Today’s devotion comes from Romans 15:20-29.
“20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but as it is written,
“THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE,
AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.”
22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while— 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.” Romans 15:20-29.
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Material things are certainly not as important as spiritual things, but it does not mean that they are unimportant. “For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.” “For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them.” “Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, …”. Thus, “the fullness of the blessing of Christ” does not only consist of spiritual things; it also consists of material things.
Psalm 84:11
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
“Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:9-11.
1 Corinthians 9:11
“If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?”
2 Corinthians 9:12
“For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.”
The following from The Heidelberg Catechism (with emphasis added) recognizes both that God will provide for our spiritual and material needs and that there may be times of “riches and poverty” and “health and sickness”, but it is all part of the providence of our “faithful Father”.
Question 26. What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?
Answer. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father; on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body: and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage; for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.
Question 27. What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
Answer. The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by his hand, he upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.
Question 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence doth still uphold all things?
Answer. That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.
In conclusion, we do not need to live our lives nervously “waiting for the other shoe to drop”, namely reserving our happiness when we are rich and healthy, in expectation of poverty and sickness around the corner. Rather, we can trust our Faithful Father to give us all the grace we need to deal with those times of poverty and sickness. We can expect “the fullness of the blessing of Christ”.
The fullness of the blessing of Christ includes such strong and amazing grace, even in times of poverty and sickness, that we can join the Psalmist who sings and shouts for joy …
“1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth isrenewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5.
The fullness of the blessing of Christ includes such strong and amazing grace, even in times of poverty and sickness, that we can join Paul who in the middle of imprisonment exclaims:
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 