Daily Devotional - Cause for Celebration - WK50 - 12/10/24 - Day 324 -"All Are Welcome"

Author: Sis. Joy Greer

“All Are Welcome”
Scripture: Luke 14:13

“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:”
 
Devotion:
Thinking back on the past holiday, how many people were without food, adequate clothing and/or shelter? It saddens me when I see people sleeping on the street in 30-degree weather with what looks like a blanket on them. I know I am unable to help everyone, but there is someone who can – Jesus. Our scripture today is a part of a great story that precludes a teaching moment from Jesus to His disciples and to us today.  Jesus tells the disciples, when you prepare a feast, don’t invite the people who can invite you to their feast. Jesus tells them to invite those who cannot repay you for you will be blessed, not by man, but by God.

As we transition from Thanksgiving to celebrating the birth of Jesus, let us remember that all are welcome. The poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind and so forth and so on are all welcome in the kingdom of God. Don’t be afraid of the highways and the hedges because you have not been blessed for you, you have been blessed for someone else. Take the time to seek out opportunities to help others in need. No, I am not saying have a feast in your home and invite those living on the street in. Give of your time to help shelters, local stewpot kitchens, or organize something in your own community. All are welcome in Jesus and the time you give will create an opportunity to share the good news with someone and hopefully lead them to Christ, which will change first their life and then their circumstances. Believe and act because all are welcome in the kingdom of God.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for all You have blessed me with. Open my eyes to see how I can be a blessing to others, and how I can give of what You have given me to make someone else’s life a little bit better. Give me the wisdom and capability to make a difference to show someone the greatness of You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!