February 6 - The Servant of the Needy

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." – Luke 4:18 (KJV)

The suffering of humanity has always touched the heart of Christ, awakening His compassion and love. He showed mercy and kindness to those afflicted in spirit and body. His example in dealing with the suffering should inspire us to be compassionate and merciful toward those in need.

Jesus experienced hardship in the flesh. He knew the pangs of hunger and left special lessons about feeding the hungry and caring for those in need. He declared that in ministering to the suffering, we serve Him personally. He said, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." – Matthew 25:35 (KJV). He knew the discomfort of thirst and assured that even a cup of cold water given in His name would not go unrewarded.

Christ was tireless in His work. He found religious practices surrounded by rigid barriers, separating faith from daily life, but He broke down these walls and reached out to all in need. He brought hope to the discouraged and relief to the suffering. He never asked, “What is your belief?” or “To which group do you belong?” His life was marked by an active, sincere, and loving interest in others.

The Lord Jesus understands poverty. He is the great missionary to the poor, the sick, and the afflicted. As the King of Heaven, He could have chosen a life of wealth, dwelling among the prosperous, but He embraced poverty. He honored the poor who put their trust in Him, blessing them for eternity. Poverty with Christ is a treasure of the highest value, sanctified and blessed.

In the humanity of Christ, golden threads connect the believing and trusting poor to His life of infinite love. He is the unfailing helper of those who call upon Him. Let us follow His example, extending love and care to those in need, for in doing so, we serve Him.