Loving God, Loving Our Neighbor
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant . . . nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s (Exodus 20:17,KJV).
Scripture: Exodus 20:12-17
Song: “Alive in You”
The count rushed outside to greet strangers at his castle with all their belongings.
“Sir,” their leader said, “We are emigrants from Moravia fleeing persecution. Are you Count Zinzendorf, sir?”
“I don’t much care for that worldly title.” The count chuckled. “My name is Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, but please call me Lutz, like my friends do.”
“We heard you are a man of God. We have no place to live. May we camp here?”
“Of course!” Lutz grinned as he surveyed his visitors. “My estate is yours. My land is your new home.”
Although my account is fictional, the Moravian Christians did obtain this pious count’s permission to settle on his estate. Eventually they spread the gospel and played a key role in John Wesley’s spiritual life.
In 1722, Lutz demonstrated his consecration to God by showing compassion to these persecuted believers. Similarly, the Moravians demonstrated their consecration to Him by not coveting the count’s wealth.
As God teaches us in our Scripture reading, His last six commandments, we show our love for Him by how we treat others. Let our hands and feet be totally consecrated to the one who loves us, so that we might demonstrate His love.
Dear Lord, please give me an opportunity today to serve others out of my love for You. In Your name I pray, amen.