What can we learn about generosity from the man bringing "twenty loaves of barley"? setting the scene “Now a man came from Baal-shalishah and brought the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread made from the firstfruits, along with fresh grain in his sack. ‘Give it to the people to eat,’ said Elisha. But his servant asked, ‘How can I set this before a hundred men?’ ‘Give it to the people to eat,’ said Elisha, ‘for this is what the LORD says: “They will eat and have some left over.”’ So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.” (2 Kings 4:42-44) portrait of a generous man • Firstfruits giver – He presents “the firstfruits,” obeying God’s command that the earliest portion belongs to Him (Numbers 18:13; Proverbs 3:9). • Faith-driven giver – In a time of famine (4:38), he still releases food, trusting God’s provision. • Quiet giver – No name recorded, no fanfare sought; generosity flows from devotion, not self-promotion (Matthew 6:3-4). • Strategic giver – He brings resources to Elisha, a prophet who feeds others and proclaims God’s word, multiplying impact. what generosity looks like • Offering the first and best, not the leftovers. • Giving even when needs press close at home. • Channeling resources toward ministries that nourish others spiritually and physically. • Leaving results to God rather than measuring worth by size. motives that fuel this generosity 1. Reverence for God’s commands. 2. Confidence that obedience never impoverishes (Malachi 3:10). 3. Compassion for people who are hungry. 4. Desire to honor those who labor in the word (Galatians 6:6). how God responds to such generosity • Multiplication – The twenty loaves feed a hundred men “and have some left over,” foreshadowing Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand (John 6:9-13). • Confirmation – God validates both the giver’s faith and Elisha’s prophetic office. • Encouragement – Witnesses learn that small offerings surrendered to God become more than enough (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). practical take-aways for today • Prioritize giving the “firstfruits” of income, time, and talents to the Lord. • Don’t wait for surplus; give in seasons of scarcity and watch God supply (Philippians 4:19). • Support faithful gospel ministry; God often multiplies gifts through those proclaiming His word. • Expect God to use ordinary resources for extraordinary blessing—He still makes “some left over.” • Let generosity flow quietly and consistently; heaven keeps the record even when earth doesn’t. |
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