The Gift of Sharing

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. – Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Who has done good and shared with you? Who have you done good and shared with? What have you shared? What goodness have you given? Why do you think God would be pleased?

The following story is one I am sure I have used before, but it is good.
Many years ago three soldiers, hungry and weary of battle, came upon a small village. The villagers, suffering a meager harvest and the many years of war, quickly hid what little they had to eat and met the three at the village square, wringing their hands and bemoaning the lack of anything to eat.
The soldiers spoke quietly among themselves and the first soldier then turned to the village elders. "Your tired fields have left you nothing to share, so we will share what little we have: the secret of how to make soup from stones."
Naturally the villagers were intrigued and soon a fire was put to the town's greatest kettle as the soldiers dropped in three smooth stones. "Now this will be a fine soup", said the second soldier; "but a pinch of salt and some parsley would make it wonderful!" Up jumped a villager, crying "What luck! I've just remembered where some has been left!" And off she ran, returning with an apronful of parsley and a turnip. As the kettle boiled on, the memory of the village improved: soon barley, carrots, beef and cream had found their way into the great pot, and a cask of wine was rolled into the square as all sat down to feast.
They ate and danced and sang well into the night, refreshed by the feast and their new-found friends. In the morning the three soldiers awoke to find the entire village standing before them. At their feet lay a satchel of the village's best breads and cheese. "You have given us the greatest of gifts: the secret of how to make soup from stones", said an elder, "and we shall never forget." The third soldier turned to the crowd, and said: "There is no secret, but this is certain: it is only by sharing that we may make a feast". And off the soldiers wandered, down the road.

One interpretation I have heard of Jesus feeding the 5000 claims that perhaps when people watched what little food was going around that they took out the food they had hidden away. It was hidden because they were afraid of not having enough. When the food went by they added to it, and soon a feast ensued. We often hide our resources away because we are scared of not having enough. For some reason though, perhaps due to a miracle, when we share there is more than enough and joy abounds! It is good to share and God knows it. Let this be our first stewardship devotional. What are you hiding that you can share? Share it and be a part of God’s joy!

With hope and joy,
Garrett