Divine Wisdom for Daily Living by Joanne Colvin

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.” (1 Peter 2:21-3:1)

As we worship Christ today it is good for us to review the imperatives (commands) of 3:1-7 in light of the infinitives (truths) immediately preceding them. All that we are commanded to do by God in his Word is founded on the truth of who God is, what Christ has done, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in us; in other words, our marching orders are based on who we are in Christ. So, first of all, we are called to a holy life that is founded on the suffering of Jesus Christ, who is not only our example but our leader whom we are to follow (2:21). As his disciples, we should expect to suffer in our relationships—possibly the messiest aspect of living in a world corrupted by sin. Any idea that marrying the right person will lead to utter peace and happiness, or that avoiding marriage will save us from relational struggles is unbiblical and misguided.

There is hope, though, in both the way Jesus managed his suffering and the outcome of it. Verses 22 and 23 remind us that Christ was truthful, restrained, gentle, and completely trusting in his Father’s plan. He submitted, yielding to torture and abuse, rather than take revenge, inappropriately use his overwhelming power, or resist the suffering that was necessary for our salvation. Shall we not yield to a few unintentional insults, misguided helpful comments, or hurt feelings in our marriages, to overcome evil with good? There was no deceit in Christ, meaning that he never added to or detracted from God’s truth for his own benefit but died because of the truth that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Then Jesus let events unfold. Will we speak the biblical truth gently to ourselves first, that we are sinners who always have a role in relational conflicts? Then will we trust God and letting his providence unfold?

Jesus’s sinlessness is impossible for us to imitate but we are reminded that by it he alone is qualified to be our Savior. Verse 24 is a summary of Isaiah 53:4-5, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” This  is the conclusion to the matter: “By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:15)”

The “Likewise” for wives in 3:1 has this great depth of meaning, and not just for wives. It is for all of us who wish to draw others to Christ with dignity and wisdom by our words and conduct. Let’s seek to appreciate the truths of the Bible as we worship today so that by believing more faithfully, we will yield more readily to God’s will and draw others to Christ.

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:1-7)

The relationship between a husband and wife is not a major theme of 1 Peter, which was addressed to Christians in Asia Minor who were experiencing persecution under Roman rule for their encouragement (1 Peter 1:1; 2:18-25; 3:13-22; 4:12-19). However, his instructions to husband and wives is a reminder that marriages are to follow the pattern already established, regardless of circumstances. The Gentile Christians who heard Peter’s letter were suffering from public harassment; today the provocation comes from the values and expectations of the world, which has a low view of marriage. The greatest difficulty we have in any relationship, though, is our own sin that causes us to become self-centered, controlling, and fearful of vulnerability. So the admonition for wives to be respectful and gentle is excellent advice for all women in their marriages, families, and friendships. I sometimes struggle with being a little rough and outspoken, so this is especially challenging for me at times.

Another source of difficulty for marriages is all the issues that arise with children. We will concentrate on parenting when we consider “family” in this devotional series, but let’s acknowledge that marriages are tremendously influenced by children, especially those living at home. Peter says that wives are not to “fear anything that is frightening,” but, honestly, children’s problems and needs can be very worrisome and anxiety-producing. Perhaps we can find help in Proverbs 3:25-26: “Do not be afraid of sudden terror…for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Women who depend upon the Lord possess wisdom and confidence, to counter fear and worry, through their partnership with Christ and with their husbands.

Commentators are not sure about Peter’s reference to women as the “weaker vessel,” but Matthew Henry has this wise commentary on 1 Peter 3:1-7: “Christians ought to do their duty to one another, from a willing mind, and in obedience to the command of God…They are heirs together of all the blessings of this life and that which is to come and should live peaceably one with another. Prayer sweetens their converse. And it is not enough that they pray with the family, but husband and wife together by themselves, and with their children. Those who are acquainted with prayer, find such unspeakable sweetness in it, that they will not be hindered therein. That you may pray much, live holily; and that you may live holily, be much in prayer.” *

Do you pray with your spouse or family? Do you pray for other families and marriages? Prayer is fragrant incense to God and strengthens the body’s faith.

* Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Ephesians 1 Peter 5:, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/1-peter/3.html

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.” (Ephesians 5:22-30)

Submission has gotten a bad rap in the world, by its use in many adverse circumstances where a person or group of people are forced to submit to something or someone disagreeable or oppressive. But the Bible never condones submission to an oppressive or sinful person or group. The ESV Study Bible has this helpful note about Ephesians 5:22-33,  “The submission of wives is not like the obedience children owe parents, nor does this text command all women to submit to all men (to your own husbands, not to all husbands). Both genders are equally created in God’s image and heirs together of eternal life (Gen. 1:26-28; Gal. 3:28).” (1)

As Christians, we submit to the triune God, the Bible, our local and denominational church authorities and any particular leaders under whom we serve in the church, at work, or in our community (Romans 13:1-2). The difficulty comes when those in authority are not governed by God or secular law, as is the case in some majority nations today. However, the law is meant to help us conform to the right conduct for society, just as God’s commands are given for our good and the good of the Church.  Submitting to a good ruler, teacher, leader, or husband is a blessing to all parties. In Ephesians 5:25-30, the wise, biblical husband is described as a man who loves his wife sacrificially, even to be willing to lose his life for her as Christ gave up his life for the church. There is no greater love than to die to oneself for the sake of building up another, and this is the work of Christian husbands. As a wife looks at this particular characteristic, she can have confidence that her submission will not be abused or manipulated for her husband’s benefit, but will strengthen them both. I will concede that it is challenging to find human models of this biblical husband in books, series, or movies today, but there are a few, particularly on PureFlix and in Christian fiction.

Verses 26-30 are very specific in the way a husband should love his wife—as he loves his own body. A husband (and any person, for that matter), loves himself by: protecting himself from danger, exercising his body, eating for health, finding appropriate times and circumstances for sexual intimacy that is loving and satisfying, growing in Christ by the study of God’s Word, through prayer, fellowship, worship, and other Christian graces. All these he will also do for and with his wife, loving her as he loves himself. “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Ephesians 5:31-33)

Matthew Henry comments, “There will be failures and defects on both sides, in the present state of human nature, yet this does not alter the relation. All the duties of marriage are included in unity and love. And while we adore and rejoice in the condescending love of Christ, let husbands and wives learn hence their duties to each other. Thus the worst evils would be prevented, and many painful effects would be avoided.” (2)

Will you think about how you can express the love of Christ in your marriage more generously?

• ESV Study Bible Notes on Ephesians 5:22-33.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Ephesians 5:22-33, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/ephesians/5.html

“The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh.’ But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:16-20)

“Some of the Corinthian Christians were using prostitutes, theorizing that bodily appetites were matters of indifference for Christians just as they apparently were for everyone else. Paul reminds them that the bodies of Christians are one with the resurrected Christ and, in risen form, the Christian’s body will be eternal…The Corinthians have adopted from the culture around them the idea that the body is permitted to have everything that it craves.” *

Sexual immorality is sinful because it is personal, intimate, against the one committing the sin, and a violation of God’s holy temple—believer’s bodies. The fact that God sanctifies and purifies our bodies to house the Holy Spirit is profound—and has weighty implications. God chooses believers, transforms our stony hearts into hearts of flesh, convicts us of our sin, brings us to repentance through the work of the Holy Spirit, and gives us the faith to live for Jesus Christ. All of this happens without our contribution, but with our full participation, when God irresistible grace seizes our souls; even if we had wanted to resist him before, that desire is wholly taken over by the Holy Spirit’s love. As a result, we no longer want to live for ourselves, but live for God, seeking to please him. The more we meditate on these great, foundational truths, the more wisdom and desire we have to live as new creatures. Some Christians have never studied these doctrines; or they may be naive about the holiness that emanates from the indwelling Spirit, as I was when I first came to Christ. I remember being shocked to learn that there were commands I had violated, without even recognizing the danger or the insult to my jealous God. But unbelievers share none of God’s indwelling holiness and, as a result, do not have the same motivation for sexual purity.

If we realize the importance of sexual relations only within heterosexual marriage, according to these truths, to please God, then yielding to the characteristics of a biblical marriage will be more easily accomplished. Do you know a growing Christian who needs to read this today?

* RSV Study Bible Notes on 1 Corinthians 6:16-20.

