Selfless Giving in Worship
Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby… He said, “Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat…” (Gen 18:2-5)
True Worship must touch the core of one’s heart, and spring therefrom. That is why sacrifice remains at the center of worship, even in the New Testament Church. Selfless giving as a form of worship is important to us today, and is variously exemplified in the Scriptures. In this space, suffice to draw inspiration from Abraham, Rahab and Lydia.
The episode in Gen 18:1-8 is really eye catching: the ‘father of nations’, on seeing three men, without hesitation, and before they asked for anything, Abraham's heart was more than ready to offer the best treat he could. He made bread from fine flour, organised food and fed them, provided water to wash their feet plus a good place for rest. It looked like a simple and casual task anyone would do for one’s guests, but it all takes a selfless giver to treat a stranger so nicely with a lot of honour. Amazingly, it is from these three men that Abraham and Sarah received God’s promise of a son. Accidentally they had entertained angels!
Rahab was a harlot in Jericho (Joshua 2) when Israelite spies came in. Unfortunately, they were found out and the Jericho police and the king’s special forces were deployed to hunt for them. Rahab gives refuge to Joshua's spies; risking her own life, she tells lies to the state security, denies having them, alleges they already left the city yet she had hidden them in the roof of her wicked house; then she goes ahead to give them directions and how to secure themselves. Ultimately, she saves their lives. Sometimes the mistakes we’ve made tend to blindfold us that there is nothing good we can give, but Rahab – a clearly labelled harlot – saves God's people! Through her acts of kindness, her household were saved from destruction when Jericho fell.
Lydia in Acts 16:9-15 was outstanding among the women Paul preached to at the river. She is referred to as a believer in and a worshiper of the true God. Lydia invites and manages to persuade Paul and his company into her house not only to be hosted for their ministry activities but also to be refreshed using her own resources. Being a good listener to the gospel can open one’s heart to worship and selfless giving – which is a great blessing.
The examples of the three worshippers above call for us as believers to take a step in expressing our worship from the depth of what we treasure the most. You know how it feels when you need something you cannot afford… and someone blesses you with that very gift? Give not because you do expect something in return but because that is your ultimate worship to the Almighty God, the source of all blessings.
God bless you all.