Short on Change

And the King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' --Matthew 25:40 

Ever come up short at the grocery check out? A good friend of mine shared with me an experience he had when he was at the store picking up a few items. The lines were long so he jumped in the shortest one but he still wasn't satisfied. But then he saw it... an even shorter line. My friend, not one to waste time, jumped in that line. The lined moved along briskly until it got to the elderly lady in front of my friend.
Snag!
The cashier totaled her bill and the lady suddenly realized that she was short by over $2.00. Oh, what a dilemma! Not quite sure what to do, she began searching her groceries, hoping to find something she could do without. There was no luck.
The Bible says, "Whatever you do unto the least of these, you have done unto me" (Matthew 25:40). You know what my friend did? He stepped up to the cashier, asked how much was owed and then gave her the money that was needed. What a great act of kindness!
There's more to be learned here. The Bible says that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Ow, there's that word again: short. You know, when we pass on from this earth, we'll gather before the throne. It is here that we shall lay before God all that we have done in this life. He'll tally it up and say, "You're short." All that you have done won't pay the bill. But there's hope; you see, if you have Jesus as your Savior, then He will step up behind you and say, "Here Father, I've paid for this person's bill. It's all right here." And then He'll show the marks in His side, hands and feet.
Oh what amazing love He shows toward us! 

REFLECTION

Has Jesus paid your bill or are you trying to pay the bill your own way? Maybe you know someone who doesn't know about Jesus. Make a point to tell them. Ask them to get in His line. He'll gladly pay their bill too.

PRAYER REQUESTS – WEEK OF JULY 25TH

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF THE LORD’S HEALING:

Harold Oberhaus:      [Luther Oberhaus’ brother] who is on dialysis and has been diagnosed with cancer. 

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF THE LORDS COMFORT

Brock Douglas:         [Melanie Douglas’ brother-in-law] was called home after a long struggle with cancer

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.—Psalm 4:1

In Christ,
Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church