The Christian Life - Why on Earth?

There are times when we question our own motives.  At times we may have forgotten that one of our purposes is to give thanks to God.  We are not talking about saying grace before we eat.  Giving thanks is much bigger than our habits.  Most of us know that chapter nine of 2 Corinthians is about collecting money for the needs of God's people.  Paul said, Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.  (2 Cor 9:11-12)  In other words, we are to cause other people to thank God.  This is one of our motives for serving God.

What we have to offer is not always money.  It was a beautiful day in Israel and Marian, the cook had finished the cleanup from breakfast.  The lodge was unusually quiet because there were no guests and most of the staff was not at work.  As Marian came out front of the large building and looked down the long driveway, she wondered why on earth she had not been informed of another 50 guest arriving.  A large tour bus set its brakes and opened the door.  The Jewish tour driver explained that he and his 50 retired riders were lost.  You need to understand that Christians living in Israel sometimes feel that their flame for Jesus has been pushed down on low.  But 50 Jewish people showing up unexpectedly at a Christian, Gentile lodge is like throwing a bucket of gas on a fire.

So, the needs of the people were met: strolls, restrooms, drinks, cookies, etc.  After they gathered back at the bus they began to give thanks and ask what kind of a Gentile place was so nice to Jews.  Marian began to testify for another 30 minutes about her Savior and how Jesus was a Jew.  Standing in front of the bus, looking at the people she thought how good God really is.  As the bus left a great feeling of thankfulness came over her because of the opportunity to tell these Jews about Jesus.

A few days later, Marian received a letter from one of the men on the bus.  He explained that no one knew how on earth they had wandered up to the lodge but the group was thankful for the kindness and a special thanks for the explanation of Jesus that most of them had never heard before.

Instead of wondering why we may be grinding down and our fire is on low, think about all the opportunities and divine appointments God has set before you.  About the privilege of being in the King's service.  Think of the wonderful times when we gave thanks for this life and the next.