15 Sep, 2008
Check out the video below, showing a group of Hurricane Ike victims giving of themselves to help other locals survive the aftermath of the storm!
Image courtesy of Google Images
Video courtesy of Foxnews.com
Brotherly Love
Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about loving and serving others?
If you watched the video above, you witnessed a beautiful example of people helping people. I think the thing that hit me most was that those who showed up to volunteer and help were victims themselves! They showed up to serve and to show their support to their brothers, sisters, and neighbors. They did it out of a mutual love and respect for their city.
In today's scripture passage, Jesus is speaking to the Gentiles about how, when Jesus returns, God will judge His people and their love for Him by the way they have shown love to others, specifically, His "brothers" (the Jewish people). He explains that it is the way we speak to others, provide for, care for, and love them that communicates our faith and love for Christ.
Although Christ made it clear that He'd come to provide salvation for all people, the Jewish clung to the idea that salvation would only be for the Chosen people, so clearly Gentiles and Jews did not see eye to eye. But in this passage, regardless of the obvious division between people groups, Jesus is calling His people to love and serve each other in times of need.
If a group of Houstonians can put aside their own needs and differences to serve each other because of a mutual love for their city, how much more can (and should) we, as children of God, do for those around us who are in need, because of our mutual love for and faith in Jesus Christ?
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus, offering the gift of salvation to all people - Jews and Gentiles alike. Remember that it is only by His grace that we have been adopted into the Family of God.
- How often do you notice the needs of others around you? Are you too wrapped up in your own desires, needs, or self pity to notice the true needs of others? Pray and ask God to give you eyes to see those He's put in your life who may need something today.
- Do you struggle to serve and help those you don't particularly get along with? Pray for God's perspective towards people - that you would see them as His children, serving them as though you were serving Christ.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Look for ways you can help victims of Hurricane Ike - be creative! If you live too far to physically help with clean-up, find ways to raise money, send encouragement, gather for prayer, etc.
- Think about those who are around you (neighbors, church family, teachers, fellow students) . . . Is there a specific need that you know about that you (and maybe a few friends) might be able to help meet? Does someone need their grass cut? House painted? Could they use some food or clothing? Could you offer free babysitting to parents who need a night out? Use what God's given you (gifts, abilities, material possessions, etc) to serve and bless someone else today.
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