Now concerning the contribution for the saints; as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 1 Corinthians 16:1
Does the Apostle Pau sound a bit too officious for this “Most Wonderful Time of the Year?” We have eggnog to sip and noggins to strain to deal with the seasonal nightmare gift and its ominous warning, “Some assembly required.” Hallmark movies would hardly dictate to our relentless fundraiser. He was busy brushing up on men named Agabus and Claudius, both outranking Santa Claus by a mile.. Barnabas had encouraged Paul to come teach the Gentile believers at Antioch, where for the first time they were called “Christians.” Agabus, one of several prophets from Jerusalem who had joined them, predicted “through the Spirit” that a severe famine was on the horizon. It did spread over much of the Roman world between 44-48, and occurred during the reign of its 4th emperor. Claudius, born with several disabilities, was kept hidden by his family. To their shock, the assassination of his cruel and crazy young nephew Caligula, propelled him into the world’s spotlight. With surprising aptitude, Claudius restored Rome to its former glory days and accomplished the historic conquest of Britain.
Jerusalem was hit hard by “food insufficiency,” but turkey donations were not their cultural norm. So Paul, who had become a seasoned traveler, made it his mission to locate Gentile churches far and wide, “directing” them to pitch in regardless of how much or how little money they had. That is how the Macedonians entered into our picture and made us either squirm or choose to become God’s cheerful givers. The same prophet Agabus who warned of the famine in Acts 11:27, also showed up in Acts 21:10, where he predicted Paul’s imminent imprisonment in Jerusalem, breaking many hearts, including the apostle’s, but for his own very different reason. (Part 1 of 2)
Comment: Some snobs in Corinth bragged about their “superlative” apostles and snubbed Paul by saying, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” Today’s fundraising pastor may well wince and whisper “ouch” when he reads and relates to it. The fall stewardship campaign has not paid off as hoped for, and much of the money spent in December reflects on the glittery season ruled by tinsel and trinkets. He hates to nag, but the finance director simply must pay both deserving workers and pressing bills. In reality, many parishioners do come to their senses, and postponed pledges and extra offerings do arrive in the [Saint] “Nick” of time. Until that happy event, watch our pastor pace back and forth in his study in pursuit of inspiration. Beads of perspiration form on his brow as he sees himself stepping in front of his flock, feeling like a wolf, albeit a trembling rather than a preying one. Did he pray enough? Have enough sheep prayed for him? What if some secret misers will bleat openly in protest? Perhaps a superlative preacher then decides to put on a red suit and fake beard, to brave his flock in the guise of a jolly FUN-Raiser? “Ouch” indeed! I can feel Paul’s eyes bore into me… He reminds me to relate next how the Resurrection turned him into the most amazingly “direct” speaker.
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