A very common Christian response when someone cries to us for help is, "I will pray for you." Prayer is always good, but sometimes a person's immediate need might not be prayer, but for some tangible help. Notice the number of times Jesus fed the people and healed them before teaching them about the kingdom. We don't have to be rich to be a blessing. In fact, the Bible gives many examples of people who blessed others when they themselves had no material wealth to speak of.
Peter said to the crippled beggar, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk" (Acts 3: 6). What Peter gave that man was ultimately worth more than silver or gold.
Ruth, the Moabitess, had no material goods to give to Naomi, her mother-in-law. Naomi had lost her husband and her two sons, and she was understandably bitter. In those days a widow who had no sons was truly destitute. Naomi had no choice but to return to her hometown, Bethlehem, in the hope of finding the help that she needed.
Against Naomi's advice, Ruth decides to go with her. As soon as they settle in in their new home, Ruth goes out to look for work. Not only does she find work, but she also finds favor in the eyes of Boaz, the owner of the field, who later marries her. Ruth and Boaz have a son who is the ancestor of our Lord Jesus Christ. Naomi, who was a bitter old woman, now has the pleasure of caring for this baby and is comfortably settled in life. Ruth's faithfulness has turned out to be a blessing to Naomi.
When you pray today, why not ask God to make you a blessing to others? Maybe all you need to do is visit someone in the hospital, hold the hand of someone who is going through a difficult time, prepare a dish and take it to someone, help in the nursery at church, volunteer your time somewhere. The list is endless. Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'(Matthew 25: 40).
You can learn more about Ruth by downloading a copy here.
3 comments:
Angela: I have had to learn to pray for myself. I was brought up believing it was selfish to ask anyone for anything. When I found the Lord and started praying, I could pray for others but not for myself. When my husband went through some difficult times due to his lifestyle, I learned to pray for us. Then, also, I learned it was all right to pray for myself.Blessings to you and yours.
I am touched and humbled by this article, Angela. One great means to access the heart and mind of others is through blessing them in some form or another. That's the best way to show evidence of God's love.Truly, we need to be about blessing others daily.
I am touched and humbled by this article, Angela. One great means to access the heart and mind of others is through blessing them in some form or another. That's the best way to show evidence of God's love.Truly, we need to be about blessing others daily.
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