LUKE 14:14-15

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

TO PONDER

Our message in the verses above quash the thinking of the original Latin term, that is commonly used in the English language today and that many live by of ‘quid pro quo’.   That is, we should not have an expectation of goods or services being provided back to us as a form of repayment for any good, service or gesture we provide or perform for someone. To operate on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis is portraying self-centred living! This is the exact opposite of what God has done for us through the death of His own son on the cross at Calvary.  There is no way we can repay the gift of eternal life that we have been given. 

To think or act in a self-centred way is not Christ-like. There is something wonderful about giving a gift that can never be repaid. Jesus himself tells us this in Acts chapter 20 verse 35: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’      

So how do we be Christ-like with our invitations of hospitality to others?  Just like Jesus did when He was here on earth, we too should include the marginalised, less fortunate, homeless, poor and the needy. Our invitation should be extended to anyone who does not yet know Jesus as their saviour.  Not only will we experience an overwhelming sense of satisfaction by these Christ-like actions, but we will be more than repaid through the promise freely given to us through Jesus’ resurrection.       

What invitation can you extend to someone today / tomorrow to help them to get to know Christ? 

PRAYER: Heavenly Host, you have shown me through your own selfless actions just how I need to go about my life extending the invitation of hospitality and Your love to others. Please walk with me and continue to give me the tools to do this precious work to grow your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping