The Least!

March 28, 2019

It does not take much to feel like one of the least; a parent dies, a cancer starts, a child rebels, a job struggles, a depression overwhelms, a dream explodes, a marriage struggles, a market drops, or a flood rages!

Where once I felt strong and courageous, I now feel weak and afraid.

Where once I felt successful and impactful, I now feel of no importance and have no purpose.

Where once I felt strong in faith and strong in hope, I now feel alone and helpless.

The floods have raged in Eastern Nebraska. The floods caused unimaginable damage to property. However, what may be more important is the flood’s impact on the people. Although we Nebraskans are a very resilient people, many right now feel like one of the least of these.

Jesus challenges His followers to love and serve the “least of these.” In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds His followers to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome people they do not know, give clothing to those with too little, take care of the sick, and visit those in trouble.

Then, Jesus says that when we serve those who are hurting or hungry or need help, we are actually serving Jesus. In Matthew 25:40 Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

The people of First Church love Jesus! This week we expressed our love for Jesus by serving people ravaged by the floods. We brought food, water, cleaning supplies, trash bags, pet food, and lots and lots of other helpful items. The generosity was amazing!!!

One of our people delivered the goods to Bellevue Christian Center in Bellevue, Nebraska yesterday. The extra-large, very long trailer was more than 2/3 full! The Christ-followers at Bellevue Christian Center will distribute our donations to the front lines of need.

Those front lines are where many may be feeling like one of the least of these. We are showing people the love of Jesus, the hope of faith, and the meaning of grace.

First, thank you for serving Jesus in this very practical and helpful way.

Second, share with others why we did this act of kindness. Jesus says we serve others in order to serve our Savior, Jesus.

Third, pause for a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal someone who is feeling like one of the least of these in our city. Then, serve Jesus by serving them in a practical way this week.