Give and Go

Matthew 5:40-42 “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
 
AS we’ve been reading Matthew 5, the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, perhaps we can see why this is known as the greatest sermon ever preached. Of course, the Living Word of God is preaching, teaching, encouraging and challenging us. Then note his pattern. Each point he speaks is a powerful, life-changing sermon point. The Sermon on the Mount is not a three-point sermon but a pointed, dynamic revelation of God’s will.
   This revelation is the reason for a sermon. Truly preached, a sermon properly reveals God’s law, judgment, grace and salvation. Receive the truth and strive to live into the Living Word. Certainly Jesus’ many culture-opposing, mind-changing points caused the crowd to ask, “How can we do such things?” That question is answered then and now when we listen, see and believe the Lord God.
   First, let’s understand Jesus wasn’t telling the Jews – many who had few possessions –  to give away some used coat or covering. A tunic was often a person’s most valuable clothing possession. In addition they were to give away their cloak – their shirt. Jesus also teaches the crowd to be ready to go an extra mile. This refers to the Roman couriers’ and soldiers’ authority to order a Jew at any time to carry a heavy burden for some distance. Is Jesus saying to give and go as anyone demands of us?
   To answer we once more look to the Beatitudes to see the commands of meekness and righteousness leading to kingdom life. As previously mentioned, meekness before others in Christ’s strength is a very effective way to open a heart’s locked door. When you are willing to serve with your valued possessions, you are trusting God’s provision for you. Such generosity awakens you to know God provides, and it will turn unsaved hearts to seek the Servant King.
   Are we then to loan money to anyone who asks? Perhaps not everyone. Jesus also teaches elsewhere to use our money well, to invest it for good purposes and give as the Lord directs. We aren’t to loan or give money to someone we know will be wasteful. But, as throughout the sermon, Jesus does say to be generous in your considerations. Have a mindset that begins with desire to help others. Be open-handed to those God places before you. The kingdom economy functions best from a generous heart.
   You don’t have to be rich to loan money, only generous, trusting in God’s Word. Be open to discern a proper request and act accordingly.
   Jesus directs us to be gracious and generous beyond what we consider normal, if we consider it at all. Kingdom living is living and giving “abnormally” as King Jesus did. He has generously walked with us many, many miles to carry our heavy burdens to give of himself that we may inherit – be given – eternal life.
 
Psalms 37:25-26 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.