A Light To the Least Of These
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. Isaiah 58:10 (NLT)
When Samantha is reunited with Joe, she is intrigued by the work he is doing with the children in the impoverished community. Despite her pain and grief, she feels drawn to the children and their plight. She befriends Keisha and Macon and spends time with Keisha. This helps both of them deal with the tragic events that have forever marked their lives. She opens her horse ranch to the children at weekends, allowing them to experience a different kind of life. As she gets more involved in the work Joe and Denise are doing, she is able to take the focus off herself. She is able to see others and their struggles. She is able to surrender her grief over her husband’s death to the Lord, giving God room to start His healing process in her. As she heals, she discovers that life is still beautiful and full of possibilities.
His Hands and Feet
The suffering and pain that we go through can numb us. It can make us immune to the hurt and pain of those around us. When Jesus was on earth, He taught His followers to care for others. To be there for them in their pain and suffering. Jesus made this remarkable statement to His disciples:
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:35-36 (NKJV)
The disciples didn’t understand what He meant, but Jesus was alluding to us, His followers, helping others and being there for them in their time of need.
‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)
God’s care and love for mankind should move us, as it did Joe and Samantha, to be His hands and feet to the broken in our world. To the broken in our sphere of influence, or wherever God sends us or leads us. It should move us to wash one another's feet (John 13:14). It should move us not to withhold good from those who need it (Proverbs 3:27). It should move us to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us (1 Peter 4:10). When we do this, our lights will shine in the darkness, bringing light and hope to our dark world. For these are the sacrifices that please God. Sacrifices that glorify and honour him.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
Reflection:
Take time to think about how you can shine the light of Jesus in this broken world.
Prayer:
Help me, Lord Jesus, to take my focus off my own struggles and see those who are broken and in need. Show me how to be a good steward of the gifts you have given me and shine Your light in this dark world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
