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UNWORTHY RECEIVERS

One reason why we often find it difficult to accept generous gifts is that we do not feel worthy of them. We immediately wonder why someone would give us something so spectacular that we neither deserve nor can repay. In Psalms 8, David experienced this feeling on a clear evening when God's creation was on full display.

David looked at the skies and wondered why an almighty, righteous God bothers to care for unworthy mortals like himself. So he asked God, "When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?" (Psalms 8:3-4, NLT). He felt overwhelmed by God's generous provision for human beings before they even ask.

While it is one thing to accept a generous gift that you did not ask for, it is another altogether to ask for one! 

In Luke 7, we read of an officer who was brave enough to ask Jesus for an extravagant gift. "So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, "Lord, don't trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed" (Luke 7:6-7, NLT). Perhaps he understood something about God that had nothing to do with being worthy. By acknowledging God, the officer was able to receive something extraordinary.

Instead of focusing on whether we are worthy of God's generous gifts in our lives, let us change our focus to Him. Over the next few days, we will examine some of the reasons why God daily gives us so much more than we deserve or can repay.