Make a Widow's Heart Sing (Part Two)

 Make a Widow's Heart Sing (Part Two) The apostle James grew up with Jesus, and watching his older Brother must have influenced him significantly. He saw His interactions with others, especially family members, friends, co-workers, clients, local authorities, and the poor and oppressed.Later, Jesus' ministry was marked by acts of profound compassion, as He provided physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to multitudes. Through His miracles and interactions, He addressed the people's immediate needs while teaching lessons of kindness and mercy that have resonated through the ages. It is beyond doubt that Jesus set a powerful example of compassion and care for vulnerable and weak people. We can read it in the gospels. The question is, how active are we in this area of Christian life? No matter our physical or social condition, do our lives exude the desire to serve inspired by the Spirit of God? In Matthew 25, in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus illustrates how critical it is that we care and look out for others. God has called His people to serve with humility, not just the widows and fatherless among us, but anyone in need. Matthew 25:31-40: When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep fromthe goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, andcome to You?" And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." Other translations help us to understand the import of Jesus' final statement: •The Message Bible: "I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me." •New Revised Standard Version: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." •GOD'S WORD Translation: "I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant [they seemed], you did for me." This passage clarifies how seriously God takes our conduct toward the least in society. While they may seem unimportant to most others, they are not insignificant to God. We must learn to care for people the same way He does. Why? He has called us into His Family, and the Family of God must reflect the character of God the Father, which we see in the perfect example of Jesus Christ. When we actively participate in acts of love toward others, we demonstrate Christ's attitude, as seen in the gospel accounts. What is fascinating about His words in this parable is that the sheep display the character of God automatically. They do not even notice, it seems, that they are doing anything special. An attitude and eagerness to serve others shows they areliving "in the Spirit," naturally doing what God does, loving others selflessly as God does. As James would say, that is "pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father." It is easy to overlook the elderly and the widows in our society. Many old people are lonely. They are often neglected and feel useless, having nothing to contribute to anyone anymore. They tire quickly. They no longer feel mentally sharp. Theyhave no money or other resources to do anything. However, Scripture says they are essential parts of the church. And we should not forget, despite their age and weakness now, they are future rulers in the Kingdom of God, just like the rest of us younger, spryer, and more physically capable members of God's Family. So we must ask ourselves: Are we aware of the elderly, widows, and others in need? Since God's little flock is scattered around the world, visiting the older brethren is often impossible. But, while a personal visit is pleasant and would be appreciated, calling or writing is a viable option. We can make it our responsibilityto get in touch with one or more needy person, however far away they may be. Such an act of fellowship helps relieve loneliness. Maybe talking on the phone is not your thing. Send a letter, a card, or even a text or email. Let the elderly know there are people who think of them. It is guaranteed that our senior citizens will feel encouraged. Encouraging others is a servicewe should all be zealous to participate in. At the very least, we should pray for our widows and elderly. Many of those whose conditions populate our prayer request lists are the elderly. Other seniors have difficulties that are never announced as prayer requests. Communicating with ourolder brethren regularly will help us keep our eyes and ears open to learn about needs we can fill. Some of the aged are reticent to tell us what is bothering them, but on the other hand, how can we pray or help unless we know about them? In a closer relationship,such things are more easily shared. We have probably all fallen short in this facet of Christian living because it is so easy to become caught up in our busy lives. However, that is just another area in which we need to show ourselves willing to overcome and grow, fulfilling God'scommand to love our brethren. An extraordinary statement appears in the book of Job. Job is defending himself against the accusations of his "friends," who said his present condition, seemingly under God's judgment and suffering terribly, indicated that he had sinned. In Job 29:12-13, he provides proof that his was a life of service, reflecting his character: When the ear heard, then it blessed me, and when the eye saw, then it approved me; because I delivered the poor who cried out, the fatherless and the one who had no helper. The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, and I caused the widow'sheart to sing for joy. Would it not be wonderful to stir a widow's heart to sing with joy for the help we give? James provides crucial instruction in James 1:27, helping us to understand the importance of faith in action as we practice Christianity. Pure, sincere, genuine worship is serving both God and man through acts of kindness and removing the spots and blemishes from our character. In this way, we honor God. So, we must resolve to do better. Let us strive to make our seniors' hearts sing with joy! - Ted E. Bowling