MODERN-DAY STORIES
«Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter —when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?» (Isaiah 58:7, NIV).
It was very hot. I was in a hurry so as not to be late for a meeting, and I was carrying a book bag and a sack lunch with sandwiches, potato chips and a big cup of iced tea I had just purchased. In the midst of that hustle and bustle, I remembered the book I kept in my bag to give away to others. While juggling everything, I managed to take it out and, almost breathlessly, handed it to him.
From the way he looked, I realized he was pretty lost and it was probably not the best idea, but definitely the most risky one, to approach him so spontaneously to carry on a conversation. He looked at me with distrust and when I handed him the book, I started my little introductory speech in which, among other things, I told him the book had helped me a lot and I wanted to give it to him. I was a little taken back that he rejected it so coldly. I tried to explain that it was a gift and he didn’t have to pay for anything, but he wouldn’t stop staring at my bag of food and, with a look and a phrase I will never forget, he asked me if I had anything to eat or drink It was hot, he was high and hungry, and I wanted to give him a book!
Jesus approached people as one who desired their good. He satisfied their immediate needs because He knew their condition (The Ministry of Healing, ch. 9, p. 143).
I don’t know if something similar has happened to you as it did to me, that with good intentions you skipped important steps, but God gives us other chances to share His love. I don ‘t know who we’re going to encounter today, but I hope we’ll follow Jesus’s method.
I invite you to read the whole chapter of Isaiah 58 and meditate on this quote by Ellen White from Welfare Ministry: «With the work of advocating the commandments of God and repairing the breach that has been made in the law of God, we are to mingle compassion for suffering humanity. We are to show supreme love to God; we are to exalt His memorial, which has been trodden down by unholy feet; and with this we are to manifest mercy, benevolence, and the tenderest pity for the fallen race…. Love revealed for suffering humanity gives significance and power to the truth» (ch. 3, p. 32).
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Daily Devotions for Youth 2021
«TAGS TO MAKE YOU THINK
BY: CAROLINA RAMOS»
Collaborators: Misael Morillo & Angelica Cuate
