The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 22:22-23 (HCSB)
22 Don't rob a poor man because he is poor, and don't crush the oppressed at the gate,
23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 50:1 (HCSB)
Yahweh, the God of gods speaks; He summons the earth from east to west.
The Word of God for encouragement:
2 Corinthians 8:20-21 (HCSB)
20 We are taking this precaution so no one can criticize us about this large sum administered by us.
21 For we are making provision for what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.
My observation:
Paul and some of his trusted associates had gone to the churches to take an offering for the needy saints at Jerusalem. The people had responded with generosity.
The verses in our focal passage today show how Paul and his associates handled the gifts that the people gave. This selected passage, together with the surrounding verses, provides a wonderful example of how we should handle money in the church.
There are some things about this passage that are noteworthy. Notice the character, concern, and competence that Paul displayed in handling God's and the people's money. Notice the integrity and the openness.
Paul wanted to be blameless in the way he administered the offering given by the churches. He took the precaution to be above criticism in the way he handled this large offering by the churches. Paul's character shines through in his desire to honest in the sight of God and of men.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the men and women who serve you and serve the church with honesty and integrity. Father God, may every church have men and women of character like we see in the life of Paul and his two trusted associates, who were of like heart and mind. In Jesus name, Amen.
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3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
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