Wrong pocket

"Ooops," I thought, "wrong pocket."  I had prepared a tip from my shuttle driver in advance.  I'd put it in my right pants pocket.  I had put the change from the $20 bill I used to buy a soda in my left pocket.  When the driver handed me my suitcase I emptied my left pocket. 

I didn't change the tip.  I learned long ago that too many people who work in the service industry suffer the brunt of judgmental and tight-fisted patrons.  I would rather be remembered as generous than cheap or stingy.

Others' livelihood depend on my generosity and obedience. 

I jotted this statement in my journal after reading Deuteronomy 18:1-8.  The Israelites are given instructions regarding the priests and their inheritance.  The whole tribe of Levi would be the priests and they would not receive a portion of the Promised Land as their inheritance.  Rather, their inheritance would be the offerings made to the Lord by the rest of the Israelites.  The Levites had a particular job, to stand before the Lord on behalf of the people, to minister at the place God selects for His Name.  The portions of the offerings that are to be the priests' share are listed specifically.  I'm not really familiar with the cuts of meat but I assume that they are the best to go along with the first fruits, new wine and oil.  The priests even get the first wool of the sheep shearing.

In today's world, we think we can determine everyone's worth and give according to their worth or deservedness.  Yet these verses remind me that only God determines worth.  These verses remind me to be obedient, because these verses are very specific about what to give and why.  Perhaps we like to think we are righteous and think we can alter our gifts by making judgments and evaluations.  I am instructed to bless others with the blessings I have received from God because He has directed my gifts not as I define the recipient's need, worth or service.

Perhaps these verses are another example of God's grace.  It appears to be unfair that the Levites do not receive land like the rest of the tribes.  The priests live off the gifts directed by God's grace.  God shows that even though it appears "unfair", He will provide for the Levites and in the best way.  It may appear to be unfair to give the best sacrifices to those who just minister in God's house, yet the Israelites were the benefactors of God's grace when they were delivered from Egypt and delivered to the Promised Land.

The Levites are my example to trust God for the needs of my daily life and remember He provides the best.  The Israelites are my example to be obedient and generous in my giving.

My shuttle driver benefitted from my $10+ error.  I have benefitted far more from God's immeasurable grace.  I am called to be obedient and share God's grace, even with my material wealth which God provided.

We are not the ones to evaluate God's grace.  We are to receive God's great grace and then share it as directed by God.  My words for today:  generous obedience.