WATCHWORD:
38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group.”
39 “Don’t stop him!” Jesus said. “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded. Mark 9:38-41
35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a] you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:38-40
Meditation:
Do you remember the song from the 1950’s, “Little Things Mean a Lot”? A sweet, little love song:
Give me your hand when I’ve lost the way
Give me your shoulder to cry on
Whether the day is bright or gray
Give me your heart to rely on
Send me the warmth of a secret smile
To show me you haven’t forgot
For always and ever, now and forever
Little things mean a lot.
Sappy? Maybe. If you are a romantic, and most of us should be, then that little song carries some meaning…like that cup of water that you give, or the door you hold open, or the hand you reach out with, or “doing for the least of these…” Little things mean a lot.
Do we realize that when we do what could be considered small acts of kindness for others, in the name of Jesus, we are glorifying his Holy Name? You express genuine concern for hurting people. You give to worthy causes. Your generosity and compassion are seen by the All-Seeing. “You did it unto me.”
In Luke chapter 16 Jesus tells us, if we are faithful in little things He will be faithful in large ones.
We have confidence that one day we will understand that little things, are actually big things when they are done in Jesus name. Some of these small things are so mundane and inconsequential, that we hardly notice. Yet, they reflect a symptom of a blessed spiritual habit of being brother to our Lord and Savior.
George McDonald makes the following statement that fits with this idea of small things mean a lot. He tells us: “There’s a verse in Zachariah (4:10) that asks an important question — Who has despised the day of small things? I sense your frustration over all the pressures of life that have been thrust upon you. It’s like you aren’t accomplishing any of your big goals. Stop and think of the small things…that made a big difference in people’s lives — cup of cold water, coin given by a widow, and a babe in a Bethlehem manger.”
Do we turn our backs on the small things? I would guess there are thousands willing to do great things: Have a hospital wing named, or simply to be honored in public, as opposed to one who does the small things, without notice or applause.
While biking on a trail that ran through a small, coastal town in Michigan, I rested at a park and watched with interest as an older man, sitting on a nearby bench, whittled little figures – animals, fishermen, etc. Fascinated, I stayed for a while, and then watched as a child walked up, stood at a distance, eyeing the figures, lined up on the bench where the man sat. The man, studied the little boy, took one that he had carved and gave it to the child, who accepted it with wide-eyed surprise and pleasure. Guess what thought when through my mind? That’s right, “Suffer the little children to come…”
Imparting happiness is a God-given grace. Small things, should never be called ‘little’. Amen.
Bulletin Board:
From Pete Gano — Two things come to mind as I read Watchword for Friday: 1) the great hymn “Keep Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” and 2) In yesterday’s Utmost for His Highest, Chambers gives a great lesson from Matthew 14: 29ff. When Peter lost his focus on Jesus because of his concern over the weather, he sank! So…???
From Thomas à Kempis — Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God’s sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, give me the grace for today.
Before me, the day looms with great possibilities and even greater
challenges.
I put it all in your hands.
Order my day and order my life.
Help me to embrace every challenge,
to be open to all you have to give and to see all as opportunity.
One moment at a time. One person at a time. One gift at a time.
Help me to breathe in your Spirit and to exhale
any fear that may cause me to question and to worry.
The world causes stress. You offer peace.
I choose you! Amen.
