Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 24, 2016
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13
I recently spent time with the slum children of New Delhi, India. We have a long friendship with Ananthi Jebasingh, the founder of the Good Samaritan School. She started with one child in the 1980’s and today has over 2,000 children who learn about Jesus and receive a first class education. The Lord moved my heart to do more for the poor. He called me into a deeper devotion of care for the poorest of the poor. I love what my pastor and friend Andy Stanley says, “Do for one what you wish you could do for many.”
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, one child among many during the reign of the ruthless King Herod. He was so threatened by the potential power of one baby that he had all boys two years and under killed. Fortunately, Jesus was rescued by his father and taken to Egypt for protection from this senseless slaughter of infants and children. Because Joseph was sensitive to God’s heart he took steps to secure his child’s safety. He saved one child, who later saved the world from their sins. By loving one child, we will not know until heaven—how many they may love to the Lord.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9).
How can we be more intentional in caring for one forgotten child? For whom in our world could we invest time and money toward education, physical needs and spiritual welfare, and make a world of difference? We can start with supporting credible ministries who care for the poor children in our community. These quiet and faithful servants of the Lord need volunteers to tutor after school, lead athletic activities and get to know the families of these precious children. It makes a difference to our Maker to invest in an individual created in His image. Love the love starved.
Christmas reminds us of the incredible sacrifice of one family who loved their child well. Years spent in a foreign country was preparation for them to return home and represent God well. Your role may or may not be as radical as international missions, but use whatever means and influence you have for God’s Kingdom. Jesus said children were a representation of His kingdom on earth. One child saved for Jesus is one child who lives for Jesus. Save one who may one day save many!
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, lead me to one little one who needs Your love and care.Related Reading
Proverbs 19:17, 29:7; Luke 3:11; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17Post/Tweet today
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