Have you ever watched NCIS Los Angeles? I love the part where Chris O’Donnell (G. Callen) and LL Cool J (Sam Hanna} take a suspect into an old rundown interrogation room where they proceed to shake down the suspect so they will confess or give incrementing information. Yes, you are right, I need to limit my TV time. But I was so taken back when I discovered the old meaning of the word “shakedown”.
(Luke 6:38) “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This is the ultimate “shakedown” where a woman during Jesus’ day would make her way to the market to buy grain for her family. The seller would measure it out and pour it into her folded apron. If he were generous, he’d give her a price for that amount, but he would then let her shake it down, pack it down and he’d top it off until it was spilling over.
Those who have a spirit of giving will see giving come back to them spilling over the top. Show grace and you will receive it. Like the old saying goes, “Go the extra mile.” Do you feel Inspired2Share? Have you given a shakedown lately?