The Third Result of Revival is Generosity

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 31:5-10

As soon as the order spread, the sons of Israel provided in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of all. The sons of Israel and Judah who lived in the cities of Judah also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of sacred gifts which were consecrated to the Lord their God, and placed them in heaps. In the third month they began to make the heaps, and finished them by the seventh month. When Hezekiah and the rulers came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok said to him, “Since the contributions began to be brought into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat with plenty left over, for the Lord has blessed His people, and this great quantity is left over.”

Insights:  Our final Thoughts by Scott this week is the third evidence or result of revival.  We have learned that joy and holiness are experienced when true revival has come.  The third element is generosity.  Look at today’s verses and notice how many times the word tithe is used.  Up to this point the priests were doing ministry on a shoe string budget.  It was not because resource were not available, but because the people were selfish and refused to give.  The same thing happens in church life as well.  People get their feelings hurt or they don’t like the direction the pastor is leading the church or they just don’t like the preacher himself and when these kinds of scenarios happen many people stop giving to the local church.  People haven’t changed much over the centuries.  The same thing was happening in Judah until this revival started.  Once the revival fell on the people they were compelled to give their tithes.  As a result, the priest had more resources than they had ever had and were, for a brief moment, uncertain as to what ought to happen.  I am fairly confident, they began to use the resources for ministry of the people.  Could you image what local churches would look like and how they would minister if people actually trusted the Lord and gave generously to Him.  Statistics tell us the average church attender gives only two percent of their income to the Lord.  God, send a revival and change this statistic!

Questions:

1.  How generous are you?

2.  How would your friends describe your generous attitude?

Prayer: Father, all too often I could be characterized as a little child who says, “MINE!!!” all of the time.  Lord, please forgive me of this sinful attitude.  I desire my life to be one that is known for its generosity.  Change my heart O’ Lord and let me and let me bring You glory. Amen.