbath, selects the 12 apostles, heals multitudes, and speaks the wisdom of the Beatitudes. After speaking on judgment, condemnation and forgiveness, Jesus shifts to the topic of giving. He is making an appeal for generosity and kindness, in contrast to judgment. The recipients of God's favor are "those who are poor, hungry, weeping and hated . . . not those of good fortune." But, those who follow Him will have "boundless generosity." Jesus'' image of God is a merciful Father, whose own practices are not stingy or calculated, but lavish and full of grace."
The Relevance
This text is a guiding light within the formational journey because it reminds us to keep our hearts and minds focused on stewardship, regardless of measure. There is a post-it note in my office that says, 'I do it for the love of the Lord." I am not certain from where I appropriated that saying, but it has been there for years. It is about more than "what goes around comes around." Measure is a general reference to resource and stewardship. "Good measure" is a reference to God's generosity. This text is an assurance that God will bless our stewardship when done in truth.
The Witness
When I first went back to work after my daughter was born, I was making less money than I was used to. I had just closed my business, so I was used to having a bit more disposable income. And, to be transparent, I wasn't the best steward when I had my business. So during the early years of my formational journey it became very apparent to me that God was teaching me how to be a good steward. Lesson #1: Learn to "be trusted with small things." (Luke 16)
At first, I didn't have hardly anything remaining after I took care of the necessities for my daughter, so to that extent, God was also teaching me to trust Him in all things. Yet, even in the midst of global economic instability, our circumstances continued to improve over time. I received a raise every year, and a bonus every Christmas. And, I became a consistent giver. I was also able to start saving consistently.
That said, when I finished seminary and the Lord put it on my heart to move to Texas, guess who had a nice little nest egg saved up to resource the move! It was almost shocking! The Lord had prepared the way in my finances so that I could answer the call when it was came time for one season to end, and another to begin.
Over the years, God has loosened the reigns a bit. But to this day, I am still very conscious of remembering my lessons in formational stewardship. I have always had a heart to give, and have always been a cheerful giver. I also give according to what the Lord puts on my heart. Again, obedience is key in the formational journey. He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord our provider.
Resources
Attridge, The HarperCollins Study Bible
Gaventa, The New Interpreter's Bible One Volume Commentary
Harrelson, The New Interpreter's Study Bible
Powell, The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary