Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 16:16-18.

“This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Gather of it every man as much as he should eat;  you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.’”  The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little.  When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack;  every man gathered as much as he should eat.”  Exodus 16:16-18.

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The teaching of how to gather manna in today’s Scripture was used later in Scripture to teach how to give.  If you gathered much and have an abundance, then use it to become a supply for the needs of others.  If you gathered little, be thankful that you either at least have enough to supply your own needs or that someone else with an abundance will help supply your need.   

“For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality—  at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need, that there may be equality;  as it is written, “HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH, AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK.”  2 Corinthians 8:13-15.

And, there is more help from God!

In the very next verse, we are taught that God puts such a spirit of earnestness in us to give as we should.

“But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus.”  2 Corinthians 8:16.  

In the next chapter, we are further taught that God also puts a spirit of cheerfulness in us to give as we should.

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

In summary, God gives us all the grace that we need to give as we should give.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”  2 Corinthians 9:8.