Reflecting on Luke 14:12-14“When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.” (Luke 14:13-14)
Have you ever heard a christian quote this verse and say ‘the bible says!’
This teaching is not one most christians insist on obeying.
Maybe once a year at a special church event where ‘the community’ is invited.
Sayings like this (see also Luke 14:33) are not seen as morality issues.
Yet this is what ‘love your neighbour’ actually looks like.
Is this issue any less important than the issue of abortion?
Or is sexual immorality more serious than ignoring those in need?
The reason, I believe, is because these are other peoples‘ sins.
It is a whole lot easier to deal with other’s issues than our own.
Right now many christians support terrorizing and deporting ‘illegals’.
They deserve harsher treatment because they are worse sinners.
Jesus said, “unless you repent, you too will all perish!” (Luke 13:5)
Now is the time to repent and pursue radical love and hospitality.
But what does this mean to me – I also find it easier to point my finger at the church!
How do I show radical love and hospitality to those around me?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, this call to radical love and hospitality was never impressed on me in my discipleship training. I'm not even sure how to obey this teaching. But every week You invite me to Your table. Help me to find ways of inviting others to our table as well.
Once again I am reminded on how I treat those who I meet and greet. Do they see the love of Christ in me? Am I a living epistle? I need to be daily an instrument of His peace.