Wednesday January 5, 2011
Theme: 2011 - A Year of Maximum Impact
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Time Has Come - Hillsong, Happy Day - Jesus Culture, 'Til I See You - Hillsong, How He Loves - David Crowder
Read: Matthew 25:31-40
Think: A year or so ago, an elderly couple arrived a bit late for a theatre production in London, disturbing other patrons as they shuffled past to their seats. All was forgiven at intermission, though, when it was revealed that the tardy folks were, in fact, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Tales of the rich and royal mingling with commoners have been a staple of storytelling for thousands of years. Sometimes, the high-ranking just want to experience everyday life. Sometimes, they want to learn what the masses are thinking. And sometimes, they want to see how they are treated, perhaps later meting out rewards or punishment for those they meet while incognito.
In Matthew 25, Jesus, the most exalted of all, equates Himself with not just the common people, but with the ‘least of these’. Jesus says that when we encounter someone who is hungry or thirsty, someone in need of shelter or clothes, we should treat that person as if he were the King of Kings. As He so often did, Jesus focused on the importance of compassion for all, especially those least able to care of themselves. Jesus placed great importance on caring for the sick, the weak, and the poor, and expects us to do the same.
Pastor Ben has challenged us to make 2011 a year of ‘passion for God and compassion for others’. Seeing Christ in other people as today’s scripture reference teaches is a great way to develop compassion, and a habit we should cultivate.
Do: What do you think Jesus looks like? Is there a movie image or picture that comes to mind? When you encounter other people today, try to put Jesus’ face in their place for a moment, and think twice about how you treat them.
Pray: Lord Jesus, You know that I would always offer You food or water, shelter or clothing – whatever You needed. That is, I would if I recognized You. Make me see that You are always ready to accept any kindness I might offer to those around me. Help me learn compassion for others by seeing You in everyone around me. Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.