LETTING JESUS SHINE THROUGH US
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV
Theme: God’s glory is now known to us through Immanuel; go live as He did in grace and truth.
ACTIVISM FOR A CAUSE
Humans can be oblivious. We live our own lives and focus on our troubles, ignoring all around us. If we are not directed to care or shown the problem, we can easily disregard the pain and suffering around us. From 1983-85, Ethiopia suffered one of the worst famines in modern history. For Europeans and North Americans, this was going on without any knowledge or compassion. But news began to leak out, along with pictures. I remember seeing Sally Struthers on the TV with pictures of small children who were undernourished. It was heartbreaking. British and Irish artists gathered as Band Aid to record “Do They Know It’s Christmas (Feed the World).” American artists followed suit with “We are the World” recorded by USA for Africa in 1985. Together, their actions drew attention to the impossible hardships and suffering, raising awareness, money, and bringing about world responses.
TO THE LEAST OF THESE
The birth of Jesus made Him known to us. He became human, though still fully God, so that He could relate to us and we to Him. Those around Him saw both His glory (the transfiguration; see Luke 9:39-36) and His frailty, when He wept, was tired and slept, or was hungry. We know these things now through the written Word of God. So, when Jesus preached that “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40b, ESV), He is commanding us to go and do. His message speaks of feeding, visiting, caring for, and welcoming. If we have truly experienced God With Us, Immanuel, we should be anxious to perform these tender acts for Him and spread the glory of His presence with us to others by serving them, also.
Make It Personal: It is so easy to focus on me – my wants, struggles, and even successes. But Jesus continually calls us to open our hearts and minds to others and care for them as He would have done. Ask God for eyes to see who needs you and how you can be the physical manifestation – the hands and feet of Jesus – to them and share His love.
Pray: Immanuel, I am so grateful that You came and inserted Yourself into this world and into my life. Help me be always aware of Your presence. Help me to not only worship Your glory, but to share it, whether in my words or deeds. Let all of me bring all glory to You. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 2:9
Weekly Memory Verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV