As Spiderman’s uncle reminds us, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
If you are able to access this post, you rank among the most wealthy and free on the planet.
But what will you do with that wealth and freedom?
Today, we celebrate Day 11 in the #LentChallenge reading though the Gospels in preparation for Resurrection Sunday. To download a free copy of the reading plan, click here. If you haven’t had a chance, check out the weekly posts from Shelly Miller, Jenni Catron, Catalyst, and Dr. Craig Blomberg.
In Matthew 24-25, Jesus, the One known for heralding good news, broadcasts hard news.
Deceivers will ransack lives.
Famed structures will crumble.
Earthquakes will topple records.
Famines will steal lives.
Believers will be macheted, shot, buried in mass graves.
All of these will come, have come, and fill our headlines today.
Jesus warns “the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” A reversal of creation will take place. Then Jesus will appear.
I suspect Jesus return won’t be on Instagram or Twitter, as for once, we drop our screens and bow our knees to the arrival of the Redeemer.
Jesus’ message throughout these chapters is concise and simple:
Be prepared.
Be ready.
Be active.
Do good.
He peppers stories with longing brides, oil and gold, investments and livestock to challenge us to be people who bring in the kingdom of God through everyday means:
See those in hunger = Feed them.
See those in thirst = Beverage them.
See those naked = Clothe them.
See those hospitalized = Visit them.
See those imprisoned = Go to them.
These simple acts separate sheep from goats, religious leaders from good Samaritans, overjoyed brides from those who miss their wedding day. This is how we are to live as rich Christians in a world of poverty.
And we must do this, I sense, not just because with great wealth by the world’s standards comes great responsibility.
But because having people in our lives who are hungry, thirsty, naked, hospitalized, and imprisoned makes us rich in the kingdom of God.
Over the last two years, as I’ve learned to fight back with joy, I’ve discovered that time and time again, those with the least tend to teach me the most.
What do I most need to read but least want to hear?
That all too often I’m blinded by busyness, tasks, the pace of life, my own self-interests to see those in need and respond. I want to do all the things Christ commands, before I can…I must have my eyes more fully open to see the people right before me. And I must become more intentional about having the people who truly make me kingdom rich in my life.
What do you most need to read but least want to hear from today’s reading? Share in the comments below.
Want some music to listen to you while you read and study this Lent? Check out this Spotify playlist.
I just left a church that are goats. They say they are for the people but when people have needs they say we will pray for you. I am praying that passage specifically over churches that need to be sheep and be the hands and feet of Jesus not just the mouthpiece.
I need to hear *this* but I don’t want to because I’m so addicted to comfort/entitlement/enjoying feeling superior. Ugh! I need to feel the weight of this more; to see my need and turn to Jesus everyday! Will you pray for me? That I will love what Jesus loves. Thank you!
I’m not sure at all what you mean? Are you saying they refused to meet your needs? Someone else? Or are you saying you asked for something and it wasn’t given to you? That could have a whole variety of reasons good and bad?
Connie, I have noticed similarly in my conversations with pastors and church leaders. Often, the church is never trained or taught how to respond to those facing crisis. In fact, I wasn’t either! Not until I walked among the afflicted did I realize how poorly I responded. May we all be challenged to be those who run in when everyone else is running out.
You and me both, sister. May we continue to love as he loves!
Matthew Ch. 26 Jesus took Passover with his disciples. Judas betrays Jesus to chief priests. Peter denies him. Matthew 27 Jesus was handed over to Pilate. Jesus was mocked and crucified. Matthew 28 An angel said, He has risen! Jesus met them inGalilee. Jesus came to the eleven disciples and said, Go and make disciples of all nations. Ch 26 What I heard was GREED on Judas’s past, he took 30 silver pieces to capture Jesus. Ch27 Jesus is crucified. Pilate washes his hands of it, he is just a guilty as those who tortured, beat & spit on Jesus. What stands out is they all lack compassion in a very big way. How horrible for Jesus. I Love chapter 28!! Jesus has Risen!!!! Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!