The Giver's Hand
The worth of our gifts to God is determined by the purity of our hearts and the cleanliness of our hands.
John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of offering gifts to the Lord with clean hands, highlighting that God looks at the heart of the giver rather than the gift itself. He stresses the need for purity and cleanliness in our actions and offerings to God, as defilement can render even the most elaborate gifts unacceptable. Jowett urges the congregation to present everything to the Lord with pure intentions and a clean heart, as even the smallest offerings, when given sincerely, receive God's blessing and favor.
Text
GENESIS iv. 3-15.
Cain and Abel both brought an offering unto the Lord, but one was accepted
and the other rejected. It is the giver who determines the worth or the
worthlessness of the gift. God looks not at the gift, but at the hand that
brings it. "Your hands are full of blood!" "Your hands are unclean!" The
Lord demands "clean hands." He will not have our compliments if there is
defilement behind them. Our courtesies are rejected if iniquity attends
them. The shining gloss on the linen is an offence if the dirt looks
through! Who cares for food if presented by unclean hands? "Be ye clean,
ye that bear the vessels of the Lord!"
Every gift is welcome to the Lord if offered with clean hands. A mite, or
a cup of cold water, or our daily labour, or the first-fruits of garden or
field--all receive the blessing of our God if the hands that bring them
are free from defilement. So is it with everything we offer to the Lord. A
song of praise makes sweet music in the hearing of our God if it come from
pure lips! Purity, as Thomas a' Kempis says, gives the wings which carry
everything into the Father's presence.
Sermon Outline
- The Giver Determines the Worth of the Gift
- Clean Hands are a Requirement for Acceptance
- Every Gift is Welcome with Clean Hands
- A mite or a cup of cold water is acceptable
- Purity gives wings to our offerings
Key Quotes
“Your hands are full of blood! Your hands are unclean!” — John Henry Jowett
“Be ye clean, ye that bear the vessels of the Lord!” — John Henry Jowett
“Purity, as Thomas a' Kempis says, gives the wings which carry everything into the Father's presence.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- We must ensure our hearts and hands are clean before offering anything to God.
- God values purity and cleanliness in our offerings, regardless of their size or value.
- We can cultivate purity and cleanliness by seeking to obey God's Word and living a life of obedience.