The Provision of the Lord: A Reflection on the Nativity and Lessons for Business

At King Surplus, and as a family, we are passionate about more than just surplus asset management. We believe every transaction, every decision, and every opportunity ties back to a larger purpose—bringing increase to what we’ve been entrusted with, no matter how small. While for many reading this, it would be tied back to business, it's a lifestyle for us generationally. As the Christmas season reminds us of God’s faithfulness, the Nativity story offers powerful lessons for life and business.

From the shepherds’ journey to the gifts of the Magi, the birth of Jesus reveals God’s provision, orchestration, and call to stewardship. These principles resonate deeply, not only in faith but also in the way we approach business.

The Shepherds: Faithful Witnesses

The shepherds were the first to hear the announcement of Jesus’ birth. Despite their humble position, they obeyed and became the first witnesses of the Messiah. They didn’t bring material wealth, but their obedience and faith spread the good news far and wide. (A great visualization of this, is the movie Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night, which I watched with my family last night on December 25th due to the recommendation from my Father in law)

In Business:
Much like the shepherds, we must be willing to act when opportunities arise, even if they seem insignificant at first. At King Surplus, we approach every asset as an opportunity to create value. Sometimes, it's not the largest contracts or the most glamorous deals that bring the greatest increase, but faithful stewardship over what's right in front of us. My father taught me this. Growing up, I often questioned the wisdom of not selling something we'd had for a long time in an effort to bring further increase to the resource. While I, as a young man, would have sold it at a lower price or scrapped it, I now understand the importance of careful consideration. There is a point where it's better to let things go and scrap them, but I believe it's more about adhering to the principle. The proof is irrefutable: bringing increase, even over the smallest things, and over time, the faithful stewardship pays dividends in a multitude of ways, including favor and other blessings God can reward you with that you might not have otherwise had. The benefit is not always financial.

The Magi: Gifts That Sustained

While having lunch with my father-in-law, who is also my pastor, we had an interesting discussion. He pointed out how the gifts from the Magi likely sustained Joseph and Mary during their flight to Egypt. This unique perspective, which I've never heard preached on in church, highlights God's provision during this time.

The Magi, who traveled great distances, likely from the East, presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While the Bible doesn't specify the exact distance or their origin, it's believed to have been a long and arduous journey. These men were likely wealthy and educated, as the commodities they gifted were very expensive. The ability to acquire these gifts, travel such a distance, and return home demonstrates the significant provision God orchestrated for Jesus's birth and for Joseph and Mary.

These gifts, symbolic of Jesus’ kingship, priesthood, and sacrifice, also had practical value. They likely (in my opinion, and those I've spoken to about this) funded Mary and Joseph’s escape to Egypt, sustaining them during their time of need.

In Business:
The gifts of the Magi remind us of the importance of effective resource allocation. Misused resources yield little or no return. At King Surplus, we specialize in taking what may seem like excess or dormant assets and transforming them into valuable resources that can sustain and grow businesses. Whether it's surplus machinery or unused property, the value is always present. It's our responsibility to unlock that value, leveraging the gifts and opportunities that God provides, regardless of how they come to us.This last point is crucial. Often, the very challenges we face or the obstacles we complain about can be the catalysts for significant breakthroughs.

God’s Orchestration and Provision

The Nativity story shows how God’s provision extends far beyond what we can imagine. From moving shepherds in the fields to guiding the Magi across continents, God orchestrated every detail to sustain and protect His Son.

In Business:
Provision often comes from unexpected places. We see this time and again in our work with surplus assets. What may look like waste to one company can be a lifeline to another. God’s ability to bring increase is evident in the way we repurpose and manage resources, turning surplus into sustenance for businesses worldwide.

The Call to Stewardship and Bringing Increase

At the heart of the Nativity is a message of stewardship. God entrusted Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi with roles that would protect and sustain Jesus. In the same way, we are called to steward the resources, opportunities, and relationships entrusted to us.

At King Surplus:
• We see every asset as an opportunity to bring increase.
• We strive to create value for our clients, ensuring their surplus doesn’t go to waste but instead fuels their growth.
•We view our work as part of a larger mission, reflecting the biblical principle of multiplying what we’ve been given.

A Season of Reflection and Growth

As we celebrate Christmas, we’re reminded that our work at King Surplus is about more than transactions. It’s about aligning with God’s principles of provision, stewardship, and bringing increase. Like the shepherds and Magi, we are called to move with faith, act with purpose, and trust in God’s orchestration.

This Christmas season, let’s remember:
• Faithful Stewardship Brings Increase: Whether in life, faith, or business, stewarding what we have opens doors to new opportunities.
• Provision Comes in Unexpected Ways: God’s provision often surprises us. Are we open to seeing value where others see none?
• Every Role Matters: Like the shepherds and Magi, each of us has a part to play in God’s larger plan for increase.

At King Surplus, we are honored to play our part by helping businesses turn surplus into sustenance. May this season inspire us all to bring increase in every area of our lives.

Merry Christmas from the King Surplus family!