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How can I reach out to a needy world?
Realize Jesus has the power to use even your smallest efforts.
Luke 9:10-17
The apostles had been with Jesus long enough to know that he wanted them to be concerned for people's physical as well as spiritual needs. So when Jesus showed signs of preaching right through the dinner hour, the apostles gently reminded him that crowds don't live by sermons alone. They suggested Jesus send the people away so they could get some food.
But Jesus had a bigger plan. In essence, he said, "You're on the right track to be thinking about food and shelter. But don't stop with noticing the need. You feed them."
Jesus says the same thing to you. "Don't just send the hungry to the welfare office. Don't leave affordable housing up to the government. Contribute to a food pantry. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. You feed them."
You can't feed the needy of this world by yourself, just as by themselves, the apostles couldn't feed the crowd. But Jesus doesn't ask you to estimate your limitations; he tells you to get busy giving. He'll do the rest. (See also 2 Samuel 9; Nehemiah 5:1-13; Lamentations 2:11-13; Jonah 4:5-11; Zechariah 7:7-13; Matthew 6:1-4.)
Good Words to Remember:
[Jesus said,] "You give them something to eat." Luke 9:13
Today's Challenge:
In what small way could you meet others' physical and spiritual needs?
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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