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Scripture for the day: Hebrews 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Thought for the day: Jesus said, “Whoever would be greatest among you, must be servant of all.” And He said it in response to the me-first, I-want-to-be-important attitudes of the disciples. His point was that if we’re going to truly impact our world, become like Jesus, and reflect His attitude to a lost and dying world, then we will become servants to that world. Have you ever noticed the attitude Jesus had concerning the subjects He touched upon in His teaching? Invariably the things He taught went directly against the prevailing attitude of the whole human race. No wonder the disciples found His teaching so difficult to accept. To anyone other than the spiritually minded, they made no sense whatsoever.
I read a little parable the other day that illustrates this point very well. I read about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.
The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.
The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.
The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.
The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there, because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her; the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.
The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: “You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!”
The woman had no wealth, no fortune, and no title, but she had unselfishly given her life to produce great people. There is nothing more powerful or more Christ-like than sacrificial love. The king could not see the value in the humble lady. He missed the significance of the teacher.
Often we miss the value of those around us. Too often we see others as a means to an end, as a stepping stone to greatness. The more people who are beholding to us, the more direct influence we have over them; our relative importance in the eyes of others, goes either to increase or to decrease our sense of prestige and self-worth. And Jesus would say, “What utter nonsense! Look for ways to entertain angels. Look for ways to give others a hand up. Think of others more highly than yourself.” And Paul would echo, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” I think it would surprise us to know how often we miss the presence of Christ, just as Cleopas and his brother in Christ missed the significance of the stranger on the road to Emmaus.
Look around you. Are there angels in your pathway today? You’ll see them if you look with heaven’s eyes. Now go take on your world. - Bill