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Christmas and EpiphanyWorship, Epiphany and Public Witness Week 6 · Day 3

Scripture References

Read First

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 29:10-14

¹⁰ Therefore David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said, “You are blessed, LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever.
¹¹ Yours, LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.
¹² Both riches and honour come from you, and you rule over all! In your hand is power and might! It is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all!

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¹³ Now therefore, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name.
¹⁴ But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from you, and we have given you of your own.

New Testament

Philippians 2:17-18

¹⁷ Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
¹⁸ In the same way, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Thought for the Day

David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 is bright with gratitude and almost disarming in its simplicity: ‘Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.’ Blessing is not a victory lap. It is a truth-telling. The giver is not flattered; the Giver is praised.

This is worship’s quiet public work. It loosens our grip. It honours the hidden labours that hold a community together. It teaches us to give without needing applause, and to serve without demanding the last word. Lord, receive what we bring, and make our offering glad.

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So the whole assembly is reminded that wealth and strength are not self-made. They are received, and therefore answerable. That single recognition cleanses so much of our giving: it turns generosity from performance into gratitude, and it turns possession into stewardship. Even our ‘best’ is still borrowed; even our offerings are mercy.

Paul, in Philippians 2, speaks of being poured out as a drink offering. The image is costly, but not bleak. He can rejoice, and invite others to rejoice with him, because love given away is not lost in God’s economy; it is gathered up, and it becomes part of the Church’s worship.

Prayer Points

Respond

Giver of all good gifts, make us grateful and free, offering what we have received without pride
Strengthen those who serve quietly in public roles, often unseen and weary, and give them joy in faithfulness
Teach your Church to give and serve with gladness, not out of vanity or pressure

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Protect us from resentment and from performative generosity, and form in us humble love
Unite us as brethren at your table, sharing burdens and rejoicing together

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