Thursday September 8, 2016.
Luke 14:12-14
Outline
“Then Jesus said to His host, when you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends… they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.” Luke 14:12, NIV
When organizing a feast, we are tempted to invite those who we think are most likely to do us good in return –family members and rich friends who at least, will reciprocate either in cash or kind. Jesus taught His disciples that this practice should be reversed. Our world is full of people who offer help and assistance for what they can get in return. They do this not primarily as an act of love or obedience to Christ’s command, but with ulterior motives. Their hospitality and good deeds are based on “symbiotic relationships” (I rub your back, you rub my own).
Brethren, we should not see inviting and honouring the poor and the less privileged as wasted act or loss because they cannot pay back in cash. They do pay back with their prayers and thanks to God for your work of charity. Know that whoever gives to those who cannot pay back for the Lord’s sake is investing into eternity, and God will not forget their labour of love (Proverbs 19:17). Extend your hands of generosity today towards such without expecting a payback. Remember, “those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will also cry out and no one will answer them” (Proverbs 21:13). May God reward you now and in eternity.
Brethren, we should not see inviting and honouring the poor and the less privileged as wasted act or loss because they cannot pay back in cash. They do pay back with their prayers and thanks to God for your work of charity. Know that whoever gives to those who cannot pay back for the Lord’s sake is investing into eternity, and God will not forget their labour of love (Proverbs 19:17). Extend your hands of generosity today towards such without expecting a payback. Remember, “those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will also cry out and no one will answer them” (Proverbs 21:13). May God reward you now and in eternity.
Wisdom: Blessed is the person who considers the poor, the Lord will deliver him/her in time of trouble.
Food for Thought: Jesus could be in that boy or girl, man or woman that we drive away from our parties.
Follow-up Action: Make room for the needy and the less privileged in your parties.
Prayer: Dear Father, help me to have a heart that is willing to identify with, and help those who are in need.
source: The Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC)
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