God’s unexpected, radical generosity
November 17th, 2024 – Communion Meditation
As I neared Johnson City for my seminary intensive this week, there was a three mile stretch that looked like a wasteland for as far as you could see on both sides of the highway. Every structure was damaged beyond repair. Every tree was either completely felled or dead in place. Hurricane Helene left her mark!
As I delivered a carload of y’all’s incredible donations to Assistance and Resource Ministries in Elizabethton, TN, this week, Jesus’ words about giving rang in my ears. In the aftermath of Helene, this ministry has been doing disaster relief work, in addition to supplying essentials every week to hundreds of persons who are homeless or on the margins of life. The Gospel of Luke chapter 6 includes what some call Jesus’ “Manifesto of the Upside-Down Kingdom.” Jesus lays out what God’s love looks like, a reversal of the world’s value systems. Jesus says in Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
Just as we don’t even know what we need, we can’t possibly guess how God will give. God’s giving is always unexpected, radical generosity! As I stepped out of my car trying to figure out where to unload donations, an elderly volunteer came over to talk to me. I introduced myself and explained what was in my car. She was clearly moved by the unexpected, radical generosity of a church 250 miles away that cared about her community. Phyllis went on to tell me about a donation of her own that she wanted to make: a large assortment of books, signed letters, and cassette tapes. She didn’t know what to do with this priceless collection from her friend Henri Nouwen. Henri Nouwen was a very influential and well-known author and theologian. Phyllis didn’t know that he is also one of my top 10 heroes of the faith. Every Nouwen book I’ve read has nurtured my heart and mind. For some reason, Phyllis had decided to approach me that day to ask, “Where should I donate my collection?” Of course, I urged her to take her treasures to the seminary. What unexpected, radical generosity! I know they will be thrilled to receive those!
Jesus didn’t just speak about radical generosity. He embodied it through self-giving love. No one expected Jesus to come as he did, talk as he did, live as he did, or give his life for us on the cross as he did. Jesus’ resurrection marked the beginning of God’s new world. This is the good news that we celebrate in Communion. As we eat the bread and drink the cup, let us turn away from the world’s values and turn towards God’s upside-down kingdom. May we each be open to receive the unexpected, radical generosity of Jesus and give it away at every opportunity.
On the night that Jesus was betrayed, he took the bread and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Eat together)
Again, Jesus took the cup and said, “This is my blood of the new covenant poured out for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Drink together)
