Unable to Repay

Jesus said:
...
"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:13-14)

In what ways are the poor and disabled "unable to repay"?

Certainly they cannot host a banquet, but there is something else that they may not be able to do.  They may not be able to repay you even in friendship or a fulfilling long term relationship.  They may be unable to even repay with heartfelt thanks.

Advances in psychology have taught us that.  Disabilities can extend to the heart.  And some who are seemingly "fine" on the outside are actually hurt on the inside.  They also may be unable to repay.

Jesus calls us to a life that is willing to give without requiring any repayment from those to whom we give.  Those we serve may not even become our friends.

Such was the case with Jesus and his life of suffering service.  Almost all who he loved and served left him at one time or another--all but three or four were gone by the end--and they could only look on while he suffered.

What is the reward in that?  The reward only came at the resurrection, when Jesus lovingly received those who abandoned him. And those who follow Jesus today can expect the same.

Knowing this truth--God's own truth--knowing this truth will keep us from bitterness.  Knowing this truth will keep us openhearted and willing to give, looking forward to the reward God has for all his people with Jesus in heaven, when all disabilities will be gone.

Praise God and look forward to that certain and wonderful future!

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