The Rewards of Gospel-Shaped Giving
Mr. Thomas Gouge in a book he wrote in the 1850’s called such an idea - the surest and safest way of thriving. Before I list the rewards mentioned in Isaiah 58 a warning to keep us focused with gospel eyes.
This is not to earn something like a worker does wages. Listen to what Isaiah says, The LORD God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30.15).
The strength to fast such a way comes from God through trusting Him. So as we read these blessings we must keep the gospel in our eyes with a love for God and others, even our enemies.
First, our darkness will become light.
Isaiah 58.8: Then your light will break out like the dawn. Isaiah 58.10b: Then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. It is almost as if one has been buried alive in the darkness of night. They eat, drink and go through the day, but there is no joy, only grief. But then the sun rises and your joy comes in the morning dispelling the gloom and despair as you embrace life, your work, your purpose for what it was meant to be and you start looking outside of yourself and begin to realize that life is about giving and serving others for the glory of God. So, you cheerfully give, and do good (2 Corinthians 9.7 For God loves a cheerful giver), enjoying it and it causes you to be glad! How does such gladness and joy come? In Jesus. The Advent of Christ brought light and gladness to our gloom and darkness (Isaiah 9.1.7), as a result, His church will be the light of the world even in the darkest of place, as we minister to the poor and the afflicted.
Next, our strength will rise.
Wounds will be healed (Isaiah 58.8; Isaiah 58.11; Isaiah 40.31). Even though you are sick you are made strong. We will be made strong for battle. Your physical and medical conditions will be changed if God wills it.
Next, God will be all around us with His Righteousness and Glory.
Isaiah 58.8b: And your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard (Isaiah 52.12: For the Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be your rear guard). The before and rear guard are allusions to the pillar of cloud (by day) and fire (by night) that protected Israel in its flight from Egypt. The pillar of cloud and fire actually stood for God Himself, according to Ron Allen, literally His presence, and so it is here. Also, God will hear our prayers (Isaiah 58.9)! Oh the presence of God and the nearness of God not just in talk, but in reality!
Then, God will guide us continually.
The guidance of God is promised (Isaiah 58.11). In Psalm 23.1-3 David says, The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Jesus says, He (the Spirit of Truth) will guide you into all the truth (John 15.13). What a great reward the guidance of God is.
Stay tuned for part 2 later this week.
About the Author
Jerry Witham is the Lead Pastor at The Ridge Church in Carrollton, TX. Besides Jesus his greatest joy is his wife, Annette and their three children, Noah, Grace and Pierce. Read his other articles here.
Robert
I love theology and the challenge of making deep teachings non-boring. Let's face it, most of the time we hear theological teaching, it really is boring. Does it really have to be that way? Nope.
