A Gift Opens The Way!

Solomon wrote. . .
"A MAN'S GIFT MAKES ROOM FOR HIM AND BRINGS HIM BEFORE THE GREAT." ( Proverbs 18:16 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads, "Giving a gift works wonders; IT MAY BRING YOU BEFORE IMPORTANT PEOPLE!" [© 1997, Wheaton, Ill., Tyndale House]

That's the way it seems to work in this life. A willingness to offer a gift OPENS THE WAY into the presence of those who might otherwise keep their door closed to us. If something is given or if something can be gained, then they are willing to take a moment to listen to whatever is on the mind of the giver.

But how about if this is turned around? What if it is the "GREAT" doing the giving? What if it is a GIFT from the "GREAT" to OPEN THE WAY for the recipient of the gift? Isn't that exactly what God has done?

Paul stated. . .
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free GIFT OF GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." ( Romans 6:23 ESV)

God has given us a gift. It is a gift we could never buy for ourselves. It is also a gift we cannot earn. It is a gift that could only be provided by He who is truly Great! And the gift was provided to OPEN THE WAY for us to be ushered into His presence!

Jesus Himself said. . .
"Jesus said to him, "I AM THE WAY, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." ( John 14:6 ESV)

And the Hebrew writer pointed to the confidence we can now have when he wrote. . .
"(19) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, (20) by the new and LIVING WAY THAT HE OPENED FOR US through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, (21) and since we have a great priest over the house of God, (22) let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (23) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." ( Hebrews 10:19-23 ESV)

God's Ways are not the ways of the world. The GREAT has given and continues to give. It is He who has provided the GIFT that OPENED THE WAY into His eternal presence.

Have a great day PRAISING OUR GREAT GOD FOR HIS GIFT THAT OPENED THE WAY FOR US!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 05/03/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on God's Gifts