A Generous Life - Horizon Church March Bible Reading Planનમૂનો

A Generous Life - Live it Out

Deb Lenzo

After my first year of full-time work, I remember the excitement of saving what seemed to me a substantial amount of money. In today’s context, it may not have been much but I was super proud of that achievement. I found myself dreaming of the spending possibilities: perhaps a holiday, a car, or even a future home. As I prayed and planned, I sensed the Holy Spirit tugging at my thoughts, calling me to lay down my agenda and give generously towards a specific kingdom purpose. The internal wrestle that followed was intense. I tried drowning out that still, small voice with busyness and planning. I succeeded for a while but eventually had to call a halt to my avoidance strategies. God wanted to speak into the space of my finances – was I going to listen and respond?

Zaccheus, from today’s reading (Luke 19:1-10), was wealthy, not well-liked and known for his dubious financial dealings. When he encountered Jesus, something extraordinary happened. The person and presence of Jesus so profoundly impacted him that he recognised the error of his ways and responded, not just by making restitution, but by taking bold, generous action, choosing to be a blessing to others. Zaccheus was moved by the Holy Spirit to a place of radical generosity, responding without hesitation, excuses, or delay. He responded in a way that challenges our generosity by his clear commitment to action. It was a testament to the transformation that had taken place within him. Jesus recognised this profound change and declared, “Today, salvation has come to this house”. In striking contrast in Luke 18, we see in Jesus’ encounter with another wealthy individual who seemed to live a virtuous life but struggled to embrace the call to sacrificial generosity. This man’s wealth and resources became an obstacle to his obedience.

Zaccheus is a powerful model for us, illustrating what it means to have a generous and responsive heart that doesn’t hold back when prompted to live out sacrificial generosity. Which brings me back to my story – my Zacchaeus moment. That sacrifice tested me deeply, but the fruits of that decision have exceeded anything I could have ever imagined, impacting not only my life but also the lives of others. When you face your own Zaccheus moment—the call to lay down your agenda and live out generosity—I pray that you, too, dare to embrace it wholeheartedly.