Judges 8:2 What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

              Gleanings are referenced in Leviticus as a portion of the field and vines which are left unharvested by the workers of the field. The intent was that the poor and the stranger could come and gather for themselves and gain sustenance.

              Spiritually the field would be the bible, the Word of God. The workers of the field would be the preachers, teachers, theologians, and scholars. Anyone who is not on the list of workers would be called poor or a stranger.

              Abiezer, which means father of help, was of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul, the author of so many epistles in the New Testament, was of the tribe of Benjamin. I do not see this as mere coincidence. I see it as comparative language.

              Do you glean for yourself or feed only on what the workers have provided? When you read your bible it can be a very personal experience. Writings and teachings are more of a general note, not meant to specifically touch individual needs. Not that they cannot, but are not meant to do so. I believe what God is saying in Judges 8:2 is that which you go and glean for yourself will taste best or do you the most good.

Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

I am really bad at buying the appropriate Christmas gift. I feel safer giving a prepaid gift card. It might be a Starbuck’s card, or a Lowe’s card, maybe even Petsmart. The idea being they can get whatever they want with the card.

Now that isn’t the only way to give. I had to enter a gas station because the self-service computers were down and I had to pay with cash. When I entered a friend was at the counter frustrated because she had no cash and was out of gas. I reached in my wallet and gave her twenty dollars. I did not lend it to her, I gave it to her. I did that because that is who I am.

The next week her husband approached me and tried to pay me back for the gift I gave. “I’ll be in debt to no man.” I tried explaining to him that gifts do not have to be paid for, they are free. “Well I owe you for the kindness.” No, he didn’t. In offering to pay for the gift, he devalued the offering.

One gift cannot be bought, your salvation. Jesus prepaid the cost for all mankind. He bought it all with His life. He offers it freely to all who will accept it. Is pride standing in your way of accepting that free gift because you will not be indebted to any man? Others have accepted it, what makes you any different?

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Did you come up a little short this week? Here take this prepaid salvation card and use it.