Inspirational, Contagious Generosity

1 Chronicles 29:6-9 The family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals, the captains, and the officials responsible for the king’s work, were all ready and gave their valuable things. These are the things they gave for God’s house: 190 tons of gold; 375 tons of silver; 675 tons of bronze; and 3750 tons of iron. People who had valuable stones gave them to the LORD’s Temple. Jehiel took care of the valuable stones. He was from the Gershon family. The people were very happy because their leaders were willing to give so much. The leaders had given freely to the LORD from good hearts. King David was also very happy.

In a world where many people seem to have more and more – more money, more stuff – all too often those same people end up giving less and less. Less to the poor and needy. Less to God’s work. Why is that?

Back when the time came for King Solomon to build the temple, his father David, challenged the people to give generously. You can read about his challenge – in effect, the first “matching fund” in the Bible – in 1 Chronicles 29:1-5. At the end of that passage, he says this:

I have given gold and silver so that skilled men can make all different kinds of things for the Temple. Now, how many of you Israelites are ready to give yourselves to the LORD today?

And here’s what happened next:

1 Chronicles 29:6-9 The family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals, the captains, and the officials responsible for the king’s work, were all ready and gave their valuable things. These are the things they gave for God’s house: 190 tons of gold; 375 tons of silver; 675 tons of bronze; and 3750 tons of iron. People who had valuable stones gave them to the LORD’s Temple. Jehiel took care of the valuable stones. He was from the Gershon family. The people were very happy because their leaders were willing to give so much. The leaders had given freely to the LORD from good hearts. King David was also very happy.

That’s unbelievable. 190 tons of gold!!! And how did it all happen? By David stepping forward and giving first. It turned out that his generosity was both inspirational and contagious. It resulted in an incredible outpouring of resources for God’s work. So if you’re going to give, be generous, very generous because in God’s economy, your generosity too will be inspirational and contagious. That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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