Luke 14:13-14 states:
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
I read this passage tonight and it made me pause to think, "how can I do this?" If the people I know don't fit into any of these categories, how do I find those that do, and make them feel welcome in my home as I serve them a feast? I know that if a stranger invited me to dinner I'd be suspicious, so how do I get to know the poor, maimed, lame and blind? I do know a few who could be called poor by American standards, but I'm sure if I called them poor in their presence they'd argue that they have all they need.
Here I am with 5 or 6 dozen eggs and gallons of fresh milk in my fridge, and I don't know who to share it with. I do know a man with 5 kids that just got laid off. Do I take him some of my bounty? Does that qualify according to the Scripture above? I've asked God a few times to show me who needs some of this blessing He's given me, and no one really comes to mind when I do. Maybe the thing to do is invite this family to "breakfast for dinner" and serve lots of buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage. Hmm, think I'll run that one by hubby and see what he thinks.
Got any suggestions for breaking into circles of people who aren't like me? Expanding my horizons, so to speak...
we often go to the local soup kitchen to donate some of our bounty(especially extra meat-they always need it). We stay and servce, too, and get to meet some of the folks.
ReplyDeleteKelly, you would like "Same Kind of Different as me"-it's one of my favorite books. It talks about just that-stepping out of our comfort zone to help others.
We also have a homeless mission in town, I am a part of the group who gardens for the men who live there. When we go over for a workday I usually take goodies along.
But I knoe exactly what you mean-we don't know people like that either-we have to seek them out as well.
It gets easier with time.
Kelly, you might try seeking out the people you know which need spiritual help. I don't think the passage meant exactly only the "physical" ones. I know you have to know some people who are needing "mental" feedings too. Invite those and you may reach their hearts in sharing what God has helped provide you with physically, and your words for them mentally. Just an idea.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate both of your comments. I'm going to see if the library has that book. Laura-that's an interesting take on the passage, and could be very valuable, thanks!
ReplyDeletePolly-I was going to see if my public library has this title, but today I was visiting with a friend in the church library and the title stood out from the furthest shelf! I checked it out, but it's got to wait until I finish a book I'm reading for review purposes.
ReplyDeleteyou won't be able to put it down once you start it.
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