2Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
Most people are familiar with the story of “The Little Red Hen”. This story is a real powerful example of so many principles. Things like community, selfishness, generosity, laziness, hard work, consideration of others, and obedience to name a few. It was written as a children’s book but is a great resource for adults as well on so many levels. The story is about a mother hen with several chicks who are looking for food and find some grains of wheat. She was willing to share her find with the other animals on the farm and asked for their assistance to grow, harvest, and grind the wheat. Each animal declined with the response “Not l”. So she said she and her chicks would do it themselves. She also asked who wanted to help bake the flour into bread and received the same response, “Not l”. Again, she said she and her chicks would do it. When it was time to eat the bread, she asked the same question to all the animals but this time they all wanted a piece of the finished work and replied, “l will”. The mother hen responded that no one helped with any of the hard work, so only she and her chicks would enjoy the bread,
This makes me think of the Christian walk and the Remnant of God. We go to church and enjoy the singing and the music that we don’t participate in. We sit thru the sermon’s that we feel only apply to everyone else. We eagerly line up in the buffet lines during potluck dinners that we had no hand in preparing. When we are asked to serve in various church ministries, the response is “Not l” from all but the Remnant.
Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep. The Word instructs us to go make disciples, to visit the sick and imprisoned. To feed the orphans and widows. Regrettably most Christian’s response is “Not l”, even to our Lord. Matthew 21:28-31 tells of the sons that were asked to work in the vineyard. One refused and regretted, the second said he would but did not do it. Jesus said tax collectors and harlots would enter the Kingdom before any such as these. The scripture text for today says if anyone does not work, they do not eat. What will be God’s decision for we who will not work for His Kingdom. For we who always have an excuse not to help. For we who will not tell others of the Gospel. For we who always leave it up to others. Can we seriously take a chance with that? Do we want to be denied the supper table of the Lord? Or better still, rejected from eternity in heaven with God? Personally, that’s too high of a price to pay. If you are one of those who are not working, please reconsider now. God’s retirement plan is only in play when He calls you home.
Father, thank you for allowing me the continued use of all the faculties you gave me. Hands to work, feet to go, a voice to sing Your Praises and ears to hear Your Word. Help me to never say “Not I” toward your Kingdom, and to always honor You with these precious gifts. Amen