Our Daily Bread 24 April 2019 Devotional – Serving the Smallest
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Topic: Serving the Smallest
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 19–20; Luke 18:1–23
Scripture: God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things. – 1 Corinthians 1:28
Today’s Scripture: Luke 14:15–23 (NIV)
Insight
The Bible uses the banquet or feast metaphor to symbolize God’s offer of salvation to the world. Isaiah proclaimed that “the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples” (25:6). Luke uses the metaphor of a man who invited guests to “a great banquet” (14:16–17). Matthew likens it to the week-long celebratory “wedding banquet” for the king’s son (22:2).
John speaks of a “wedding supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9), where believers from every nation will gather to celebrate God’s final salvation. They will come “from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (Matthew 8:11). “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 14:15). Our Daily Bread 24 April 2019 – Serving the Smallest
Our Daily Bread 24 April 2019 – Serving the Smallest
Message: The video showed a man kneeling beside a busy freeway during an out-of-control brush fire. He was clapping his hands and pleading with something to come. What was it? A dog? Moments later a bunny hopped into the picture. The man scooped up the scared rabbit and sprinted to safety.
How did the rescue of such a small thing make national news? That’s why. There’s something endearing about compassion shown to the least of these. It takes a big heart to make room for the smallest creature.
Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a man who gave a banquet and made room for everyone who was willing to come. Not just the movers and shakers but also “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” (Luke 14:21). I’m thankful that God targets the weak and the seemingly insignificant, because otherwise I’d have no shot.
Paul said, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things . . . so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).
Our Daily Bread 24 April 2019 – Serving the Smallest
How big must God’s heart be to save a small person like me! In response, how large has my heart grown to be? I can easily tell, not by how I please the “important people,” but by how I serve the ones society might deem the least important.
Today’s Reflection
What types of people do you have a hard time valuing? In what ways might God want you to change that?
Our Daily Bread 24 April 2019 – Serving the Smallest was written by Mike Wittmer
