Dear Ones,
Devotions from Judy’s heart
I find it inspiring to read of the lives of people who are heroes of our faith who walk out what it means to be a follower of Christ even in great adversity. Their lives demonstrate holiness and compassion and are examples to us, much like blazing a trail that invites us to follow. I remember exploring the woods as a young girl and there was a person who went ahead to cut down prickly branches, remove rocks, etc. so we had a path on which to walk. That person was a trail blazer and all of us that followed after them had much appreciation.
I have been reading Water from a Deep Well by Professor Gerald Sittser and I was struck by his sharing of the life of John Chrysostom, who was Patriarch of Constantinople, pastor, scholar, leader, priest and humbly served others in so many ways. He fed the poor, built hospitals, supported widows, reformed the clergy, preached often against the indulgent use of wealth, etc. He was called the “Golden-Mouth Preacher” as he was a brilliant preacher and powerful with words.
He called a spade a spade and preached that our actions should be the same as our words. He especially preached that as Jesus’ disciples, we should be laying up treasures in heaven and not spending time and resources to build lavish houses and buy more fields. He said Pagans refuse to believe and say, “If their eyes are on mansions in heaven, why are they building mansions on earth? If they put words into practice, they would give up their riches and live in simple huts.” He concluded by telling them that is the very reason why pagans don’t believe what we profess and refuse to take this religion seriously.
Perhaps we are all guilty of hypocrisy and like Chrysostom said, “A rich man is not one who has collected many possessions but the one who needs few possessions; the poor man is not the one with no possessions but the one who has many desires.” It is a word to us today as well, to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us and to help provide for the needs of others. That is why God has allowed us to have more, that we may invest in His kingdom work.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to show you ways you can make a difference in the lives of the poor.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy
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