A homeless people
by Tom Brennen
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Jesus said, ‘Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head’ (Luke 9:58).
Jesus was a man without a home. We know all too well that he wasn’t welcome in his own hometown. He had few possessions and few financial resources.
As a result, Jesus’ ministry was undertaken through the support of others. Families and communities fed him, funded his work and provided places to rest and recuperate. He relied on the hospitality of his fellow humans. While Jesus is indeed the Son of God, he still operated by human law and custom, and he relied on the grace and compassion of others.
Consider for a moment what it would mean for you to live as Jesus did, relying on the hospitality of others. You have no home of your own and no rental property, hotel room or Airbnb. You are reliant on the goodwill of others for everything you have, everything you eat or drink.
Now consider what your life is now. You likely have a roof over your head, food in your stomach and a plan in mind for the coming days, weeks, months and years.
As the early church grew and became a strong force in society, many valuable parts of the Christian life were lost. We mustn’t allow ourselves to rush over passages such as this which remind us that Christians were never called to live comfortable lives free of suffering.
This passage is a reminder to stay awake and keep watch. Comfort is an evil force that can lead us to neglect the uncomfortable requirements of our faith. The person we worship as the Son of God was homeless and relied on the kindness of others for his sustenance.
Let us not forget that we must resist the temptation to see this world as our home. It isn’t. Until he calls us to our eternal home, let us live in that light. Let us heed the warning of the reading today against finding reasons to avoid the harder call on our lives, which is to humbly follow Christ regardless of the negative impact on our lives.
Jesus, may the knowledge that you had no earthly home and you relied on the hospitality of others inspire us to follow your example of resolute service to God the Father in all circumstances. Amen.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
