What is an offering?

We pastors have heard many of the jokes that circulate.  There's the one about the airplane which is losing altitude fast and the stewardess says to the pastor on board, "Can't you do something?"  She gives it some thought and then takes up an offering. Ha!

You and I both know that isn't an offering.  (What it is exactly I'm not so sure: desperation?bribe?  payment for services anticipated?)  An offering is a gift.   A child draws a picture for his teacher and with reverence, offers it to her as a token of his esteem.  A neighbor loses a family member and you carry over a dinner as an offering of friendship.  Offering is gift; offering is thanks and honor.

Thanks for being alive.  Thanks for someone's help.  Thanks for gifts received, both now and in the past.  Thanks for safe travel through the storms of loss and depression.  Thanks for beauty and grace and joy.  Thanks that I have and can therefore can help provide for another.

Thanks and honor.

Yes, the Bible makes it clear that God has asked all those who honor God as God to offer back to God's work in the world one tenth of what they have, a tithe. God gave it all to you and only wants 10% back to fill in the places where more is needed........which is primarily in your heart because once it's in our wallets we then to think that our goodness put it there.  Setting aside a portion of our earthly goods to God's work is a regular and healthy reminder that all good things come from God in the first place. It is a way for us to be partners with God in the work of this world.  It is a way of giving thanks and honor.

It is also a source of JOY!  You are pleased to give it and often see new places where your gifts would be helpful.  Joy. Thanks. Honor.

You certainly can think of it as obligation, burden, expectation, even legalistic. But you are missing out on all the fun.  It is truly a blessing to be able to offer a gift, it connects you to your neighbor and opens your heart to the world around you.  You can write a check to the church or you can make an offering so God's work can be accomplished.

Wouldn't it be sad to be the person who had nothing to give?

Am I really that awful?

Do I have something that needs to be confessed here?  Have I ignored the poor, the hungry, the homeless?  Am I living in luxury and pretending the poor don't exist?

I don't know.  Only you and God can have that discussion, but it is a discussion well worth having.  Where does Jesus show up in your checkbook?  your bank statement?  the walking around money you spend each week?  Is my money my money for my pleasure and not God's tool to help mend the world?

The rich man knew Lazarus' name, knew he lived right outside his gate, and ignored him until they both died.  The consequences of the rich man's actions were eternal - Lazarus sat with Father Abraham and the rich man sat in torment.  It was a complete reversal of how it had been.

But it doesn't say we must continue to act this way.  We can hear this word and examine our lives and walk in a new direction, listening for God's guidance and trusting in God's presence in our journey.  In matters large and small we are called by God to care for the poor, to be a part of the healing of the world.  Today you can act differently than yesterday....we have the power to re-write the ending of the Lazarus story.

Today is a good day to begin.

You are worthy

You are worthy.  You do not have to chase after anything.  You do not have to purchase anything or attain some level of success.  You do not have to have a special degree or important title.

You already have the only title you need:  child of God. 

This is Jesus' message to each and every person in the world.  You are worthy. 
Now you are set free to live, to love, to give, to praise and to give thanks.

If this doesn't sound particularly radical to you consider what the world's message is: buy this flat screen TV to prove you are 'up to date.'  Wear these $200 sneakers or the world will think you are 'out of it.'  Sign your children up for every class or team available so they will 'measure up.'  Drive this brand new, over your budget car so everyone thinks you are 'successful.'

God's truth in Jesus is this:  you are loved.  Now. Always. Forever.  AMEN