September 1, 2019
For full passage click: Luke 14:12-14 … “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” vss. 13-14
Every organization or community is guided by sets of unwritten rules that govern social connections. Often these expectations will be obscure to outsiders, but those on the inside know them intimately–we could even say that they are written on our hearts. With every gracious act there is an expectation that there will be a reciprocal response. Jesus had observed the dominant codes in his culture, and announces that in the kingdom of God there would be a new operating system. In his world there are no ulterior motives connected to acts of kindness and generosity. Instead of doing good in order to build their social standing, his followers would spend their lives reaching out to the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. How much easier it would be if we actually lived by that principle instead of being guided by the unwritten rules of our social circles. Why should we even care whose turn it is to host our clique’s next party? Good deeds done in the name of Jesus carry no price tag. There will be no expectation of being repaid–we really don’t even need a “thank you.” It is enough to give as God has given to us–freely and without price. The benefits of such giving are out of this world!
Thought for the Day: What expectations accompany my gifts?
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