Daily devotional, July 10, 2024 Proxy
"And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
1 John 4:21
We were attending a wedding of a family friend, and as I watched the entourage walk down the aisle I was surprised to see my mom suddenly marching as one of the principal sponsors. During the party, I asked her why she was suddenly a “ninang” (principal sponsor) and she told me she had to be a last-minute proxy, and represent one of the supposed godparents because she had an emergency to attend to.
As followers of Jesus, we should see everyone around us, especially the needy as God’s proxy. Apart from being made in His image, they ought to be the recipients of the tangible love and care that we want to show to our invisible God.
"No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us."
1 John 4:12
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told His disciples about the final day of judgement. He explained that on that day, the King will separate the righteous and unrighteous based on how they did to Him on earth.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by 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 welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’" Matthew 25:34-36
Jesus further went on to explain that doing all that becomes possible even if we do not physically see Him. He said when we extend graciousness to the needy, then we get to show Him that we love and honor Him.
"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,you did it to me.’"
Matthew 25:37-40
As present-day followers of Jesus, most of the acts mentioned above are classified as charity work. If we are not full time social workers or missionaries, our time to do these acts of mercy towards the needy will be limited to volunteering in the monthly or yearly charity missions carried out by our church.
But if we open our eyes to our surroundings we will see there are a lot of needy people around us. And these are not just the literally needy people, or the materially poor, there are a lot of people around us who are spiritually impoverished.
Take a look at this list and bash it against the people around you, and see if you can show them your love for God:
1. The hungry – Is there anyone around you who is hungry for the Good News? Go ahead and share the Gospel with them. Do not think twice because you feel that you are incapable. Just go ahead and tell them that God sent His Son to save us from our sins and when we accept Jesus as our Personal Lord and Savior, confess our sins and step away from our sinful lifestyle, He will give us His peace, and He will make us brand new and we can start living a life of obedience to Him.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
2. The thirsty – Is there anyone around you who is spiritually parched? Those who would love to know more about God’s word but do not have anyone to help them find the well of knowledge that could quench their thirst? Why don’t you spend time with them every week and share what you know about the bible? Or invite them to the bible study group that you are attending? Teach them how to start reading the Bible, and tell them about the value of having daily quiet time.
3. The stranger – Do you see anyone new in your community who seems to not have a homechurch yet? Invite him to your church. Do you see anyone new in the faith? Instead of flaunting your spiritual pride, encourage him more and invite him to be part of your bible study group, and church volunteer work. Do not be spiritually haughty.
4. The Naked – Do you know anyone who is living life in shame? Someone who wants to have a clean slate but is just so clueless how to get his or her life back on track after suffering a major embarrassment, bashing, or whatever reputation problem she may have had.
It is no longer an issue if she was shamed due to her bad choices or because of other uncontrollable events in her life, what is important is you see in him or her the desire to walk in dignity again. Examples are rape victims, former adulterers, ex-convicts, people recently fired from their jobs, former substance abusers, students who got kicked out from their schools, someone who was shamed online for her sexual activities or wrong choices like having an abortion.
So how do you show love? Spend time encouraging her with God’s word. If she has not heard the gospel yet then tell her that in Christ she will be a new creation, and that her past will no longer matter as long as she stops sinning and decides to follow Jesus moving forward.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2 Corinthians 5:17
4. The sick – Is there anyone in your group of friends or acquaintances that is wandering away from faith? One who was once a diligent follower of Jesus and then suddenly falling into sin? Well, you can show kindness to this person by gently rebuking him and encouraging him to get his life back on track. Make follow-ups too, and if he no longer going to church, get him back to worshipping again.
"Save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."
Jude 1:23
5. The imprisoned – Is there anyone around you who is spiritually imprisoned? Those who are plagued by anxiety, regrets and depression and seem to be living in their own invisible cell of woes, worries, and grief? Pay them a visit, spend time with them, and encourage them by sharing God’s word. If they have not heard of the gospel yet, then share to them the Good News of salvation.
"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
1 Thessalonians 5:14
As you show them your love for God, they get to receive God’s grace and mercy through you. Yes it may take some of your time and even some of your treasures (inviting them for coffee, picking them up to bring them to church, giving them devotional books or a bible), but it is all worth it. By doing these, we are living a life of worship to our one true king.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Matthew 25:31-46 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How do you show your love of God through others?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, point me to the people who are in need of your love and mercy. Empower me to speak to them, encourage and help them see your truth. I want to live a life of worship to you by witnessing to both the materially and spiritually needy. Amen.
