I was part of a discussion about how we define ‘bribery’.  At what point does the passing of money become wrong? This may be more subtle than we sometimes think. The Old Testament book of Proverbs is key here.

A bribe does have an effect, changing men’s decisions. ‘Bribe’ is too harsh a word! A generous and timely gift to another, perhaps a person of influence, can lead to success. David Adeney comments on this lack of condemnation of a bribe; ‘Such equivocation in the Old Testament seems to reflect a recognition of the power differential between a poor person who gives a gift in order to stave off injustice and the rich who uses his power to exploit the poor. The powerful and the powerless are not judged by the same abstract absolute.’ (Strange Virtues, Ethics in a Multicultural World, quoted by Andy McCullough in Global Humility)

The real test is not the passing over of a sum of money, but the motivation and purpose behind it. Can I suggest the following distinction:

Bribery condemned

17.23 and 22.16 look at the purpose of a bribe. Where it is given to prevent justice or to oppress the poor, then it is properly condemned. 15.27 likens a person giving a bribe to someone greedy for unjust gain.

Generosity with purpose

In 17.8, a precious stone changes a person’s decision in the donor’s favour. In 18.16, generosity opens door. And in 21.14 a gift soothes anger. If I buy someone flowers or chocolates to cheer them up, we do not think of that as bribery. It is a gift with a purpose.

There is constant discussion about Christ’s return for His Church. There has always been, since the middle of the first century. When Paul writes to the Church at Thessalonica, he makes reference to such speculation. And that is the problem! The New Testament makes reference to Christ’s return not for the purpose of speculation but for anticipation and motivation.

Matthew records a long discussion between Jesus and the Twelve concerning His Return in chapters 24-25. He brings together three parables, which each pick up this theme of motivation.

Be ready – the parable of the virgins (25.1-13)

The lesson: watch for we do not know the day nor the hour. There is anticipation, for the bridegroom is expected. There is a delay in the bridegroom’s coming (v5); Christ’s return is certain, which is confirmed frequently in the NT.

Therefore, be ready for His Return.

Be diligent – the parable of the talents (25.14-30)

The lesson: Be diligent in service, expecting fruit. We are gifted and equipped; we have appointed tasks and responsibilities. We are called to respond with commitment and service. The words ‘enter into the joy of your master’ also indicate a reward, which is also further motivation to service.

Therefore, be diligent as we await His Return.

Be compassionate – the parable of the sheep and goats (25.31-46)

The lesson: Serve one another, especially those who are poor or ill. Such service must be willing and spontaneous; generous and sacrificial. Notice the characteristics of the righteous; they are kind and generous and compassionate. They are also humble, keeping no record of their good deeds.

Therefore, be compassionate towards others.

1 Kings 17.8-16 & 2 Kings 4.1-4

As we often find, incidents about Elijah and Elisha share common details. The Lord, the author of all scripture, is teaching us of His ways. These common details are not coincidences; they are divine reinforcing of lessons for us. As Joseph said to Pharaoh: ‘the thing is fixed by God’ (Gen 41.23).

God sent Elijah to Zarephath, near Sidon; an area occupied by Gentiles. We read a quaint scene of a widow gathering sticks for her final meal.  The current famine in the region guaranteed the sad inevitability of imminent death. All she had was the tiny provision of bread and flour and oil. As scripture often records, there was great need and insufficient resources.

Elijah commanded faith and obedience, that the widow put him first. ‘Elijah’ meaning ‘the Lord is God.’ His words were direct; ‘will you trust God in this situation?’ She faced sacrifice and risk, whether she obeyed or not!

The command came with a promise of abundance, v14. She obeyed. God provided!

‘There was always enough’

The second incident is set in a different context, of a widow amongst the community of the prophets. She was threatened with debt, rather than death. All she had was a flask of olive oil. Again, there was great need and insufficient resources

A different command, this time to ‘borrow vessels’ from her neighbours. This involved a commitment and risk, perhaps even looking foolish. I imagine the widow thinking; ‘I am borrowing many empty bottles; without a miracle they stay empty, and I feel foolish!’

There was a command and a promise. She obeyed. God provided! Although there was a different technique, there was similar abundance – ‘Every contained was full to the brim’

The lesson is clear and obvious. The result of simple faith was multiplied blessings; and such abundance was a sign of God’s grace. In these instances, a total trust in God that He would provide what was needed.

God loves faith. Our faith can open up great blessings.