"A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great" - Proverbs 18:16 (NIV).
Every culture in the world has certain unique characteristics. For example, the Japanese have been noted for their extreme politeness to strangers. There are cultures where people tend to be aloof and quite insular. The Germans are not very expressive, unlike their Latin neighbours, the Italians. In Uganda the Bakiga are famous for being very forthright.
Among the Hebrews there are quite a number of characteristics that define their culture. One of these is the habit of gift giving. This can be traced to their relationship with God. For example, when Abraham was up in years and finally had a son he was tasked, "Then God said, “Take your son your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you" (Gen 22:2). Imagine presenting your very and only child you have longed for years as a gift!
The Hebrew culture stresses a lot of importance on gift giving when one is ushered in the presence of the Almighty God. When the three wise men saw the star in the East and conceded it must herald the coming of the Messiah, they gathered not to visit empty handed, but went with "treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh" (Mathew 2: 11).
Drawing from all this we might think of borrowing from the Hebrews this part of their culture- go with gifts whenever we visit the Lord!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as I thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ as my saviour, teach me how to walk in your presence ever with gifts, as one way of thanksgiving!"
Related upcoming events
-
03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
