READ: James 1:19-27
According to Jewish lore, these unseen guests only visit the sukkah (shelter) where the poor are welcome—a reminder of each person’s responsibility to care for others. It also reminds them that unseen watchers may be observing their conduct.
The story of the ushpizzin isn’t true, of course. But beyond the lore and legend we are reminded that we as Christ-followers are living observed lives. Others are watching us. And our concern for others, particularly the least among us, is an expression of the compassion Christ displayed to the hurting and outcast of His generation.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, challenged believers to put the love of Christ into practice. He wrote, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
The example of Christ and the words of Scripture inspire us to care for our hurting world. Who’s watching us? Our world is watching. And so is our Lord!
The church is made up of needy people—including us! How are we to respond to each other’s needs? Read The Church We Need at www.discoveryseries.org/q0904
Bible in One Year: Jeremiah 34–36; Proverbs 6:1-11
