Beyond Repayment - Day 104 Month 4-14 Week 15-6

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)


Numbers 16:41-18:7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2016%3A41-18%3A7&version=NASB1995

Psalm 83 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2083&version=NASB1995

Jeremiah 4:19-31 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%204%3A19-31&version=NASB1995

Luke 14:7-35 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2014%3A7-35&version=NASB1995


Beyond Repayment


My dad was the king of the house when we were kids.  We could sit in dad’s recliner all day long until Dad came home from work.  On Dad’s arrival, the recliner went back in its upright position with the newspaper folded neatly on the table beside it so the king could assume his place after dinner.  Dad also took the place of honour when we had dinner guests.  Dad’s spot was the head of the table right by the large dining room window.  The guests would sit to the right of my father with the male guest, assuming it’s a couple, with the closest seat to dad.  If one of us kids jumped into the seats designated for dad or the guests, we would quickly have a good reason to not do it again.


Jesus talks about the parable of the guests in Luke 14:8-11.   Jesus is explaining that to put oneself in a great position will be humbling to that person if they do not belong in that place.  On the other hand, taking a position of humility, putting others ahead of ourselves will only bring honour. 


After Jesus tells the parable He continues with those present:  “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, don’t invite your friends or brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment because repayment will come with being invited back to their homes for dinner.” “ Invite the poor, crippled, lame and blind because they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”


So what’s He really saying?  I’d suggest Jesus is talking about love.  Love others in a way that your true reward is in the Kingdom of God.  It’s true in hospitality and it’s true spiritually.


I’ve mentioned our bed and breakfast in the past.  We opened our b&b to provide hospitality and to be the best representative of Jesus we could be to our guests.  Several times, we had guests visit us who were navigating life's darkest chapters.  When that was evident, though we treated all guests with love and respect, we would just pour on extra care, time and kindness.  We just had a sense from God that they needed a little extra.  We knew these guests would never be able to pay us back for the extra layer of caring and support.  The reward wasn't a return invitation; it was the quiet acknowledgement that we had done something that truly mattered in God’s bigger picture.


Have a great day!

Steve

steve.d.pauls@gmail.com


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