Topic: A Liberal Soul [Thursday September 10, 2015]
Text: Ecclesiastes 11:1-3
Key Verse: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1).
God is rich in mercy to all. Though we are unworthy of His manifold blessings, He nevertheless provides for us liberally out of His abundant storehouse. In like manner, He expects us to show mercy to other people.
The text gives a pressing exhortation to works of charity towards the poor, the less privileged, the infirm, as well as those in need of help. Adjudged to be the wisest man of his time, the writer of the text impresses it on us to do good to others and abound in liberal works since this would guarantee commensurate blessings someday.
Though this work of mercy is expressed as being cast “upon the waters” (a metaphor), “thou shalt find it after many days”. As a farmer reaps more than he sowed during a plentiful harvest, and the merchant profits richly from his venture, so will a liberal soul reap abundantly. Whatever was sown is not lost, but well laid up for future harvest. In God’s providence, our works of charity will yield interest here; yet, the principal will remain sure, laid up in heaven for us. When it says, “thou shalt find it after many days”, it implies that the returns may be slow, but it is certain that it will come because, “the liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself ” (Proverbs 11:25). So, take time to look around.
There are people in dire need of your love and touch of liberality. Cast your “bread” upon the “waters” of their lives. Show a little bit of love and kindness. This is the best cure against unbridled accumulation of wealth which we shall leave behind one day.
Thought for the day: The heart that readily gives shall never lack
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 3-4
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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