December 30

All for Jesus

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Song: “May the Mind of Christ My Savior”

In the 1700s a world-wide empire and the Industrial Revolution brought prosperity to Britain, but many suffered. Poor men, women, and children worked 16 hours a day, six days a week, and lived in disease-ridden slums. The slave trade transported millions of Africans to a life of cruel servitude.

But also in the 1700s, largely through the preaching of John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, revival swept across the British Isles. The Holy Spirit changed the hearts of people from all classes and denominations, giving them the gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ.

These new Christians, moved by love for Jesus and their neighbors, worked to end poverty and slavery. Robert Raikes opened Sunday schools for working children. Charles Howard and Hannah Fry worked for better prison conditions. William Wilberforce and Hannah More helped end slavery in the British Empire.

Biographies of these men and women show it was their faith in Christ that led them to sacrificially give of themselves, as Christ did, to minister to the poor and needy. Christians throughout history have often been the catalyst for charitable work in their cities, countries, and around the world.

Heavenly Father, thank You that we don’t have to be wealthy or highly placed to share our love for Christ in our communities. Help us watch for ways we can serve You in the world. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.