September 25 Bushel of Blessing

Luke 6:37-38 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
 
WHAT is a “good measure” Jesus refers to here? He used an illustration based on the way grain was purchased and delivered. To get the most grain, one would press the grain and shake it down into a bushel basket. We used to do this on the farm. We would carry feed to cows in a bushel basket or burlap sack. Often we pressed and shook the feed down into the basket or sack, so we could carry more. Sometimes we would do this to save steps and feed more cows with one bushel. Other times we would do so in order to give more feed to the best cows. As they gave more milk, they had more to eat! They were rewarded for their production.
   Jesus’ preaching in his sermon “on the level place (Luke 6:17) tells us God desires to fill up his measure, his bushel basket, so to speak, so bless you for faithful living. Go back and see this reward promise in Luke 6:33b Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
   In this particular teaching, Jesus affirms God will bless you when you fill your heart with forgiveness. Forgive in Jesus’ name. Feed a large measure of mercy, gentleness and goodness into those who have hurt you or offended those you love. The more forgiveness you pour out to others, the more God will pack full his measuring basket with his blessings to nourish your spiritual life.  
   This is Jesus’ example. Forgiveness is a key to being a Christian. The apostle Peter quotes this from Psalm 16 on the Day of Pentecost as the church began: Acts 2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.   
   Pray to be forgiven. Be merciful to forgive others. Then see how the Spirit will fill you to the full measure of joy.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your overflowing measure of forgiveness into my life. I want to pour it out onto others. Amen.