The monks of Diksmijde, Belgium were well known in their region. When
one passed away, you would expect that there would be sadness. The
beggars of the region, however, would rejoice at such occasions, because
for the next thirty days, the deceased's meal would be given to them!
"Looking at his disciples, he said: Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:20, NIV2)
Those of us
who live in countries where abundance is the norm have a hard time
realizing just what those who truly have nothing must face every day.
When adversity hits, we tend to seclude ourselves from others, and we
are inclined to abandon reaching out to others through the ministry God
has bestowed upon us. When we hurt, we can't deal with others who are
hurting!
Those who truly have nothing, however, including those
who are spiritually poor, tend to have an attitude of dependency and
expectation. They do not have a backup plan. They can only rely
completely on God!
"But as for me, I am poor and needy; come
quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; LORD, do not
delay." (Psalms 70:5, NIV2)
As a result, they are geared to
experience God fully, to enjoy His presence in the midst of their
trials.
What does one do when cancer has invaded the body? Most
tend to become depressed, even fearful. Someone I know, however, faced
this ailment with anticipation, for she knew God would be there for her.
Her doctor advised her to cut down in her responsibilities, and
especially her online ministry. It's quite human to conclude that
ministering to others is less important than taking care of ourselves!
She did cut down on her responsibilities, but she clung to ministry,
for this was one thing she was doing for God, the One who was sustaining
her. Instead of terror, she faced peace during her "ordeal"ÂÂ, and she
experienced God more vividly than ever before in her life. He is, after
all, her Best Friend.
May we all live expectantly. When we do, we
will experience God more fully in our lives.
Circumstances are
nothing but opportunities to see Him at work. May we live the way Jesus
instructed His disciples to live: With the attitude of expecting the
impossible, the attitude that we see among those who truly have nothing.
And may we never forget to help those in need, no matter how dire our
situation.
Can I have some money?
I will do better than
that. I will give you a meal fit for a king.
Rob Chaffart
The Beggars' Feast. Worthy are the Unworthy, Part 2
Today's Bible Verse:
"Looking at his disciples, he said: Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:20)
The Beggars' Feast. Worthy are the Unworthy, Part 2
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