Day 12- The Lord's Supper

I must admit that in many areas of my life I act out of my own self interest.  The needs around me that affect me personally are the ones that receive my greatest attention.  This begins with my wife and family, expands out to the congregation I serve, then into the community, nation, and world.  When I personally see and feel the need, I'm much more likely to respond and become involved.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the needs of so many.  Unfortunately, the needs keep coming.  I'm able to help some, but there are so many more.  It is then that I feel like pulling into my shell and retreating.

Did Jesus ever feel this way?  Maybe that's another one of those questions I'd ask if I had that opportunity.  But it is clear that Jesus was not sent just to respond to the needs of those closest to him.  Jesus came to save the world.  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son." John 3:16  He was bringing the kingdom for all the world.

I am so grateful that Jesus, in the Lord's supper, gives his body and blood to me personally.  The "for you" means just that.  He has come for me and for you.  But I'm also grateful that his blood is poured out for all the world.  It reminds me that I, too, should pray for and respond as I am able to the needs I see close at hand, as well as the needs further away.  Today's prayer speaks profoundly, "Shift my focus from myself to you and then to those around me.  Teach me that I show my love to you by serving others, especially the poor, the sick, the lonely.... Amen