“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10
Dear Ones:
It has been said that, “… one cannot outgive God.” This is almost an absurd statement, not because of the truth of it, but in the consideration of “proportions.” What is the portion of things given by us as compared with that which is given by God? We have NOTHING, but that we have received it of God! Indeed, “every good and perfect gift (provision)” comes from God who is good. We literally live by the fact, and provision of Christ. Consequently, from a spiritual point of view, we give very little, and the little that we give, is only “eternal” in the measure that we receive it from Christ, by the Spirit.
In the context of the providing for the needs of the saints, Paul writes: “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.” (2 Cor. 9:6) What is he saying here? Most certainly he speaks of a capacity to give, and means to do so. Throughout Paul’s treatment of this subject, he speaks of a willing, or ready mind which gives. Those who give most readily for the needs of others are always those who are willing and prepared to give, as unto the Lord. They KNOW what it means to have received much from the bountiful riches of God in Christ.
The application of this subject to our lives can be “practiced” in two realms, the material and the spiritual. For the believer, the two are interwoven. But for the sake of explanation, and precise personal application, let us consider them separately. The matter of ministering to the material needs of the saints is very clear. Where there is need, attention must be given to remedy that need. What of the spiritual needs of the saints, and those of the world? It is here that the physical helps us to understand how this endeavor works in the spiritual world. “He who supplies seed to the sower…” What does this phrase mean but that the Lord provides the living word, the seed, given forth by the power of the Spirit. He “multiplies” this for the purpose of realizing a great harvest. The point is that God will supply as much seed as we are willing and able to sow. Can we trust Him for it, and for the consequent harvest? Will we “practice the promises” by prayer and faith, believing God for the abundance of seed and a great harvest?
Dear Father, enable us to open our mouths wide so that You can fill them. Fill our hearts with Thyself, and grant to us the ability to receive the seed of Thy eternal, living word, so that we be able to give that seed to the needy, and receptive heart. Then, You will most certainly will watch over it, and make it to germinate, producing much “fruit” for Your glory. Give us grace to trust You for the abundance of seed, and the willing heart to spread it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad