NEED + OPPORTUNITY = RESPONSIBILITY.
This spiritual equation is a mandate for the twenty-first century Christian. Jesus, the Master Teacher, shows us in Matthew twenty-five that what is done for the “least of these my brethren,” it has been done for Him. “Tsunami,” hurricanes, “Katrina” and “Rita” have become household words. These catastrophic events have produced unbelievable and indescribable suffering. Events of this magnitude, so horrific in nature, demanded a response from caring people. Friendship Baptist Church stepped up to the plate, as was to be expected, and this Pastor is grateful to this church family for your caring spirit.
Now, having covered the past, please consider the continuing need that exist all around us. Jesus tells us Mark 14:7: “For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” It is interesting how definitively the Bible speaks to the plight of the poor. (Proverbs 28:27) He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. Do you see it? Need, opportunity, responsibility; blessings and cursings. (Proverbs 19:17): He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. What an awesome word!
To care for the needs of the poor is to make a deposit in heaven’s savings bank. The interest from His savings bank is more than generous, it is astounding! His interest can be a hundred percent, sixty percent or thirty percent. Only God can continually give that kind of return on your investment; be it your time, your efforts, and/or your money. Let me share with you a word that the Lord gave to me and that has blessed me tremendously: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1) Need and Opportunity brought together becomes Responsibility (yours and mine).
Be blessed in Him
Pastor J. Amos Jones
