Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CS - Counsels on Stewardship (1940) Chapter 20— Jacob’s Fidelity
Jacob made his vow [Genesis 28:20-22] while refreshed by the dews of grace, and invigorated by the presence and assurance of God. After the divine glory had passed away, he had temptations, like men in our time; but he was faithful to his vow, and would not harbor thoughts as to the possibility of being released from the pledge which he had made. He might have reasoned much as men do now, that this revelation was only a dream, that he was unduly excited when he made his vow, and that therefore it need not be kept; but he did not. {CS 98.2}
Long years intervened before Jacob dared to return to his own country; but when he did, he faithfully discharged his debt to his Master. He had become a wealthy man, and a very large amount of property passed from his possessions to the treasury of the Lord. {CS 98.3}
Many in our day fail where Jacob made a success. Those to whom God has given the greatest amount have the strongest inclination to retain what they have, because they must give a sum proportionate to their property. Jacob gave the tenth of all that he had, and then reckoned the use of the tenth, and gave the Lord the benefit of that which he had used for his own interest during the time he was in a heathen land, and could not pay his vow. This was a large amount, but he did not hesitate; that which he had vowed to God he did not regard as his, but as the Lord’s. {CS 99.1}
According to the amount bestowed will be the amount required. The larger the capital entrusted, the more valuable is the gift which God requires to be returned to Him. If a Christian has ten or twenty thousand dollars, God’s claims are imperative upon him, not only to give his proportion according to the tithing system, but to present his sin offerings and thank offerings to God.—Testimonies for the Church 4:466, 467. {CS 99.2}
We are no longer to present sacrifices as in the ceremonial law but we are still to follow God’s plan of beneficence by returning unto God that portion He requires. Jacob made a pledge to God and kept it. Jacob even made up for the part he used for his own interest while in a heathen land. God blessed Jacob in abundance. God is willing to do the same for us. After all, God’s portion is not ours to keep. Do not allow yourself to be tempted into keeping God’s portion. To him that much is given, much is required.
Our kind and gracious Father,
We thank You and are so grateful for all the blessings You continually bestow upon us. For giving us, the will and fortitude to earn our wages that provide for our families and ourselves. We pray that You bless and multiply exponentially that which we return into Your treasury. May it further the spreading of the everlasting gospel to all peoples and nations and help the less fortunate who are in need. Help us to continue fighting the good fight. Let no brethren be tempted into keeping that which belongs to You. Help us to be like Jacob. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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