You judge by appearances. If any of you think you are the only ones who belong to Christ, then think again. We belong to Christ as much as you do.                           2 Corinthians 10:7 (CEV)
The response re: yesterday’s devotion was visceral. Really stepped on our toes, didn’t He? He isn’t done with me yet.
Yes, I often just look at the obvious point of God’s Word. Too often it is the point that is directed at someone else. It is so easy to see the spot of dust in another person’s eye while the plank remains in my own (Luke 6:41-42).
Do I welcome all visitors and new members into the fellowship I attend? Do I extend my hand no matter their infirmity? Remember, Jesus said He came for the sick (Matthew 9:12). In that same passage, Jesus also said He desired mercy from me more than big, fancy sacrifices. Do I extend a merciful hand of greeting to the alcoholic, the homosexual, and the homeless? Or do I spend time trying to take God’s place in the Judgment Seat?
Let brotherly love continue. Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it. Remember the prisoners, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.       Hebrews 13:1-3 (HCSB)
Know any strangers? Anyone in prison? Don’t be so literal! Let us ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see people who are alone. It may be a single mom or dad. A college student away from home. Someone who doesn’t fit in because they aren’t trendy or social. Maybe they don’t come to week night services because of transportation or money. $3.50 for supper may not be in someone’s budget and if they are a family, even the church’s “family discount†may not be discounted enough.
Have you seen Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade? Indy is looking for the Holy Grail (the chalice of Christ) with his father. Near the end, his father is shot by the bad guys and so Indy must follow the clues to safely make it to the inner chamber where the Grail is located. He comes to a gorge. How can he cross it without a bridge or rope? The clue or riddle seems to indicate that he is to take a “step of faithâ€. Indy is standing above an abyss and he is visibly trembling. His father is dying. What else can he do but take the step!?!
I may not like this concept but the truth of Jesus Christ is that He is leading me to the place where I am to take that step of faith whether it is a step in prayer or a step in service or a step that I will make it through this day. Trembling? Yes. May seem crazy? Yes.
I believe our world is going to get worse before it eternally improves. We had better learn to hear and see with more than our physical senses. I want to see beyond the surface to what God sees. I want to live like I know this is the Last Crusade.
