January 4, 2013 (Friday)
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again” (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NIV)
What was Solomon talking about in the above verse? Some say he was referring to sowing seed in the Nile at flood stage, so that crops appeared when the river returned to normal. Other say he was talking about sending ships laden with goods to unknown ports; some would return with riches. Still others offer different ideas.
Whatever the immediate explanation of this scripture, all agree it is urging reckless generosity, with the expectation that it will somehow eventually bring good things.
It seems to me that Solomon was teaching the same thing that Jesus was talking about when he said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV).
Reminds me of a saying I’ve heard in recent years: “Don’t give until it hurts–give until it feels good.”
Generosity is not a good deed; it is a way of life for the child of God. Jesus taught this to us in word and deed. He set the example, giving Himself for us.
Take a look at Ecclesiastes 11:1 again. Here’s what it says in plain English: “You can’t outgive God.”
“Give freely, though it may seem thrown away and lost. Give to many. Excuse not thyself with the good thou hast done, from the good thou hast further to do. It is not lost, but well laid out” (Matthew Henry).