MATTHEW 25:31-35, 37, 40 "When the SON OF MAN comes in HIS glory, and all the angels with HIM, HE will sit on HIS throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before HIM, and HE will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. HE will put the sheep on HIS right and the goats on HIS left. Then the KING will say to those on HIS right, 'Come, you who are blessed by MY FATHER; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink....' Then the righteous will answer HIM, 'LORD, when did we see YOU hungry and feed YOU, or thirsty and give YOU something to drink....' "The KING will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers [or sisters] of MINE, you did for ME. [New International translation]
Summary: The teachings of JESUS make it clear that we have a duty to feed the hungry. The verses in Matthew chapter 25 emphasize that our sense of duty to feed the hungry should have the same weight as if we were feeding JESUS HIMSELF.
Just imagine what it would be like if we knew that JESUS was coming to our home for dinner! Imagine the preparation. Imagine the planning you would put into the meal. Where would you shop if you knew that JESUS were coming? What would you serve? Would any amount of money be too much to spend? Imagine how much time you and your family would spend preparing a meal for HIM.
Now consider how campaigns to feed the hungry actually occur in our cities, our churches and communities. When we donate food for the hungry, do we donate the best goods in our pantries or just the unwanted and unused boxes and can goods? Do we bring food "fit for a KING" or just left over can goods? Do we put any thought into what we donate? Is the effort that we put into feeding others equal in any degree the meal preparation we would expend for GOD?
The Hungry
Hunger is still a problem in America. According to Feed America:
- In 2012, 49.0 million Americans lived in food insecure households, 33.1 million adults and 15.9 million children.
- In 2012, 14.5 percent of households (17.6 million households) were food insecure.
- In 2012, 5.7 percent of households (7.0 million households) experienced very low food security.
- In 2012, households with children reported food insecurity at a significantly higher rate than those without children, 20.0 percent compared to 11.9 percent. The rate for households with children headed by single women is an alarming 35.4 percent.
See, www.FeedingAmerica.org.
Senior hunger in the present economy is especially dire:
- In 2012, 8.8 percent of households with seniors (2.8 million households) were food insecure.
- Seniors are more likely to be food insecure if they:
o Live with a grandchild
o Are African-American or
o Are Hispanic
"Senior Hunger," www.FeedingAmerica.org.
In addition studies on food insecure seniors found that even when some seniors had enough money to purchase food some of them did not have the resources to access or prepare the food due to lack of transportation, functional limitations or health problems.
Low-income working mothers are another large segment of the American population suffering from hunger. Many of them face tough choices each month between paying for food, rent, gas for the car, health care or new shoes for their children.
The war on hunger in America (and worldwide) still has not been won.
Hunger and Nutrition
One of the things we have to be mindful of when feeding anyone, including ourselves, is the difference between foods that merely fill the body and foods that provide good nutrition. Having plenty to eat can take away hunger but still leave you malnourished if you do not eat the right food---that is food that provides the body with the right nutrients, minerals and vitamins.
When we serve food and respond to the needs of the hungry among us, as CHRIST so instructed, let us also think about the "quality" of the food we eat, give and serve. Is it fresh? Is it "real food" or is it"processed food?" Let us ask the "bottom line" Matthew chapter 25 question: Would we give it to JESUS CHRIST? If not, why give it to someone else or eat it ourselves?
In the days ahead, let us physically and spiritually prepare for the holiday. Pray that we discern what it means to feed ourselves and others in accordance with Matthew 25 and BE BLESSED!
