“But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.”
Luke 14:13
It wouldn’t make the world’s preferred list, but it’s always at the top of the Lord’s.
“Put your best foot forward.”
That’s what we’re taught from childhood. And, the reason is clear: We wants others to think highly of us. We want to impress others with our physical prowess, our intellectual acumen, our wit, our charm, etc.
But no one wants to be called “poor, maimed, lame or blind.”
That’s why we’re uncomfortable around “them” or don’t want to be seen with them. And, sadly, there are many who even stare at them and whisper among themselves as they keep their distance and clutch their purses or wallets more tightly.
Yet, this One Who created all that is, but “made Himself of no reputation on this earth by taking upon Himself the form of a bond-servant” (Phil. 2:7-8) is reminding us once again of the peril of pride in today’s Manna.
He knew we normally “dress to the hilt” and try to “lay out a big spread” when we throw a party—particularly for a wedding. Everyone’s dressed in their finest (tuxedo, expensive evening gown and jewelry, etc.). In the more formal weddings there are even small placards near the place-settings identifying who’ll sit where.
And, the more “important” you are, the closer you’ll sit to the host or guests of honor.
But, “the poor, maimed, lame and blind” are seldom on that list.
Yet, in the Heavenly Father’s scheme of things, His List is always diametrically opposite of ours (Is. 55:8-9). And, all we have to do to understand this is take Jesus’ beautiful Beatitudes (Mt. 5:3-12) and turn them wrongside out to see the world’s views and values.
Oh, dear Pilgrim, until we see ourselves as “the poor, maimed, lame or blind” we’ll end up acting more like a pompous peacock than we will one of the Lord’s gentle doves or motley sparrows. We’ll crow like a rooster and caw like a crow, grating on others’ nerves while grieving the Holy Spirit’s Holy Heart.
Never forget that Jesus said of Himself “I am meek and lowly” (Mt. 11:28-30), not “somebody come” or one of the “up-and-coming.” Never forget He said “If you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me” (Mt. 25:40, 45).
Why not ask the Lord to help you look at others with different “eyes” today—His eyes—and to remember His words in today’s Manna as you deal with others? When we remember Who He is (Is. 6:1-4) and what we are apart from His Grace and Mercy (Is. 6:5), we’ll always be one of His favored “consecrated conduits” (II Tim. 2:21; Eph. 2:10) through whom His great Love can readily flow.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated June 3, 2010
