Grant Ewing 6 February 2011 Words: 338

Meditation Commentary Bring in the Poor

Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:12-14

When we become members of Gods family by being born again in his redemptive salvation, we become eternally more blessed than we could ever imagine. The important thing is that the effect of those blessings arent fully experienced till the we are reunited with the Lord in the clouds. However we are called to share what we have with those who are not as fortunate. Even when one might not even consider their current situation to be fortunate at all, there is always someone who is in need of what you can offer. This is why we are to call the poor, the maimed, the lame, and blind, those who can not reciprocate the same charity. When we follow this seemingly illogical command, it is much like an investment, which does not pay off for sometime, but gives a greater return in due season. The reward of eternal blessings in heaven, by blessing those on earth, we really are storing up treasures for ourselves in heaven. When this truth is established it is seemingly plain and common sense that we should give all that we can spare, those things that are so quickly passing away, so that we might later enjoy the

things which will last beyond the chains of time. Nevertheless our flesh can get the better of us, when we become spiritually short-sighted. This short-sightedness is a vision that only sees the things of this earth and does not consider the wonders and glories of eternity with the Lord. When we have this shallow view, giving of ourselves and resources to those who cannot repay us, becomes folly, but to him who has understanding, charity is but joy to him. The immediate reward of joy is simply built upon by the hope of greater reward yet to come. Luke 14:14: But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Work Cited New King James Version Study Bible. Nashville TN. Thomas Nelson. 1997, 2007. Print.