Beyond Expectations

When the next car came to the window to pay, they discovered that their coffee had already been paid for.

Numbers 28:1-31

Reference: v.31 Offer these together with their drink offerings, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its grain offering. Be sure the animals are without defect. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I heard a story from Bill Johnson, a pastor from the States, about the power of generosity.  Someone went through a drive-thru at Starbucks and decided he wanted to pay for the coffee of the car behind him.  When the next car came to the window to pay, they discovered that their coffee had already been paid for.  So they did the same, and paid for the car behind them.  When the next car came to the window to discover their coffee had already been paid for, they decided to continue on the surprise and pay for the car behind them.  This went on unbroken for six hours!!

Application: The majority of people know what is expected of them.  If you work full time you are expected to work an eight hour day.  If you buy something from a shop you are expected to pay full price.  If someone does something for you, it is expected that you will use your manners to thank them appropriately.  But it’s always amazing when someone goes beyond the expectations and gives over and above the norm.  When it comes to our worship, there is a certain expectation – turn up on Sundays and put some money in the offering plate.  But there is so much more we can do than just that.  It’s when we stretch ourselves, and go over and above the norm, that our lives can be transformed by the generosity we offer.

Prayer: Lord, you went way beyond the expectation and gave generously to us.  May we be prompted to do the same for others.  Amen.

How can you give beyond the expectation?

expectations, generosity, Numbers