“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life. Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.” (Proverbs 6:24-29)

Rather than diving into the characteristics of a wise, biblical marriage, I continue to pray and explore the Bible texts, both Old and New Testament. Our present world’s radical departure from biblical marriage as an institution is leering down at us. Satan is undoubtedly behind the trend to make the marriage relationship between a man and a woman a throw-away, antiquated idea. The Bible nowhere gives any approval or allowance for sexual activity outside of marriage. In the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 18, the Lord gave Moses a list of prohibited sexual relations including incest and adultery. The prohibitions are prefaced with this warning: “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, I am the Lord your God. You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 18:2-5)

It is a significant challenge of our times to hold fast to biblical values and principles, as believers are called to do, in a world that has jettisoned them for self-pleasure and convenience. A single woman no longer has to be childless; she is “free” to have a child with a man or even by in-vitro fertilization. A gay couple can do the same, or men use a surrogate woman to carry their child. Couples excuse themselves from marriage because of their fear of commitment or pressure to produce a costly wedding. Unfortunately, there are plenty of Christians who think that compromising with God’s statutes relating to marriage is without consequence. However, Proverbs warns that violating these commands will be like carrying fire and getting burned or walking on hot coals, scorching the feet. Negative consequences for sexual intimacy outside of marriage include children being confused about marriage and family, people are overly sensitive, and more concern about how others treat them eclipse their ability to relate to others with confidence and trust. National and local legal systems are tied up with determining personal rights and nomenclature. Christians, in particular, are led to think that the Bible is no longer relevant or autoreactive. Of course, the greatest consequence is the rejection of Christ, who alone can offer the love we all yearn for in this life.

Many of us now have family members or acquaintances who reject God’s institution of marriage for individual preferences, which are endorsed by society. What is the wise person to do? When Christians sin sexually, we are called to help them by asserting, mercifully, with love and grace biblical truths that are to be obeyed. However, Unbelievers need the gospel, when God provides the opportunity to share.

“Your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. For the Lord has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God.” (Isaiah 54:5-6)

“And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’…And I will make for them a covenant on that day…And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.” (Hosea 2:16-20)

God has a high and strict definition of marriage, which should inform our marriages and our view of the relationship between a husband and wife. God called Israel to be His wife, even though she deserted Him and grieved Him. He abandoned her briefly, but brought her back with great compassion, and will continue to have pity on her. As Israel’s husband, God will give her a new heart to love Him as He loves her. God will speak tenderly to Israel, and she will respond to Him and call God her one and only Husband. He will marry her forever in righteousness, justice, steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness, as he has his church. He alone will be her God, in the times to come.

The institution of marriage is being redefined at an alarming rate today, as the sinful desires of men and women once again determine to take God’s place in deciding what is best in their eyes, imitating the sin of Adam and Eve. Today men are marrying men and women are marrying women, while governments are conforming to and legalizing these civil unions. This study, being thoroughly biblical and true to the intent and authority of God’s Word, addresses marriage between a husband and wife as the only valid matrimony in God’s sight. Biblical marriage is also continuous, monogamous, and unbroken, in spite of the sinfulness of spouses.

Husbands and wives are to love and respect each other as God loves his bride, the universal church. Righteousness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness flow out of God’s love and characterizes biblical marriages. Society will continue to see marriage as a way to combat loneliness by providing a romantic attachment. However, God sees it as a reflection of his care and love for his people, who are uniquely in a marital relationship with him. It is essential to know how God defines marriage, in spite of the temptation to skip over this to the issues facing marriages today. Many Christian couples have never studied the topic of marriage in the Bible and therefore are at the mercy of the world’s viewpoint, rather than God’s. But instead of fearing what Scripture has to say about marriage and its duties, we should all seek to know God’s heart for husbands and wives. The Lord’s love, tenderness, compassion, attentiveness, and wisdom is poured out on spouses.

The marriage relationship is uniquely challenging; should we not seek God’s wisdom to know how to manage it? Is there some way that you have neglected your marriage? If you are single, do you celebrate and encourage others’ marriages without covetousness?

“But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:20-24)

Today we transition from stewardship into relationships, beginning with one of the most important ones, the marriage relationship. Benjamin Franklin once said, “The happy State of Matrimony is, undoubtedly, the surest and most lasting foundation of comfort and love…the cause of all good order in the world, and what alone preserves it from the utmost confusion.” (1) Marriage is the first and primary institution God created for the right foundation of our society, as seen in Genesis 2, in Old Testament historical books, in wisdom literature, and in the epistles of the New Testament. The importance of entering into a marriage relationship is reflected in a public, religious ceremony during which couples vow before God and the community to be faithful to each other.

