What does "supply him liberally" teach about God's provision and our responsibility? Setting the Scene: Deuteronomy 15:14 “Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. You are to give him whatever the LORD your God has blessed you with.” A Snapshot of Divine Provision • God commands Israel to release a bond-servant in the seventh year and make sure he leaves well resourced, not empty-handed (De 15:12-14). • The phrase “supply him liberally” shows that the Lord’s own giving is never stingy; He sets the standard of overflow (Psalm 23:5; Ephesians 3:20). • Provision springs from what God has “blessed you with.” He is the Source; we are the stewards (James 1:17). Our Responsibility: Mirror the Giver • Give out of what you have, not what you wish you had—“whatever the LORD your God has blessed you with.” • Give freely, not grudgingly. The Hebrew carries the idea of “great abundance” or “large gift.” • Recognize the timing: after enjoying six years of another’s labor, the master blesses the servant on departure—a tangible expression of gratitude and justice. • Avoid half-measures; generosity is measured by God’s goodness, not human thrift (Luke 6:38). Principles for Today 1. Ownership: Everything we possess is entrusted to us by God (1 Chronicles 29:14). 2. Stewardship: God’s blessings are meant to flow through us to others (Genesis 12:2). 3. Proportion: Give in proportion to how much you’ve received (2 Corinthians 8:12). 4. Readiness: Hold resources with an open hand, ready to bless when need arises (Proverbs 3:27-28). 5. Joy: Generous giving is a joyful act of worship, not a burdensome obligation (2 Corinthians 9:7). Promises That Undergird Generosity • “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) • “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11) • “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17) Putting It into Practice • Inventory blessings—count tangible and intangible gifts God has given. • Identify servants, employees, or anyone who has invested labor on your behalf; plan a generous send-off or bonus. • Set aside a “liberality fund” in your budget to meet spontaneous needs. • Celebrate testimonies of God’s provision to reinforce confidence in giving. • Teach the next generation by modeling open-handedness at home and church. God supplies abundantly; His people supply others liberally. Our generosity is both a confession of His faithful provision and a tangible extension of His heart to the world. |
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