Thursday, November 29, 2018
Matthew 25:34-35 Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food ..."
YOU GAVE ME ...
We recently expressed our thanksgiving for the many gifts from our heavenly Father. In Matthew 25, Jesus mentions a gift received, the kingdom inherited, but then He spends the rest of the time talking about the gifts given: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat," and so on.
What we get may certainly bring us joy, but what we give shows our joy. When we give food to someone hungry, it shows that we consider ourselves well supplied and that we can afford to share. When we give a drink to some thirsty person, it shows how we were led to still waters and have plenty of it ourselves. If we have opportunity to give clothing, shelter, maybe a ride in a warm car, or a greeting to someone far away (or near), maybe to give of our time for a visit to a shut-in, is not that just what the Friend of sinners, our Lord and our dearest Friend, has done for us, and more?!!
Yea, Lord, 'twas Thy rich bounty gave my body, soul, and all I have
In this poor life of labor.
Lord, grant that I in ev'ry place may glorify Thy lavish grace
And serve and help my neighbor.
Let no false doctrine me beguile, let Satan not my soul defile.
Give strength and patience unto me to bear my cross and follow Thee.
Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord,
In death Thy comfort still afford.
(Lutheran Service Book, 708:2)
