Living in the Spirit
June 28, 2020
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 10:40-42
‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’
Someone just posted on my Facebook, a group of pictures of President Obama with children and elderly people during his presidency. They are lovely pictures of the kids and the seniors, but the person who is enjoying the encounters the most is the President. His face reflects absolute joy. Seeing those pictures just before reading the above scripture made me wonder what Jesus found to be rewarding. I have seen artistic renderings of Jesus laughing and playing with children.
The word reward implies correct compensation for services rendered. Years ago, an elder in my church said in a class that his goal for doing good was to earn a higher spot in heaven, and he meant it. I was much younger at the time and confess I was taken aback and spent some time considering that idea. I come from the viewpoint that my relationship with Christ started when I accepted him as my Savior, and that relationship continues through eternity. God loves me and desires for me, whatever is best for me.
I think that is a very freeing relationship. It opens the door to explore and find all the opportunities that await each of us to be of service to God in areas that bring us joy. What brings us joy, not happiness or thrills, but deep, lasting joy? Is it seeing a toddler stacking the colored rings on a post for the first time? Perhaps it is watching an amputee take his first step with a prosthesis. Maybe it is seeing the new owner receive the keys to a Habitat for Humanities house you helped build. In 1991, I felt joy hearing that the Governor had signed a bill supporting improved childcare in Oklahoma, after working for ten years to craft and pass such a law.
A lot of hard work went into all these accomplishments. Setbacks and restarts were the norms, but working together with people who share God’s vision for our world is one of the greatest joys we can experience. We are all called to live in the joy of loving like Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for sharing your joy with us and for being with us during the frustrating times we spend building joy. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.