The Least of These

Each time I hear a sermon about serving God is some distinctive way, like evangelism or leading a group, or serving in the church kitchen, I feel inadequate, as if what I do is not important. My service for God is writing His words to me on this blog and making quilts for needy people. Sometimes we do lunch with others but mostly no one knows what I am doing.
Today’s devotion begins with this passage:

An argument arose among them (the disciples) as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” (Luke 9:46–48)

After reading Piper’s explanation and thinking about the response of Jesus, my thoughts on serving God turn from being like the notions of His disciples to being more like the example He gave. The disciples thought greatness in terms of how the world thinks of greatness. Popular, well-known, lifted up, someone that everyone would applaud and vote for, and so on. But Jesus said those who welcome a child in His name is the one who is great.

What? While children are more valued now (at least in our church) than they might have been in those days, not all are valued. Estimates from various sources estimate 12 million in slavery, either forced labor or forced marriage. The ILO say that 152 million ages 5-17 are in child labor around the world, a 2017 statistic. This year, UNICEF says child labor involves 138 million children. Whatever the numbers, they are staggering.

The challenge in Jesus’ reply means receiving them, even to serve them, such as freeing them and feeding them, nursing their recovery from the trauma they have experienced, and loving them in the name of Jesus. Those who do this are called “the least” of God’s people in the eyes of the world, but great in the estimation of God.

Supplying a quilt to a soldier with PTSD, or to a young woman with a baby born out of wedlock, or to a child who has never had a bed only the floor to sleep on, or to a homeless family that just received their first house does not seem like much. The billionaires of this world could do all of that and not miss a dime, but these “great” people seldom do it. However, groups of quilters in various parts of the world step up to their machines without any desire to hit the headlines or even know or receive thanks from the recipients. They just spend hours and dollars stitching.

Few know the work of it, not just time but physical effort. The bigger the quilt, the more the fabric cost and the more muscle required to manipulate it — by the least of these.
Caring for needy people involves more than a warm object to cuddle. They thrive with counseling, friendships, a hot meal, winter coats and boots, the generosity of the have’s to the have nots, the least of these.

Being part of this is not a brag point. It is a burden of the heart, and sometimes involves many hours and who keeps track of that or the cost? No one. This is because of Jesus, the One who tells His people to keep at it, to love the nameless, faceless ones, children and older, anyone out there who needs to know that someone cares about them, God especially.

PRAY: Jesus, thank You for reminding me that doing something in Your name, even something others do not see or applaud, is applauded by You. When my body aches and the need overwhelms, may Your words and Your Spirit keep me doing whatever You ask me to do.