Views on Christian marriage have changed radically in the history of the church. Before the Reformation, the Catholic church taught that devotion to Christ required celibacy. The father of the Reformation, Martin Luther, was a single, celibate monk when God captured His heart for Christ through his Bible study. After his break from the Catholic church, he married and said, “Nothing is more delightful than the companionship of a good spouse.” (2) Marriage has the potential to be a source of great delight for men and women. Sadly, though, Adam and Eve, the first married couple, created perfectly by God for each other, failed to realize their potential. Their fall from grace by their rebellion against God’s command has impacted every marriage since then. There is evidence of this in some of the most well-known unions in the Old Testament including those of Adam and Eve, Abraham, and Sarah, Uriah, and Bathsheba, King Xerxes and Esther, Solomon and his many wives, as well as Ananias & Sapphira. Abraham instructed his wife Sarah to lie, saying that she was Abraham’s sister rather than his wife (Genesis 12:13; 20:2). Bathsheba was guilty of adultery (2 Samuel 11), and Ananias and Sapphira both lied to the apostles, conspiring together, causing their own deaths. Is it any wonder that so many marriages are in trouble today, that the rate of divorce is so high, or that many singles want to avoid marriage altogether?

What is your attitude toward marriage? As we explore this all-important relationship, are you willing to consider that your understanding of biblical marriage, your attitude, or your desires may need to change? Whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed, do you accept God’s precise definition of the marital relationship?

• http://www.azquotes.com/quote/520636
• Henderson, Steven R., “A Reformed View of Marriage” (Colossians 3:18-19), sermonaudio.com

“Every contribution, all the holy donations of the people of Israel, which they bring to the priest, shall be his. Each one shall keep his holy donations: whatever anyone gives to the priest shall be his.” (Numbers 5:9)

“Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

In addition to helping the poor, widows, and orphans, we are to contribute to the expenses and work of the church, including financial assistance to our leaders, missionaries, projects, emergency relief, and church operational expenses, to name a few typical categories of need. Many Christians adhere to the tradition of giving ten percent of their income to the church on a regular basis, as a tithe, although there is no commanded to this effect in Scripture. However, the principle of giving our best and first-fruits to God, with a thankful heart is compelling. The first example of offering firstfruits is found in Genesis where Cain’s offering is rejected by God (Genesis 4:5). Most study Bibles offer clarification; “At no point does the Bible suggest that offerings work automatically as if the worshiper’s faith and contrition did not matter; and Cain’s fundamentally bad heart can be seen in his resentment toward his brother and in his uncooperative answers to God in the rest of the passage. Several NT texts derive legitimate inferences from this narrative, namely, that Cain demonstrated an evil heart by his evil deeds, while Abel demonstrated a pious heart by his righteous deeds (1 John 3:12); and that Abel offered his sacrifice by faith and was commended as righteous for that reason (Heb. 11:4).” *

Of course, it is our heart-attitude that is important in all our “works,” including financial offerings to the church. Offering begrudgingly or out of compulsion (to follow the law) will not be pleasing to God. The challenge is to give back to the Lord with an open hand and a happy heart. This is especially important when giving to the work of our local churches since no one will thank you for your gift! We are expected to give if we want to have a place of worship and ministry for the Lord. If you are the kind of person, who expects recognition or a “thank you” every time you do something for someone, you may be terribly disappointed with your church. Apparently Cain expected God to appreciate his less-than-gracious offering, but instead, the Lord refused it. God did not strike down Cain as if he were utterly rejected. Unfortunately, Cain could not see God’s grace–speaking to him personally, instructing him in the right way to offer a gift. Instead, in his covetousness of Abel, he fell to the sin of murder and was then rejected by the Lord, sent away from his presence.

When he wrote to the believers in Philippi, Paul did thank them for their generous and pleasing missionary support. “It was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again…I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:14-18)

Does your financial giving reflect the appreciation you have for Jesus Christ and the gospel ministry of your church? Is there anything more you can or should give to your church’s staff?

* ESV Study Bible Notes (digital edition), Crossway, 2008, Genesis 4:5-6.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17)

“Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’” (Matthew 20:14-15a)

Five weeks ago I had full knee replacement surgery, and I am encouraged by those whose surgery was years ago. Many people tell me how much they can do now and how easy it was after having the surgery. As much as I try just to be happy for them, I confess that I covet their freedom from stiffness and tiredness. I wish I could have gone on a short-term mission trip. I wish I could do more for others that requires physical stamina. I am like the workers in the vineyard who are comparing their work and earnings with what others have received as if God has given me less than what is right and proper. Coveting is a sin of the heart, starting with our eyes, and usually involves comparing ourselves with others. Instead of celebrating the success and blessings others enjoy, we complain about it, as if it is not fair.

