Taking the Time

Taking the Time

Bible: Luke 19:1-10

Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today (V.5).

Rima, a Syrian woman who had recently moved to my country, tried to explain with hand motions and limited English why she was upset. Tears ran down her face as she held up a plate of fatayer (meat, cheese and spinach pies) that she had made. Then she said, “One man,” and made a swishing sound as she pointed from the door to the living room and then back to the door.

I worked out that a group of people from a nearby church were supposed to visit Rima and her family and spend time with them. But only one man had shown up. He had hurried in, dropped off a few things and rushed out. He was busy taking care of something else. But Rima and her family were lonely and wanted to get to know people and share what they had.

Taking time for people is what Jesus was all about. He went to parties, looked after the crowds who followed Him and wanted each person who spoke with Him to come and know Him better. He even invited Himself to one man’s house. Zacchaeus, a tax collector, climbed a tree just to see Him. When Jesus looked up, He said, “Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (LUKE 19:1-9). And Zacchaeus’ life was changed forever. No matter what’s going on or how busy we are, it’s important to also be able to give time to the needs of others. Whenever we do, we’ll have a great opportunity to see God work through us.

Thinking it Over…

Has anyone spent a lot of time helping you? How can you show Jesus’ love to someone else this week?

YOUR TIME MAYBE THE BEST THING YOU CAN GIVE SOMEONE TODAY

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries