Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me

Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me

Scripture:

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:40-42

Observation:

The Lord now explains to His disciples how when they go out in His service, they represent the Lord Himself, and God the Father in Heaven who sent Him. Therefore anyone who welcomes a disciple of Jesus is effectively welcoming the Lord Himself and God the Father in Heaven. How important it is then that we show great hospitality to God’s servants, especially those in full time. If we welcome a prophet, we will receive a prophet’s reward and if we welcome a righteous person, we will receive a righteous person’s reward. Even if we give a cup of cold water to the youngest of God’s servants, our reward is also assured. What is the nature of these rewards the Lord speaks of?

In another portion of Scripture, the Lord speaks of treasures in Heaven which moth and rust cannot destroy. He also spoke about many rooms in His Father’s house. How beautiful those rooms will be we could scarcely imagine. In any case, the greatness of God’s rewards in Heaven will certainly be of incredible magnitude and splendor and the best of these would be given to God’s servants who served Him faithfully on earth – the prophets, the pastors preachers and evangelists, and even to the least and youngest of His disciples who serve Him in varieties of ways. And amazingly, the Lord has also availed these great rewards to those who practice great hospitality and kindness to His servants.

Application:

Remember that when we welcome God’s servants, we welcome the Lord Himself. Endeavor to inculcate a spirit of hospitality, to welcome and bless others, especially those we know are full-time servants and those serve the Lord actively as they come across our paths. Show kindness especially to the younger ones who serve God, for such acts are especially favored by the Lord.

Prayer:

Praise thee, Heavenly Father for the glory of Thy name. May Your great name be praised over all the earth. Create in me a generous and pure heart O Lord, and a hospitable spirit. As opportunities arise, for me to be hospitable to men and women who serve You, teach me to serve You by serving them. In Jesus name, Amen.