SUNDAY, MAY 8
READ MATTHEW 10:40-42
MATTHEW 10:40 “Whoever receives you is receiving me, and whoever receives me is receiving the One who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive the reward a prophet gets, and anyone who receives a tzaddik because he is a tzaddik will receive the reward a tzaddik gets. 42 Indeed, if someone gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my talmid — yes! — I tell you, he will certainly not lose his reward!”
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The disciples take little with them, so they will literally rely on the goodness of others to survive. They cannot be picky about food or accommodations; they will accept whatever is given from whoever will give.
We dislike having to rely on others. Especially for cultures or families that celebrate self-sufficiency, receiving hospitality can be more difficult than offering it. To give out of our abundance to those who have less makes us feel good. To be the ones in need, especially when we can offer nothing in return, challenges our independent, prideful hearts.
As Jesus commissions his disciples, he makes an astounding promise: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” As if to diminish the anxiety of relying on others, he promises that they will actually be the presence of God in Christ to those who receive them.
For a year after college, I lived and taught in another country. From the moment I arrived, my students and their families overwhelmed me with hospitality. I had absolutely nothing to offer except my presence and gratitude, but I came to realize that perhaps that was enough.
This final lesson is both difficult and joyous. Though we often feel more comfortable bestowing hospitality, our willingness to receive graciously is a gift. As humble strangers, we can become the presence of Christ to those who welcome us. We offer the opportunity to be a blessing and to be blessed. As our communities learn to give and to receive, we become the body of Christ.
Gracious God, thank you for the ways you have blessed us through others. May we receive what others have to give so that we become the presence of Christ in their midst. Amen.[Beth Ludlum]
The dedication of the Prayer Room and the Prayer Walk through the Oregon Convention Center will be at 11:00AM PDT on Monday, May 9, in the Prayer Room (Oregon Ballroom 204). The General Conference Guide has this taking place at 1:30pm on Monday, May 9, so this is a change in the schedule.
Our mailing address is:
The Upper Room Strategic Initiatives
PO Box 340007
The disciples take little with them, so they will literally rely on the goodness of others to survive. They cannot be picky about food or accommodations; they will accept whatever is given from whoever will give.
We dislike having to rely on others. Especially for cultures or families that celebrate self-sufficiency, receiving hospitality can be more difficult than offering it. To give out of our abundance to those who have less makes us feel good. To be the ones in need, especially when we can offer nothing in return, challenges our independent, prideful hearts.
As Jesus commissions his disciples, he makes an astounding promise: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” As if to diminish the anxiety of relying on others, he promises that they will actually be the presence of God in Christ to those who receive them.
For a year after college, I lived and taught in another country. From the moment I arrived, my students and their families overwhelmed me with hospitality. I had absolutely nothing to offer except my presence and gratitude, but I came to realize that perhaps that was enough.
This final lesson is both difficult and joyous. Though we often feel more comfortable bestowing hospitality, our willingness to receive graciously is a gift. As humble strangers, we can become the presence of Christ to those who welcome us. We offer the opportunity to be a blessing and to be blessed. As our communities learn to give and to receive, we become the body of Christ.
Gracious God, thank you for the ways you have blessed us through others. May we receive what others have to give so that we become the presence of Christ in their midst. Amen.[Beth Ludlum]
The dedication of the Prayer Room and the Prayer Walk through the Oregon Convention Center will be at 11:00AM PDT on Monday, May 9, in the Prayer Room (Oregon Ballroom 204). The General Conference Guide has this taking place at 1:30pm on Monday, May 9, so this is a change in the schedule.
Our mailing address is:
The Upper Room Strategic Initiatives
PO Box 340007
Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States
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