This is the second devotional for the week of April 23 through April 26. This is a devotional from the Our Daily Bread website. Read this devotional and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below the post. Three or four sentences would be good. Your comments give you devotion credit.
Serving the Smallest
"God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things."
1 Corinthians 1:28
1 Corinthians 1:28
The
video showed a man kneeling beside a busy freeway during an
out-of-control brush fire. He was clapping his hands and pleading with
something to come. What was it? A dog? Moments later a bunny hopped into the picture. The man scooped up the scared rabbit and sprinted to safety.
How did the rescue of such a small thing make national news? That’s why. There’s something endearing about compassion shown to the least of these. It takes a big heart to make room for the smallest creature.
Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a man who gave a banquet and made room for everyone who was willing to come. Not just the movers and shakers but also “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” (Luke 14:21). I’m thankful that God targets the weak and the seemingly insignificant, because otherwise I’d have no shot. Paul said, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things . . . so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).
How big must God’s heart be to save a small person like me! In response, how large has my heart grown to be? I can easily tell, not by how I please the “important people,” but by how I serve the ones society might deem the least important.
How did the rescue of such a small thing make national news? That’s why. There’s something endearing about compassion shown to the least of these. It takes a big heart to make room for the smallest creature.
Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a man who gave a banquet and made room for everyone who was willing to come. Not just the movers and shakers but also “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” (Luke 14:21). I’m thankful that God targets the weak and the seemingly insignificant, because otherwise I’d have no shot. Paul said, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things . . . so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).
How big must God’s heart be to save a small person like me! In response, how large has my heart grown to be? I can easily tell, not by how I please the “important people,” but by how I serve the ones society might deem the least important.
Today's Reflection
What types of people do you have a hard time valuing? In what ways might God want you to change that?
Wow, this story touched home for me. I LOVE animals and i would be the person screaming for my dog or running into a collapsing building to save an animal. But really it's a beautiful picture of the Lord saving the smallest, something so small in our eyes but really he's saving something SO significant in his eyes! Nothing is small to the Lord. I love the verse talking about how "God chose the weak things of this world to shame the strong" Really, the smallest thing can sometimes be the strongest and most powerful. What a great reminder to always remember that God see's everyone even and loves us all equally.
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder! I have trouble putting value on people who seem (in my view) to lack direction or commitment. I simply have no patience for that - hah! But who am I to judge this about them? I probably need to look inward a little more.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to be around people with different outlooks and values. We can get very proud of our own constellation of strengths and fail to see the greatness of others. Pride comes before a fall.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult at times to generate sympathy and see beyond the hurtful words and actions of people who are so caught up in their aggressive sins. The collateral damage it causes to them and others is truly horrific. Yet, Jesus is our example of reaching out to the dregs of society. I have to remind myself that in God's holiness, all of us are like this and yet his amazing grace allows redemption to take place when freely chosen by anyone willing to believe through faith.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story about showing attention and favor to the least of these. I struggle dealing with people who appear fake. Be upset, be happy, be tired, just be yourself. I love having family, coworkers, etc that support and love you even though you have faults and are human.
ReplyDelete