Scrooge in a sycamore tree.John Farley
Pastor-Teacher Sunday, November 4, 2018 Scrooge in a sycamore treeWhat would compel a man to give away over half his entire fortune in a single day?
What caused this about-face in the life of Scrooge? The greedy man who hoarded his money died. But the generous man who gave his money away now had life indeed. He went through a terrible affliction. And out of that joy, Scrooge gave - and he gave freely, generously, and cheerfully. Our Lord met another scrooge, and he was in a sycamore tree at the time.
His name is Zacchaeus. And he gave away most of his fortune in a single day. Why would a selfish, greedy man give away his fortune because of a brief exchange with a man who was passing by? Luk 19:1-10 He was dead, but now he began to live. Col 2:13-14 Zaccheus was overjoyed to finally be - alive! Joh 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Zaccheus knew he was a sinner. He admitted as much to Jesus, whom he now called Lord. Jesus asked to stay at this man’s home, and Zaccheus received Him gladly. There is more JOY in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. One word – joy. A joy that comes out of affliction. His joy caused Zaccheus to give cheerfully to the poor and to those he had ripped off. The apostle Paul – who really was the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) – had high praise for the saints in Macedonia. These believers in Macedonia gave beyond their means. And they were in severe poverty at the time. 2Co 8:1-5 Affliction. Joy. Giving. The joy coming out of affliction motivates giving. Having money doesn’t motivate a person to give. Being joyful in affliction does.
Joy comes out of affliction. You received an unexpected blessing in the midst of a difficult time. It’s JOY that causes us to see a need and beg with much urging for the favor of giving to meet that need. He wants to comfort those who are experiencing the same affliction, with the comfort with which he was comforted by God. Having lots of money will not cause us to give cheerfully. Guilt won’t. We have been delivered out of the worst affliction of all – being under God’s wrath. Phi 4:4 Our Father has given us certain gifts to give to others. 2Co 9:6-8 There are so many gifts that need to be given. What gift has God given to you to give today? The day is nearly spent. Soon the sun will set. Give today’s gift -while it is still today.
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