We like the glory...
Illustration
Object:
We like the glory part. It's the judgment part that may give us a little concern. As we go over the list, we can see that we might have to confess to a few times when we are asked "When did you see me?"
It can also be a message that it is not too late to become the sheep on Jesus' right side. As simple a thing as your weekly offering may be one sign that you are on the sheep side knowing that some of that money is going to help the suffering ones in this world.
But Jesus makes it more specific:
1. Who are the hungry around us? Maybe we can help the food kitchen at the Salvation Army. It may mean contributing to those in need in a specific country that we have read about. There were great outpourings when the Haitian earthquake hit. It may be something as simple as inviting our neighbor to lunch if they lost a job. You must be blind not to see the needs around us! If they are thirsty it might mean helping our government find sources of water for dry areas. I hear solutions being put forward -- if the government can find the money. What can you do?
2. This next one reminds us of our immigrants. We have to remember their needs -- especially if there are no government programs to assist them. It can also be an individual call to find people who have just moved into your neighborhood. I see Mormons going with trays of cookies to make some new neighbors feel welcome. Keep your eyes open for such "opportunities"!
3. I get mailings inviting me to put used clothing out for some charity. I read about a shopper who saw a child with holes in his shoes and bought him a new pair. My grandparents invited the homeless in during the Depression and gave them some of Grandpa's old funeral outfits. It made some laugh to see them in a formal suit with a derby hat. They were also invited in for a meal.
4. There is a program called Doctors Without Borders, and when we were in Nepal we knew many nurses who were missionaries serving from the medical mission house in which we lived. You can support medical programs in Africa, for those who need inoculations for diseases.
5. The last may be the hardest. We have been helping a girl in jail complete her degree, so she will able to find a job when she comes out. This one may be difficult for some who want to continue to "teach them a lesson," which may only send them on the road back to the state's free board and room at our expense.
Just look around and you will see need all over. You should see Jesus in those needs!
It can also be a message that it is not too late to become the sheep on Jesus' right side. As simple a thing as your weekly offering may be one sign that you are on the sheep side knowing that some of that money is going to help the suffering ones in this world.
But Jesus makes it more specific:
1. Who are the hungry around us? Maybe we can help the food kitchen at the Salvation Army. It may mean contributing to those in need in a specific country that we have read about. There were great outpourings when the Haitian earthquake hit. It may be something as simple as inviting our neighbor to lunch if they lost a job. You must be blind not to see the needs around us! If they are thirsty it might mean helping our government find sources of water for dry areas. I hear solutions being put forward -- if the government can find the money. What can you do?
2. This next one reminds us of our immigrants. We have to remember their needs -- especially if there are no government programs to assist them. It can also be an individual call to find people who have just moved into your neighborhood. I see Mormons going with trays of cookies to make some new neighbors feel welcome. Keep your eyes open for such "opportunities"!
3. I get mailings inviting me to put used clothing out for some charity. I read about a shopper who saw a child with holes in his shoes and bought him a new pair. My grandparents invited the homeless in during the Depression and gave them some of Grandpa's old funeral outfits. It made some laugh to see them in a formal suit with a derby hat. They were also invited in for a meal.
4. There is a program called Doctors Without Borders, and when we were in Nepal we knew many nurses who were missionaries serving from the medical mission house in which we lived. You can support medical programs in Africa, for those who need inoculations for diseases.
5. The last may be the hardest. We have been helping a girl in jail complete her degree, so she will able to find a job when she comes out. This one may be difficult for some who want to continue to "teach them a lesson," which may only send them on the road back to the state's free board and room at our expense.
Just look around and you will see need all over. You should see Jesus in those needs!
