But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Luke 14:13-15
“Men, when they have laid up their money in their chests, do not suppose that they have thrown it away. But, on the contrary, that it is laid up safe. Much less is treasure thrown away, when it is laid up in heaven. What is laid up there is much safer than what is laid up in chests or cabinets. You cannot lay up treasure on earth, but that it is liable to be stolen, or otherwise to fail. But there no thief approaches nor moth corrupts. It is committed to God’s care, and he will keep it safely for you. And when you die, you shall receive it with infinite increase. Instead of a part of your earthly substance thus bestowed, you shall receive heavenly riches, on which you may live in the greatest fullness, honor, and happiness, to all eternity; and shall never be in want of anything. After feeding with some of your bread those who cannot recompense you, you shall be rewarded at the resurrection, and eat bread in the kingdom of God.
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) in Christian Charity or The Duty of Charity to the Poor, Explained and Enforced (1732) section III.V.
Jenni and I flew to California for the weekend to spend time with her parents.
Surely, we will eat bread and more with John and Wilma Pickrell, who have spent their lives as followers of Jesus and active in their local church. They’ve made it to point to make space at their table for people.
Do we? Do we make space at our tables for those society labels as outcasts?
I had another friend call me recently. He’s had hard times and was not looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. Why? He will likely spend it alone.
Immediately I made plans to be with him on his birthday. It falls between American Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Do you know anyone who may be lonely that you could invite to your table? Can you include more charities in your giving this year rather than increasing your spending at year end?
Do this and find blessing this season and consider the reward in heaven as an added bonus.