Pressed Down Shaken Together

Many of you are probably familiar with this verse:

Luke 6:38 "...give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

I know that many times the verse is used to suggest that if you give materially to God He will give materially to you. After re-reading Luke 6, I'm not too sure if that's correct.

Take another look at the chapter, especially the beatitudes. Jesus is talking about being poor in spirit, and poor in judgment towards others. He is talking about being rich in God, rich in love, rich in forgiveness, rich in lending without expecting in return.

We should be generous, and God will be generous with us. But does it mean "stuff?" I think it more likely means more of God; more of His character, more of His Holy Spirit. For more on that read Luke 11 carefully, especially where it talks about the good gifts the Father gives.

If you measure out forgiveness to those who hurt you, forgiveness will be measured back. If you measure out love to those who hate you, love will be measured back to you - in spades.

It's just another way of looking at it. But in terms of God's character I think it fits.

Pastor Tom