The Gift & The Giver

“Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15).

All of God’s laws are good. They can hinder and even prevent criminal activity, but a law alone cannot transform the heart. If greed and entitlement is in the heart, the only hope for transformation is a new heart. This is why the Law was God’s Tutor, to point us to Christ, “that we might be made righteous by faith” (Galatians 3:24).

This eighth commandment becomes another evidence of salvation, when sins are forgiven and the heart is made right… “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands, that which is good, that he may have something to give to someone who is in need” (Ephesians 4:28). 

Jesus is the ultimate Gift and Giver. To follow His steps through the Gospel’s and see Him giving life, health, forgiveness, truth, and hope, yet to be crucified as a thief among thieves, is the shock of history. He took nothing and gave everything. And when we trust Him, we are given Everything… “If you are children of God, then heirs; heirs of God and joint-hers with Christ” (Romans 8:17). You can’t get richer or more blessed than that.

The world still sees Jesus as a thief; but think of all they steal from Him – Creation, the rainbow, the thanks due Him for life, breath, and all things; His rightful authority, and His Word of truth, to name a few.  

And now, on the eve of His return, while they attempt to steal our God-given rights and freedoms, we rejoice that they cannot steal our Hope. Jesus will return for us “as a Thief in the night.” While we wait, let us be “givers” of Hope and Truth to those in need, and let us, here and now, give Christ the honor and glory He so rightfully deserves.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)