Friday, July 24, 1998
Friday, July 24, 1998
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. (John 21:17
NRSV)
Sociologist and evangelist Tony Campolo once spoke to a group and asked this question, "Is it a
sin to own a BMW?" Then he added, "If Jesus had forty thousand dollars, would He buy a BMW
or use that to feed or house the needy in the Third World?" Wow, that's a tough one. That's the
kind of question we would prefer not to even think about. People get crucified for asking
questions like that. It's a challenging question--even a disturbing one. One woman, however, was
so struck by Campolo's talk that she wrote his ministry a check for the same amount that she paid
for her new custom drapes. Her gift built three houses in Haiti.
It is so easy for us to forget who we are and what Christ has called us to be. It is so easy for us to
become so preoccupied with our work, with our family, with our own needs that we forget our
essential call to feed Christ's sheep. There are needy people all around us--needy for things but
also needy for love and recognition and for a word of encouragement. Most of all, needy to know
that God loves them. Who will share Christ's love with them if we don't?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for feeding me. May I also work to feed others who need
your love. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA