Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries Undeserved Gifts December 4, 2014 To listen, go to: media.lhm.org/lhm/dailydevotions/devo_120414.mp3 Reading: (Jesus said) And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40 An entrepreneur is an individual who begins a business and is willing to take some serious risks in the establishment of that company. San Diegos Melissa Smith said she recently came into contact with a woman who most certainly fit that definition of entrepreneur. Actually, she encountered the entrepreneurial lady a number of times near San Diegos Eastlake Plaza. The woman, accompanied by her son, was holding up a sign which read, Please help. At that moment, Smith was gratified to note that many people did just that. They helped. Smiths warm fuzzies went away when later on she saw the pregnant woman and her son drive away in a Mercedes-Benz automobile. The boy, who was not buckled into a car seat, helped his mother count the money they had collected. Both were laughing. But as I said, this lady is an entrepreneur, and she was dedicated to running a successful business. After leaving Eastlake Plaza, she and her son drove to another location on Bonita Road. With the Mercedes parked, mom once again set up shop with her sign, which asked strangers to assist her and her boy during their hour of need. The days work was brought to an abrupt conclusion when the panhandling entrepreneur spotted Smith taking pictures and threatened her. When that story was carried on CNN, people reacted and they reacted strongly. I felt sympathy for those folks who felt they could never trust a panhandler again. I could understand those who vowed never to give a penny to another beggar on the street. I could feel the pain of those folks who had been deeply hurt because their act of kindness had been abused. But I also remembered the Savior. When Jesus walked among us, His words of kindness, His acts of love, His sacrifice of grace was never put on hold because people refused to appreciate, applaud or accept Him. Jesus gave Himself because He wished us to be saved and because that is what His Father had asked Him to do. In short, His work was never made better by those who received Him, and it was never made poorer by those who rejected Him. Jesus work of redemption stands on its own. As do our acts of kindness and charity. We do what we do because it is right and glorifies the Savior, not because the object of our charity always deserves it. THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I appreciate how Jesus continued to love me when I was unlovable. Then, may I be an entrepreneur and dedicate the business of my life to thanking and glorifying Him. This I ask in Jesus Name. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 05:35:01 +0000
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