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 2014, 48.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households, including 32.8 million adults and 15.3 million children.
- Poverty and food insecurity appear to go hand in hand, although there are cases of people living above the poverty line often experiencing food insecurity.
- Households that had higher rates than the national average included households with children (19%) headed by single women (35%) or single men (22%).
- Seven million individuals that Feed America serves are senior, age 60 and older. Two out of five households (41%) with an adult 50 years and older have at least one member of the household with diabetes. More than two-thirds (70%) have at least one member of the household with high blood pressure. Fifty-nine percent of those 50 to 64 and older describe their own health as fair to poor.
- African-Americans, who are disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment, are more likely to suffer from food insecurity than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. Of the 10 counties with the highest food-insecurity rates in the nation, they were all at least 70% African-American. All 10 counties were located in Mississippi. In 2014, African-Americans were more than twice as likely to be unemployed (11%) than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts (5%). More than one in three African-American children (34%) live in food-insecure households.
- Many Latino households also experience hunger. More than one in five (22%) of Latino households are food insecure. Ten percent of Latinos live in deep poverty (with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold).
- Food insecurity exists in every county in America.
See, www.FeedingAmerica.org.
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.
Feed the Hungry. Pray one for another. And, BE BLESSED!
