March 22, 2007

Can a Christian serve when financially needy? Can a Christian still give when he himself is in a challenging condition? Will people in financially challenging life always feel burden and oppressed?

Jesus was not that way. He didn't have a place to stay. He stayed at Peter's house in Capernaum.. He made it his first evangelism post in the world. The boat he borrowed from Peter, he turned it to be a sermon podium. He wasn't ashamed riding on a donkey even though the people escorted him like a king. He ate in Simon's house, in Matthew's house and in parties where he was invited. It's hard to imagine Jesus wearing luxurious adornment bringing a suitcase filled with his attires. The sea, the mountain, and the hills with the blue sky as the roof, had been his meeting places with his disciples. He did use a meeting room once, but again, that was borrowed.

You might be wondering about Jesus' financial condition. Let's see how he lived and what he gave during his short life on earth.
He healed many people, just like a doctor. His private times were often bothered by those who come seeking for his help. He saved a woman who committed adultery from the angry crowd who wanted to stone her to death; he was more than a lawyer! He saved a Samaritan woman from a broken relationship, he was more than a great counselor. Crowds followed him wherever he went. He preached amazing sermons. He was such a famous speaker! He reminded the people about Caesar's right. He paid his own tax with money taken from the mouth of a fish. He ate his food from others' table but he fed thousands of people. And much more!

Just imagine how rich he would be if he were to charge for his services. Jesus did many great things in his modest life. He made himself poor in order for us to be rich. He died so that we could live. He sent us to heaven while he himself went thru hell. "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabakhtani?" He shouted because of us.

There is a story that might inspire you, a Christ-like spark that shines from the lives of a couple from GKDI Surabaya. To be grateful in difficult time and to be always willing to give to God, let's learn from this couple.

Amos and Ira is a young married couple with one daughter. They have a very simple life, one might even say that they are needy, however we, and other Christians in their discipling group really appreciate and respect their hearts.

One of the amazing things is what Ira had done in order to help Amos to support their family lives. She was willing to work as a building construction worker, a rough job that usually involves only men!
Among us, these two are well known for their very helpful attitude. Anytime asked, they would be very happy to help in whatever way they could.
Another thing we really appreciate about them is their attitude. They never complained about their lives! They are zealous and joyful Christians. Although they have a lot of needs themselves, Ira always sets aside 10% from what she receives weekly, for God.

Not too long ago, we had a group discipling time in the house of a Christian which is quite a distance from Amos' house. That day Amos wasn't able to come and Ira had to come alone. She showed up riding on a bicycle, joyfully as usual.

Amos himself is a man of commitment and integrity. When his co-workers cheated at work, he would never compromise nor joined with their acts.

Seeing their hearts, makes us the married group in Surabaya, praise God. It appears that money will not always be the problem for those who want to fight to give glory to God. We believe you could always be giving and be grateful to God in difficult time.
Glory be to God, Amen!