Much of
today’s scripture is somewhat troubling.
After all, who wants to be warned of coming persecutions or to think
about whom we have to fear? Jesus even
tells us “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” And yet, if we read this passage to its
conclusion we find that Jesus also speaks of rewards and he is quite specific
as to how we might receive those rewards.
What are we
to do? The word “welcome” is key…we are
to welcome a prophet, a righteous person, and even Christ himself. He tells us that we will be rewarded by such
simple acts as giving a cup of cold water “to one of these little ones in the
name of a disciple.” In today’s troubled
world, small acts of kindness, warm greetings, gentle words and so much else
can make a difference. Christ calls us
to take up the cross and follow him.
Will we? Dare we?
Prayer: Lord, help us overcome our fears. May we always be aware of your presence in
our lives and call upon you for strength to reach out to others. Amen.
Dianna
Morgan
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