Crazy Love - Leftovers

Leftovers

I am not a big fan of leftovers. It’s not that I want to waste food, it’s just not normally as good as the first time it was served up. When Francis Chan titled chapter 5, “Leftovers to a Holy God” I knew it was not going to pretty. I was right, it is a deeply challenging chapter, especially coming after “Lukewarm” (Chapter 4).

But Chan touches on things that I have long struggled with personally.
How can we call ourselves real Jesus Followers (Disciples) if we only give God leftovers (time, money, effort, love, etc.) I have never believed that just “believing” was all that God asks of us. No He wants a really, vibrant relationship. “All or nothing” His love for us was “all of nothing”, our marriages are created to be “all or nothing” and yet we don’t believe that God would require that type of love (action love) of us.

I shared my view of Black Friday this weekend... wow did that surprise some people!
We can manage to get out of bed, grab some coffee, and race to get in line by 3 or 4 a.m. to not miss out on the great door busters deals, but we can’t get up for a 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday. We can’t serve on a volunteer grid and help set up, teach young kids, greet at the door. We can’t help pack food boxes from 9 - noon once a month.... but we can commit, plan and do door busters?

“Where you treasure is, there your heart will be also”, words of Jesus Christ.

In Malachi God warned that “leftover” sacrifices have left God wishing that someone would close the temple (church) doors. God would have us shut down ministries, than continue getting Him the leftovers. Is God worth our best or not? Does our love for God natural draw us to service and sacrifice?

King David said, “I will not offer a sacrifice that cost me nothing”
Modern translation.... “no pain no gain”

This is not about having us serve and give more out of guilt, this is about having such a love for God, we naturally poor out our best to Him and others.

Ask yourself why are so many churches and denominations closing and getting smaller and smaller? Could it be.... too many leftovers have been served and God is doing what He warned us about in Malachi’s day. Could it be that seekers can see when it’s not real love.... but leftovers. Why would they come back to a place that doesn’t really, radically love and follow God. I wouldn’t! Really I wouldn’t.

This idea of giving God leftovers deeply effects God’s heart. Twice Jesus cleared the merchants from the temple. Once with a whip! God does not want us playing church. partially following... no he wants “All or nothing”

What are you giving.... your best or leftovers to a Holy God that loves you like Crazy and gave nothing but the best for you?