“And a present…”

“Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he took him bound in chains along with all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being exiled to Babylon. The captain of the guard took Jeremiah and said to him, ‘The Lord your God pronounced this disaster against this place. The Lord has brought it about, and has done as he said. Because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey his voice, this thing has come upon you. Now, behold, I release you today from the chains on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you well, but if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. See, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think it good and right to go. If you remain, then return to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon appointed governor of the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wherever you think it right to go.’ So the captain of the guard gave him an allowance of food and a present, and let him go.” Jeremiah 40:2-5

Having been bound for exile along with other Israelites as God had prophesied through him, Jeremiah is released and given a gracious offer from the Babylonian captain of the guard. Acknowledging the accuracy of the prophet’s warning, he allows him a choice of where to live, gives him food and a present, and lets him go. We do not know what that present was, but its mere mention is a reminder of God’s kind, generous above-and-beyond provision for His children. His servant had suffered much over years of faithful obedience, and the Lord had not only not forgotten him, but would supply unexpected blessing.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

And still our Lord does for His own. In our faithfulness to honor Him, He blesses us. In our diligent searching, painful suffering, and unselfish serving, God always returns to us more than we give Him or can ask or imagine. His heavenly abundance reaches every area of life: storehouse, soul, and spirit. (2 Chronicles 9:12)

What unexpected presents has God given along with tenuous circumstances or hardship in our current life? Are we adequately in tune with Him so we recognize His and a present gifts? Have we enjoyed the added favor of another’s encouragement or help, an unanticipated financial provision, a specific physical protection, an insight we would not otherwise have gained, a surprise kindness? However He has given that kiss of more, have we thanked Him for the present and the love behind it?

Are there places we can be God’s hands and heart to supply such surprises to others? Whom do we know in particular circumstances who need something particular, or more than they have? What need beckons our attention, what sadness our balm, what lack a provision? How might we, in gratitude for God’s abundance, be part of His present to them?

Lord, keep me alert to, grateful for, and generous with Your unexpected gifts.