The Stone Giver

Late at night, the phone rings. Who could POSSIBLY be calling at this hour of the night? You answer, "Hello?" And then you hear the story. It's a friend in trouble, or it's a family member in need. What can you do? What WOULD you do?

I have taken a few calls like that. You probably have too. When the phone rings late at night it is seldom good news.

Our natural instinct is to not do anything. We tend to be living examples of Newton's first law of motion. A body at rest tends to stay at rest and a body in motion tends to stay in motion. Of course, Newton was referring to objects, not humans, but I think he was right for us humans as well.

Jesus challenges those of us who like to stay at rest. He challenges us to move in Matthew 7.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?" - Matthew 7:9

When someone asks us for bread . . . give him bread!! Basically, when someone is in need we have been called to help them.

Did you ever wonder why someone calls you? I mean, why did they choose you? Do you have a reputation for helping others? Are you someone this person can trust? What an honor it is when someone calls you, seeking help.

Our first and best response when someone calls for help should be, "What can I do?"

There are several ways to respond to a friend in need, and I think a truly good friend will respond in more than one way.

First, there is the initial need. Sometimes that can be harder to determine than one might think. For example, you might notice on Facebook a friend saying, "Christmas sucks." We can probably figure out that they are having a bad day. But WHY are they having a bad day? Some investigation is needed.

The second thing we can do is to help eliminate the same need from happening again in the future. I'm not saying to just give people stuff but encourage them in some way, teach them, instruct them. Walk with them for a while, don't just throw them a loaf of bread and forget them. Love them.

Yet, even though we say we'd never give someone a stone when they ask for bread, we can sometimes do something similar when we ignore a phone call, don't return a text or ignore someone's cry for help when we hear it.

We all can't be Superman but we have a super God. Allow Him to work through us and into the lives of others.

How will we reach out to others today? And will we do it in the name of Christ? Or just do it to be nice? We have been called to make Jesus known. One of the best ways to make Him known is to act like Him . . . to be like Him. Let's be Jesus to someone today.

^"11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! ¹² Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:11-12

Be Jesus To Someone Today - Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers