The Generosity of God

A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’   
Luke 10:33-35 (NIV)

One of the things that hits me in the story of the Good Samaritan is not just the Samaritan’s compassion, but his overflowing generosity. He finds a man on the road stripped of his clothes, beaten, battered, and left for dead—and immediately he goes over to him. He gives this injured man his wine and oil, his bandages, his donkey, his money, his concern, his time, his care, and his pledge.

He makes a serious investment by promising the innkeeper that repayment of any additional debt will be covered by himself. He doesn’t even put a limit on the credit account. He tells the innkeeper, “Keep the tab open.”

The Samaritan makes this man’s wellbeing his primary concern, and spares no expense in bringing him back to a place of wholeness.

That’s what God does for you and me every day. He keeps the tab open. But He doesn’t have to pay the bill later. He’s covered the expenses in total with His Son’s blood, from which we make daily withdrawals so that our sins can be washed away.

Talk about a reason to rejoice! Talk about a reason to shout! Talk about a reason for authentic worship! Every day, you spend the whole day making withdrawals on God’s account, because God put the entirety of His creditworthiness on the line for you.

What a generous God He is!