Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Matthew 5-6
Matthew 6:2
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
When. It’s a word used abundantly in the Bible. On average it is used a little over twice in every chapter, and is found in almost 9% of the verses. “When” is one of those words with which we are so familiar that it is seldom thought of in its exactness. It means “at the time.” In the above verse it is an adverb that modifies the action verb of the phrase “doest thine alms.” Meaning it is speaking of the exact time that one does alms. This infers, actually, it more than infers, it proves that Jesus expects all who read His words of this sermon to perform alms. He does not preface the doing of alms giving with the word if, or perchance, or even will you do alms; there is no question, He states clearly that every person will be engaged in this activity.
Giving alms is not tithing, it is not giving designated freewill offerings such as to missions or a building project, it is something altogether different. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary the definition of “alms” is: “Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money, food, or clothing, otherwise called charity.” Let’s say it is a cold dreary day, you are walking down a side street in your town when you encounter someone huddled in a corner of a doorway of a closed business in an attempt to stay warm. You have just a block or two to walk to your destination wherein there will be warmth awaiting you. Seeing the plight of that cold individual you stop, take off your overcoat and cover that soul with some protection against the elements. You ask for nothing, probably don’t even say a word, you do not ask for a receipt, nor will you talk about it later. You just do it. Perhaps without knowing it, you just performed alms giving.
Which Jesus expects you to do. But not only that. For the word “when” is used for three distinct actions of those who believe in Him.
· Alms 6:1-4
· Prayer 6:5-13
· Fasting 6:16-18
These are three actions that Jesus expects His followers to do, routinely.
But there are four other actions covered in this portion of His great Sermon on the Mount. They are: forgiveness (14-15), laying up treasures (19-32), seeking first the kingdom of God and seeking His righteousness (33:34).
Of these seven actions three will be done: alms, prayers, fasting, and four others should be done: forgiveness, laying up treasures properly, seeking the kingdom of God first, and seeking His righteousness. To this pastor, the last two will ensure the proper activity on the first five.
Remember to pay attention to the word “when.” It speaks of actions that are sometimes required, always inspired, should be desired, and will be eternally admired.
Dr. William T. Howe
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