God’s grace and generosity are never fair. If God were fair, none of us would have anything from him since we have done nothing to deserve his blessings. But God, in his “unfairness” pours out grace upon grace upon us. In the parable about the workers in the vineyard, God’s generosity is highlighted—only the first worker received what he earned. After that, the other workers received more than they had earned, having come late to the vineyard. But the first workers complained saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” (v. 20) These workers were unable to celebrate the good fortune of their friends because they were jealous of it. Coveting robs others of joy and good fellowship, affecting relationships within the body of Christ. It also robs us of our peace and contentment with what God has given us, making us less likely to see the needs of others and give generously. Coveting is me-first, grabbing, seizing entitlement. Generosity is others-first, a life-giving celebration of others’ advances. No wonder Paul advises us to “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).

Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths. At the end of the parable of the workers in the vineyard, he declared, “So the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). There are important spiritual applications of this truth, but my purpose here is to see that our attitudes and management of our finances reflect our spiritual state. Either we are content and ready to be generous to help meet the needs of others, or we are self-centered, thinking we deserve even more than we have. It is impossible to hold both views—either God has given us more than we deserve (to help others) or God has withheld what we are owed. The latter is impossible, since we are owed nothing, and everything is a gift for our stewardship.

God has blessed me with a good surgeon, an excellent recovery, the ability to exercise twice daily, being retired, friends who encourage me, and the reports of others who have enjoyed the benefits of their “new” knees. With this in mind, perhaps I can be more generous in my happiness for those who are enjoying the benefits of their surgery. This frees me from my self-centeredness to see how I might be able to help others out of my blessedness.

Is there something you covet that others have, that is robbing you or your peace and the ability to be generous? Will you confess it, repent, and give out of your generosity of spirit?

“For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.” (Romans 15:26-27)

God, in his sovereign providence ordained that I should be born into a Jewish family, and then be called to faith in Jesus Christ. It was not my own doing. I probably delayed my inevitable conversion to Christianity as long as possible, desiring instead to be many other things, including a student of New Age when it first emerged as a thing in the 1980’s. One who is born of a Jewish father is automatically a Jew, unlike Christianity where every individual must come to faith through the calling and work of the Father, Christ and the Holy Spirit. I thank God for my rich background of worship as a Jew, in the temple and at  all of the feasts in our home. However, thirty-three years after becoming a Christian I am still working out how my Judaism and Christianity intersect. Paul’s letter to the Romans is my go-to resource when I seek to understand the great privilege of being in God’s remnant of saved Jews.

I will not attempt to explain the tenants of Judaism, since it may include religious beliefs, national identity, birthrights, and cultural lifestyle for different individuals. However, one fact is sure: the Jews preserved the Old Testament for the good of God’s people. So all believers are in debt to them for this reason alone, but not only for it. Jesus, God himself, was born of a Jewish mother, from a long line of faithful Jews, starting with Abraham (Matthew 1:2). All of the apostles were Jews and gave us the New Testament. These are only three reasons why non-Jewish believers owe debt of gratitude to the Jewish people in general, through the generosity of our prayers, financial contributions, and gospel witness.

In the fifteenth chapter of Romans, Paul refers to the Jews in Jerusalem who were suffering from their poverty, either because of oppression by Rome or voluntarily, as a result of sharing their resources. He has called on the mainly Gentile churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth to help their fellow believers with a financial contribution. (See 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.) In Romans 15, Paul emphasizes that fact that these churches were “pleased” to make the donation, implying that they were not coerced or cajoled, but gave willingly and voluntarily. They realized how much they owed to those in Jerusalem who believed in Christ in opposition to their religion of birth, family’s expectations, and the community’s persecution. Today, while most Jewish congregations charge annual dues and other fees in order to sustain their worship and ministry, Gentile believers give to the Lord through the collection on Sunday morning, for the ordinary support of the church staff and ministry expenses. Here is one example of being moved by the grace of God rather than by compulsion.

But the most important reason why they, and we should support and pray for the Jews is that all believers share in the provision of God of his Jewish Son, the Promised Messiah, to be our Redeemer. “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Unlike the Jews, who practiced their works for recognition by God and men, these Christians were compelled by the love of Christ to help their brethren in Jerusalem, as a matter of conscience. By making their contribution, the Gentile believers demonstrated the grace of God through their generosity.

Do you support Jewish ministries such as Christian Witness to Israel, Jews for Jesus, or Chosen People Ministries (just to name a few)? Do you know the difference between supporting the Jewish nation politically or nationally and contributing to the gospel ministry to the Jews? How will you respond to the debt we owe to the Jews?