Let me say, “Jesus loves you, but I’m His favorite,” and you say, “Oh, Bro. Randy, how arrogant and how ignorant!” Well, this witty phrase has been around for quite some time, but I was reminded of it again recently when I saw it on a Christian message tee shirt. (If you follow my column, you know I confessed a long time ago that I am a fan and wearer of Christian message tee shirts – with no apologies – for I’ve known of some such messages that have greatly encouraged someone going through a very tough time. They often provide an opportunity for a powerful witness for the Lord, as well.)
Just remember, also, with this thought of “His favorite” in mind, we are in very good company. The Apostle John who wrote the Gospel of John, I, II and III John and Revelation was known as “the beloved disciple” because he was just certain he was Jesus’ favorite. We all need some humor at times, and being reminded of this phrase in the last few days brought a big chuckle to my expression and a lingering smile to my heart. I’m guessing God is smiling, too, when we acknowledge to Him that we are overwhelmed with His goodness and blessings.
It is no wonder that we sometimes “think” we are God’s favorite when we consider that He is, “The Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation,” (Psalm 68:19 a favorite verse of mine, as you know). When I read or quote this verse as I often do, I always picture this gigantic dump truck with its huge bed up in the air and the very best of God’s gifts and blessings being dumped upon me every day – “daily” – Whoa! Then, I feel sure, God is rushing His angels back to get another load for tomorrow.
There is another Scripture describing our God’s pouring out His blessings on us that comes to mind. Jesus loves you, but He wants you to know, if you are His child, He expects you to be a giver to bless others and further His cause in the world – bringing others to know Him which He does to a great extent through His church and the preaching of the Gospel throughout the world. Malachi 3:10 reminds us, “Bring ye all the tithes (10% of your income or increase) into the storehouse (church), that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive.”
God used His Word and godly preachers, teachers and other Christians to teach me in my early teenage life the grace, responsibility and overwhelming blessing of giving to His work. Time and space does not allow me to share the miracles God has performed in my life because I heeded this teaching. My pastor used to say, “God will gladly accept gifts, tithes and offerings even from a lost person – one who does not know Christ as Savior – because that person lives on God’s green earth, breathes His air and enjoys all the good things He gives in life everyday.” Of course, God is not seeking the sinner’s offerings, but his soul, for Jesus left the wonder of Heaven to sacrifice His all on Calvary for our souls.
God has much to say about giving and here is another Scripture I want to share today, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom,” (Luke 6:38). Throughout the Bible, God expresses his love and concern for the poor and needy, and He uses our gifts to meet their needs and support His work of getting the Gospel message to the whole world. To anyone who does not know Christ as Savior, He lovingly pleads, “Give Me thine (your) heart,” (Proverbs 23:26).
— Randy Zinn is pastor of Russell Missionary Baptist Church, Russell, Ark.; formerly of Okmulgee.
