"Leftovers"

 

“Leftovers”

 

This past Thanksgiving we had three friends over who, like us, have no family in our immediate area. Each brought a couple of dishes and, as expected, there was enough to feed the Los Angeles Rams. So Karen had our guests bring storage containers and we divided up the leftovers which we’ve enjoyed and will later from the freezer—e.g. turkey soup, sandwiches, schnitzel, etc.

For several years while we were in New Hampshire our church held an annual Yard S.A.L.E. (Service And Love Experience) at which the goal was to give collected items away to those in need. And there’s a “freebie table” in our community’s clubhouse where unneeded articles can be left and repurposed by others. However, in both these efforts things were “donated” which were unusable and had to be disposed of. So “leftovers” became some people’s way of getting rid of trash with a minimum of effort on their part.

The above examples show how leftovers can be a blessing or headache to ourselves and others. But there’s one area in which leftovers are always inappropriate: our giving back to God. In His scathing rebuke of Israel’s 400 BC priests God had this “conversation” with them: “It is you, O priests, who despise my name”…”How have we despised your name?”…”When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor!...Would he accept you?” (Malachi 1:6-8). So God’s people were bringing sheep and goats that weren’t suitable for their own use (aka leftovers) to God and were shocked when they were unacceptable! But before we judge them too severely let’s look at ourselves—how often have I given God the leftovers of my abilities, time and finances after I’ve taken what I want or think I need for myself?

God’s given His best for us in His Son Jesus so He has a right to expect the best from us in return. Solomon put it this way: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits (not leftovers) of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, emphasis added). And Paul echoes this theme: “Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow.” (Galatians 6:7, NLT, emphasis added).

Jesus said, “God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT, emphasis added). That’s God’s promise and He’s faithful. Am I?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan