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I’m Givin’ Her All She’s Got, Captain
Ah, the always wonderful story of Zaccheus, conjuring up lovely little Bible songs as well as a great visual of a little man climbing up into a tree. But the Zaccheus story, much like the rich young man two weeks ago, is a difficult story. Jesus’ call really involves being generous givers. Now, in no way do I want to say that salvation is based upon what we ‘do’ or ‘give’, nor would I want to say that God’s blessing (at least in monetary or temporal terms) increases as we give more, but we cannot brush off stories like this or similar instructions in the Epistles (especially in James).
Taking into account this story, as well as Jesus’ teaching “sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys” (Luke), “Sell everything” (Luke 18:22), “Barnabas sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:37) and teaching throughout the book of James, we get a picture that generous giving and sacrifice is a crucial part of Jesus’ call. Even in Luke 8, he teaches that treasures in this life “choke” the Word of God. There are over 2000 references in scripture to finances (here are a few). Its important to note that people all give up different amounts, depending on what God has called them too, but I personally find myself using that as a reason to not give more. “God, I’m good… I gave my 10%. Those people who gave more in the Bible… well, you must have CLEARLY communicated that to me, so if you want more… you’re going to have to CLEARLY communicate that to me.”
But we never get an account of God clearly calling them to give… they just gave. Zaccheus was committed to give away half his money before Jesus had taught Him anything. It was by FAITH that Zaccheus gave, as witnessed by Jesus’ reference to Son of Abraham, who was justified by faith (Romans 4) and by faith trusted in God’s plan (Heb 11). So we too, who are sharing the same faith, should also seek to give, and give generously. In a number of the stories besides this, people even sell what they have in order to give. Its easy to use the excuse that we may not have many ‘liquid’ assets to give, but Christ didn’t seem to concerned with this. He seemed concerned with the heart. John Piper states that he wants us “treasuring God as Shepherd and Father and King more than we treasure all our possessions.” So, how generous are we? You? Myself? I think I may need to self-examine this one some more.
Chris, I think you make an excellent point. I too am waiting for the CLEAR explanation of how much I should give. I’m guilty of hording my time, and resouces for personal uses.
I feel that I am missing something in this passage. I am missing seeing the expression and sincerity on Zaccheus as he tells Jesus what he is going to give. What is obvious though is the conviction that Zaccheus feels. He doesn’t need to ask Jesus…how can I enter the kingdom…he already knows.
So why is it not more obvious to us?
So why is it not more obvious to us? I think for me it’s because I am not setting my eyes on Jesus. I set my eyes on others around me. I compare what I have with what others have. Jesus gave it all. All His time, all His life and all His resources so that others might see the Father more clearly.
“Zaccheus stopped” what was he doing that he had to stop? He stopped sinning and abusing the poor and those he cheated? He repented and came to faith. The passage wants us to look at Jesus and follow him. Yes,that sometimes involes giving money and things you are holding to tightly. (to sell everything and follow Jesus)Yet sometimes it means selling half to give to something Jesus loves the poor and sometimes it means working really hard and giving your tenth. Jesus wants us to follow Him so when we see His heart we will give freely.
Those who know me know that I am truly strapped. I made a few bad decisions that have put me in a place where my end don’t meet sometimes and I run out of money for food and gas. I don’t hoard away money but I also don’t have the education to know how to deal wtih money. Lucky for me, thanks to God and some very caring people, I am going to a seminar to learn about money, and hopefully be able to use the funds that I am given to better glorify God.
Having said all that, I give in other ways whenever I can. Does that count? I know that I am disappointed in me but I think that God knows that I am doing the best that I can right now. I want to be a faithful giver but right now, money is not something I can give.
Chris, your point that “Christ didn’t seem to be concerned about all this, he seemed concerned with the heart” is the main point, at least to me. All we have is his to begin with. My prayer is that he forgive my bad decisions and give me His heart.