In our discussion of God's sovereignty, protection and provision for all – especially the needy and the least in society – we ended with the observation that Elijah was active in the Zarephath and Sidon (Phoenician) region or what is today Lebanon; in a foreign land. Similarly, the widow whose son Jesus raised from the dead was from Nain in today's Shomron, or Samaria, also foreign territory.
There is a huge challenge for us here, to examine how we relate to those outside our borders or boundaries. People of faith, and especially Christians, affirm that we are obliged to help those in need. Indeed, we excel in doing that. Nevertheless, how we do it and the motivation, are perhaps even more important than the doing itself.
Consider the following, real illustration:
For many years, a rescue mission has served breakfast and dinner to the poor and needy, every single day of the year. Most of this ministry is borne by volunteers who give their time and resources to serve the needs of the hungry.
Over the years, before dinner or breakfast, the guests assembled in the chapel for 30-45 minutes where a pastor or preacher gave a sermon. 95% or more of the guests did not listen or hear the sermon because they were hungry, tired, sleepy or simply not there for a sermon. The mission eventually decided that dinner would be served first, then chapel time to follow thereafter. In other words, the guests were given a choice regarding chapel time.
Some of the pastors and preachers decided to withdraw their help because "the gospel was being compromised" - in their words. It is as if they were saying to the hungry, "we will give you something to eat but first you must hear the gospel message".
That is the question we ask ourselves today: How do we help those we help and how do we serve those we serve? Are there per-conditions or strings attached or are we doing what we are called to do unconditionally? Think of our foreign policy too, as a nation. Are there some accompaniments that go with foreign aid?
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