The Grace of Giving (2 Cor. 8:1-15)

[Sung Psalm: 72]

Exodus 16:15 is quoted in 2 Corinthians 8:15 : “whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

It’s an interesting choice of passage, since Paul has been dealing with the matter of conflict between himself and the Corinthians. And Exodus 16 is about a conflict between Moses and Aaron and the congregation of Israel!

But Exodus 16 also makes it clear that the people of God are not supposed to hoard wealth. Manna from heaven was the “daily bread” of the wilderness generation. For 40 years they ate bread from heaven. But if they tried to hoard it, it bred worms and stank. God was teaching his people to trust him – he will provide all that you need.

How will he provide? Generally speaking, he will use ordinary means. Most of the time, you work hard, you get a paycheck – that’s how God provides.

And then sometimes disaster strikes – and you need help. So your family steps in to help – and in Jesus, you’ve got a very, very large family!