Recently when my husband Bob and I were away we visited a bagel shop we hadn’t been to in a very long time. While we were waiting for our order a man near Bob lost his balance and started to fall. His dear wife was right beside her husband but she was much smaller. Bob instinctively reached out and helped the man steady himself. Of course the man was embarrassed so Bob made light conversation to put the man at ease. The “spell” passed and the man was eventually able to go to his seat and finish his breakfast.
As I witnessed the scene I was overcome by the kindness that Bob showed to this man, especially in a society where people seem to be mostly out for themselves. I saw this as an opportunity for Bob to be Jesus to this man and his wife. Once I had that realization it was a while before I could even talk to Bob about it because of my emotions. The couple were apparently “locals” because several people asked them if they were OK and thanked Bob again and again for his assistance.
Now let me set something straight—I don’t mean, of course, that Bob literally became Jesus! As Christians we are given the responsibility and privilege of showing others Jesus’ love in our actions. We are to be His hands and His feet.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 24:35-40 (NIV)
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42 (NIV)
So, did Bob help this man for the reward? Of course not. And speaking of rewards, does that mean that we should help others to get something? Hopefully the answer is obvious.
I think we often misunderstand what these rewards are—it could simply be the satisfaction Bob got out of helping or the idea for this musing! I’m pretty sure it doesn’t mean Bob will unexpectedly be given a new boat or camera lens (but then God does work in mysterious ways).
What opportunities are you facing to be Jesus to someone in your life? They may be unexpected. Are you ready?
Have a great day!
Melanie