December 24, 2009 - Luke 2:7 (continued)

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (continued).
In the last Thursday Thought, I wrote about the circumstances in which Jesus was born - born to an unmarried teenager, born far away from home, and born in a smelly stable, wrapped in a warming clothe used for an animal and laid in an animal’s feeding trough.
God doesn’t just identify with the poor and oppressed of the world; He became one of them. All through His ministry, Jesus encouraged and exhorted those around Him to reach out to those who are less fortunate. He led by example, as well, by giving of Himself in healing the sick, casting out demons and preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God. He fed large, hungry crowds on two different, recorded occasions. He cared for the total needs of those around Him.
I am challenged to give, not just out of my “abundance,” but to give sacrificially. Jesus not only gave some of what He had – He gave all that He had, even to the ultimate sacrifice – His life. It was a total commitment. He not only gave to the poor and the needy – He was one of them and always identified with them.
Questions to consider: How does Jesus identify with the poor and needy of our world? How do you identify with the poor and needy of our world? Is there more that God is calling you to do to help the needy, the afflicted, the infirmed, and the poor?
Prayer: Father, thank You for not forgetting the forgotten – the poor and unfortunate. Help me to remember them and to hear Your prompting as to what You would have me do to help. And help me to obey Your call. Amen.