Last Sunday we continued the “What Happened at the
Cross?” series. We discussed the significance of the piercing of His hands.
Jesus’ hands and feet are the two things that are actually physically attached
to the cross. I believe this brings additional emphasis to their importance. First, consider that the hands nailed to that
cross are the hands mentioned in Psalm 8 – whose work built the entire
universe. He chose to allow them to be nailed to the cross for our sake!
The hands are symbolic of our ability to produce. Part of
the curse in Genesis 3:17-19 is that our work becomes tedious and grueling and
fruitless. But Galatians 3:13 tells us that Jesus redeemed us from the curse –
specifically the curse of the law. The law was all about fruitless work. The
work under the law was never-ending. Adam
was given work to do before the curse. Work
was supposed to be productive and meaningful though. Deuteronomy 28:1-13 describes a blessing for
first the Jews and now us (as Jesus has made us partakers in the blessing of
Abraham). First, in verses 1 and 2, there is a qualifier to this blessing -
-that we are fully obedient to the law. None of them were and none of us are.
But Jesus fulfilled the law for us and we are IN HIM.
The first six verses describe things that we work
at and produce that God will bless. Starting at verse seven, the focus shifts
to what the Lord will do. Verse 8 specifically that there will be a blessing
upon everything you put your hand to. No longer should we suffer from
fruitlessness in our work. There are
thoughts and beliefs about our ability to produce that must change. Stop
accepting wasted time and effort as being the norm in life! Next, make it part
of your daily prayer to ask God to show you what you can put your hand to that
He can prosper.
Deuteronomy 8:18 says He has given us the ability
to produce wealth – wealth in all areas. This includes finance, but also
health, relationships, peace. He wants this in your life for two specific
reasons. One is that it shows the world that He is a good God and a God of His
Word. Deuteronomy 28:10 says that this blessing is so that all the peoples of
the earth will see that we are called by His name. Learning to live the blessed
life and having our work be fruitful glorifies God.
Secondly, the blessing is not about us as much as
it is about others. Ephesians 4:28 says that we should work diligently to
produce increase so that we can share with those in need. Trust me, you can
never outgive God. When you choose to set your hand to things to bring increase
for the purpose of being able to be more generous (and you actually do that),
blessing will come into your life faster than you can give it away. I’ve often heard people say that they
have no desire for financial increase, and they are happy with a meager
lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with a meager lifestyle as long as you are
doing it for the right reasons – not pride (I’m not like all those evil,
materialistic people…). Doing it for the wrong reason is just as bad as being
greedy and self-centered. You are just doing it differently. But if you
honestly want nothing to do with any kind of wealth, then give it all away.
The thing is that as you give it all away, God will continue to increase
you for your generosity, so that you have more to give. Blessing in your life will confirm to others
that God’s covenant is over you (Ephesians 4:22-28).
Of course this is NOT all about money. However,
that part of “wealth” is the one we really struggle with and can be unsure of.
Get on fire for building the things of God’s kingdom and seek Him for things to
set your hand to that will bring increase!
I have started asking God when the day starts to show me if there is
anything He wants me to put my hand to, so that I can be open to additional
blessing He has for me in that day.
To listen to the entire sermon go to http://ahwatukeechurch.com/ and click on
online media. To learn more about Living
Word Ahwatukee, visit http://ahwatukeechurch.com/.
