Does any one remember the three stooges and the hilarious scenes in the doctor’s office? Moe takes an over sized hammer to test the knee reflexes of Curly. Of course reaching back he hits Larry, then he hits Curly and the genius comedy that is slapstick begins.
Did you know there is a “knee jerk reaction” that happens when we talk about the generosity of God. The medical word for where this term originated is called mono-synaptic response. The hit to the knee causes the thigh muscle to stretch. This stretch sends a signal to the spinal cord and then to the thigh muscle. So it never gets to the brain. It is not a thought out decision to react to the plexor/ rubber mallet but a serious problem (possible disease) if there is no reaction. We all have a reaction when we hear of God’s generosity. This reaction is in the backbone of our perception of God, quite possibly clouded by our circumstances and our opinions. It takes faith to go through trials and tribulations and still believe God is generous!
Jesus declared the Lord’s anointing has a purpose, a mission to proclaim the Lord’s favor, to heal the broken hearts, preach good news to the poor and to set captives free. Jesus didn’t just come to pay for the sins of the world for those who believe to get to Heaven but to bring Heaven to earth and restore the perception the human race had of His Father. Often people think Jesus is kind, loving and full of grace, but God the Father is harsh, condemning and sending natural catastrophes to judge the world today. Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” When Jesus said, “I did not come to judge the world but to save it” this was the Father’s idea and plan from the very beginning. His plan was to generously give His son’s life to become our sin so that we would become His righteousness. Paul called this an abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness! He also said in Romans 8:31-35, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”
We are learning to walk by faith in God as a disciple of Jesus. The very backbone/foundation of our belief hinges on the questions, “Is God generous? Is He good and gracious?” Our knee jerk reaction to His generosity and grace to others will immediately tell us about our backbone and perception of Him. It is really difficult to be generous to others when you believe God is not generous. Be encouraged fellow believers, Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Pastor Brandon Pollard
http://www.graceforeternity.com
brandonpollard 