Dearest e-votees-
Welcomes matter.
Who we welcome has consequences.
It is instructive to see who welcomes us.
We should pay close attention to welcoming.
Peace,
Karl
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[Jesus speaking:] 40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Matthew 10:40-42, NRSV
Jesus talking to his disciples says that, because of their connection to Jesus, whoever welcomes them welcomes Jesus. And because of Jesus' connection with God the Father whoever welcomes him welcomes God the Father. If we are Jesus disciples then we too are connected as the apostles were. Whoever welcomes us welcomes Jesus and God the Father. We are conduits, if you will, of a divine welcome.
When we welcome prophets as a prophet there is a prophet's reward to be had. When we welcome a righteous person as a righteous person there is a reward to be had. Even in meeting basic needs of slaking thirst and offering hospitality there is a reward to be had.
It seems that Jesus is suggesting that in supporting others as they live into their vocations--callings from God--that we in a real sense participate in their work and are included in the consequences that come their way because of that work. God has a calling on our lives as well. As we grow in those there are consequences of that work. Those who love us and welcome us and support us become a part of living out the calling and into the consequences as well. Who supports you in the calling that God has placed on your life? You would do well to share with them the reward that is yours.
There is a song by Ray Boltz that is simply called Thank You. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y The gist of the song is that because of this person in heaven who had lived out various callings (Sunday School teacher, supporter of missions, etc., etc.) many had been welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. They received the consequences of the gospel -- salvation in the name of Jesus. And they shared part of their reward with this kind and generous person. The truest reward comes not in the form of money nor fame nor anything else of this world. The truest reward comes in changed lives that are drawn into the glorious good news of the gospel. May our lives be so full of welcoming and being welcomed that our lives and those around us are changed for the better forever.
God, help us welcome all because all are made in your image. Help us share whatever rewards you may send our way. Thank you, Jesus, we are lives that are changed. We are so glad You came. Amen.
Welcomes matter.
Who we welcome has consequences.
It is instructive to see who welcomes us.
We should pay close attention to welcoming.
Peace,
Karl
------------
[Jesus speaking:] 40 “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42 and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Jesus talking to his disciples says that, because of their connection to Jesus, whoever welcomes them welcomes Jesus. And because of Jesus' connection with God the Father whoever welcomes him welcomes God the Father. If we are Jesus disciples then we too are connected as the apostles were. Whoever welcomes us welcomes Jesus and God the Father. We are conduits, if you will, of a divine welcome.
When we welcome prophets as a prophet there is a prophet's reward to be had. When we welcome a righteous person as a righteous person there is a reward to be had. Even in meeting basic needs of slaking thirst and offering hospitality there is a reward to be had.
It seems that Jesus is suggesting that in supporting others as they live into their vocations--callings from God--that we in a real sense participate in their work and are included in the consequences that come their way because of that work. God has a calling on our lives as well. As we grow in those there are consequences of that work. Those who love us and welcome us and support us become a part of living out the calling and into the consequences as well. Who supports you in the calling that God has placed on your life? You would do well to share with them the reward that is yours.
There is a song by Ray Boltz that is simply called Thank You. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y The gist of the song is that because of this person in heaven who had lived out various callings (Sunday School teacher, supporter of missions, etc., etc.) many had been welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. They received the consequences of the gospel -- salvation in the name of Jesus. And they shared part of their reward with this kind and generous person. The truest reward comes not in the form of money nor fame nor anything else of this world. The truest reward comes in changed lives that are drawn into the glorious good news of the gospel. May our lives be so full of welcoming and being welcomed that our lives and those around us are changed for the better forever.
God, help us welcome all because all are made in your image. Help us share whatever rewards you may send our way. Thank you, Jesus, we are lives that are changed. We are so glad You came. Amen.
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