Wise Stewardship - Those Who Give
Introduction
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him” (Luke 10:33).
As told in his biography, Mover of Mountains and Men, R.G. LeTourneau became the greatest obstacle-mover in history, building huge earth-moving machines. During World War II he produced 70% of all the army’s earth-moving machinery. As a multi-millionaire, LeTourneau gave 90% of his profit to God’s work and kept only 10% for himself. He spoke of God as the Chairman of his Board.
Mr. LeTourneau was a great example of wise stewardship. His testimony was that the money came in faster than he could give it away. The liberal-hearted man was convinced that he could not out-give God. “I shovel it out,” he would say, “and God shovels it back, but God has a bigger shovel.” He also encouraged others, saying, “You will never know what you can accomplish until you say a great big ‘yes’ to the Lord.”
Having viewed the philosophies of the thieves, the priest, and the Levite in this account, we come now to one who has become known as “The Good Samaritan.” In ministering to the needs of the wounded man, he exemplifies the best philosophy of life, “WHAT I POSSESS, I SHARE WITH OTHERS!” He not only gave of his possessions, but he also gave himself to help the hurting. Look at what is said about him.
I. Those who are wise stewards are known for their compassion!
Whereas the priest and the Levite passed by on the other side, the Samaritan, “as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him” (10:33). When he saw his desperate condition, he was moved with pity for him. He wonderfully illustrated the words of Jude, “And of some have compassion, making a difference” (Jude 22).
II. Those who are wise stewards are known for their care!
The Samaritan didn’t just have compassion, he showed compassion in his care of the poor man. We read that he “went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (10:34). As Jesus “gave Himself for our sins” (Gal. 1:4), may we give of ourselves to minister to others.
III. Those who are wise stewards are known for their contributions!
Not only did the Samaritan bind up the wounds, pour in oil and wine, put him on his beast and bring him to an inn (see 10:34), but he also “took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee” (10:35). May God open the eyes of our hearts and grant a willingness to give to meet the needs of others