The World is Full of God
A thought from Martin Luther
Here’s a thought from Martin Luther, who is commenting on the assurance from Jesus that “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
“Who could ever have discerned that God lets himself come so low, that he receives all these works which we do to the poor and needy as if they had been done to him? Thus the world is full of God. In every yard, in every lane you may find Christ. Do not gaze up into the sky and say: ‘If I could but once see our Lord God, how readily I should render to him any service in my power!’
Listen - do you wish to serve God?
You have him in your home … Go and comfort your sad and sick neighbors, help them with all your possessions, wisdom, and skill. Bring up your children that they may know Christ … spare no cost with them. God shall reward you richly.
Christ says, ‘See that you do not fail to see me. I shall be close to you in every poor and wretched person, who is in need of your help and teaching; I am there, right in the midst. Whether you do little for that person or much, you do it unto me’”.*
PRAYER: Jesus, let us see you in those in need, and serve them as we would serve you. Then let them see in us a reflection of you, that they may delight in your forgiveness and love. Make Christians everywhere the kind of people who are seen as able and willing to help others, and the kind of people who are looked upon as genuine, kind, and sacrificial. Amen.
(*From “Jesus, Remember Me,” Barbara Owen, editor, Augsburg Fortress, 1998, pp. 74-75)
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