“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” – Matthew 25:35-36
- All Photos taken this weekend (May 4-5)
This morning’s post comes in response to the scripture Rebekah read for Sunday’s message, and also in response to life.
Here’s my caveat, before we even start: Please do not mistake honesty for disrespect, or accuracy for insensitivity. As I said, I am writing in response to life, and life is not always tidy. But if our faith is going to be anything that counts at all, something that leads to transformation, then it has to be spoken in the same breath as truth.
The Scriptures:
All this is by way of background to the scripture. I have read and listened to Matthew 25 any number of times, and I wasn’t surprised at how Rebekah presented the words of Jesus today in relation to our ongoing ministry to the homeless. I may even come back to that in tomorrow’s post, especially her powerful “Sister Jesus” story. But what I wasn’t expecting was how God spoke to me regarding my own situation.
Listen to the scripture:
- I need help preparing my food and you give me something to eat,
- I am thirsty and you give me something to drink,
- Sometimes I don’t even know where I am and you invite me in,
- I need help getting dressed and you clothe me,
- I am sick and you look after me,
- I feel trapped, closed in and shut-in – even imprisoned – and you come to visit me.
Sunday morning it was like Jesus was speaking to me, speaking through the Matthew passage, and he was talking about my dad.
This is important because while I have done all of the above in relation to the poor, the hungry, the homeless, people in the hospital and people in prison, my involvement has been occasional and measured. So I have not felt immersed in this scripture.
But yesterday my eyes were opened. My investment of self in relation to my dad touches on everything Jesus mentions. This is real life, every day. When somebody is no longer able to take care of themselves, then – and because of their need – we get to minister to Jesus.
“But Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” we ask. “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
“King Jesus will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Whenever I take care of my dad, then I am taking care of Jesus.
– DEREK
All pictures in this post taken this weekend
I see the love in these photos. But, what moves me is your Dad’s dignity.
Thanks, Kris. His attitude and disposition are a huge plus :
Derek, as Mother’s Day approaches and I reflect on my mother’s last 2 months( she crossed over June 2018), your post touched me. I was blessed to be with her daily those 2 months, but I had not connected Matthew 25: 35-36 to my time with her. Your paraphrase of those verses brought tears and reminded me what a privilege I had. Thank you. (My daughter, Krista is a member of WFPC)
Thanks, Joyce. Great to hear from you and I appreciate you sharing. (Krista is more than a member, she is awesome!)
I was reminded of the Matthew passage Sunday morning as I closed out the worship service where I preached a sermon on John 21,,where Jesus asks Peter “do you love me?” Loving others with acts born of love is loving Jesus isn’t it, and feeding his sheep, too? What good is loving Jesus if we don’t serve and help others out of love? What is faith without acts? You surely do love Jesus.
Thanks for your comment, George. You are always thoughtful. Tuesday’s post will continue the discussion with a great story.
Caring for an aging parent is a huge challenge as well as an incredible blessing. I will always cherish the time i had with my mother in her final months. After her passing last October I had been waiting and waiting for a sign from her. Finally on Easter Sunday, there it was – a beautiful pair of cardinals in my yard. I knew beyond any doubt that my mother was celebrating the Resurrection with Jesus in heaven.
Thanks for sharing, Bev. I love those simple signs of recognition. I have a story like that about butterflies I will have to write about one day. Peace to you…
Thank you Derek. As much as I hope and plan to be more involved and intentional about volunteering, I know in my heart that I am ministering to my in-laws as they age much like your parents. Your post provided a comfort to me to realize that God sees and knows my heart as I help them, and I know this “counts” too. Peace and blessings along the way!
Thanks so much, I appreciate your words. God really does see and know our hearts…