With the Same Measure

Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Today’s Text: Luke 6:36-42

Key Verse: Luke 6:38 (KJV) — “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

The most populous use of this text has often been related and/or limited to giving offering and tithes, or in the most case, popularly for sowing seed for bountiful reaping. But may we ask just why leaders of today’s church need this verse to wind up or convince any child of God that God will bless them in return for their seed? Or may be our question should be: why should anyone be said to love God if he does not trust Him enough to willingly and freely give up material things for the sake of the God who gives all things to us? Is the problem with leaders who simply want more people to give more; or with people who are simply not obedient to God? Wherever you place the blame, there will still be an unsolved problem of the true context and meaning of this text.

Therefore, let us leave blames aside and give careful attention to knowing just what is in the mind of Christ when He said these words? Yes, we can find out what Jesus truly means; but only if we lay aside our armchair preconceptions and consider the verse in its own context. Let us take a second reading of verses 36 through 42, the motif of sowing and reaping is likely going to fade off and the theme of reciprocity — getting or reaping back whatever you give or sow in life — would show up! This includes everything from: If you judge others, you’d be judged. If you condemn them, you’d be condemned. Therefore, what Jesus is doing here is admonishing us, instead, to chose and give forgiveness so that we’d be forgiven in the sane measures.

Of course, reciprocity includes giving other good things as well; but we must be careful not to prooftext to suite our goal. Doing that often cheapens the meaning and value of scriptures. Bible words must not be taken out of context. The central goal of Christ in this text is for us to give forgiveness and an uncondemning attitude in the same measures we desire it in return. He is a merciful God; and He is calling us to give mercy whenever we are in position of judging others. We must give it in the same measure as we desire mercy or judgement from both God and men.

Quote for the Day: “Money cannot buy up mercy: regardless of the extinct nature of mercy in contrast with the extensive value of exchange. God demands mercy, not money.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: O Lord, please bless me with genuine disposition of mercy: a desire to heal, redeem and give forgiveness, in Jesus name. Amen.

Please have a victorious Tuesday, with all my love and prayer,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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