“Then the righteous will answer (the King; Jesus), 
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 
 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, 
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
(Matthew 25:37-40)

I would imagine a number of people reading this are afflicted with a condition known as “presbyopia.”  Go ahead and look that one up in the dictionary … I’ll wait. You’ll find it just a smidge above “Presbyterian!”  

Now I’ll paraphrase the definition: As we age (usually in our forties), the lenses in our eyes start to lose their flexibility.  When this happens we may not even notice a difference as we look at distant objects … but good luck reading fine print!  

Speaking personally, I am not a fan of presbyopia.  Three years ago I had 20/20 vision. I never wore glasses in the pulpit.  Today, however, I can’t read my notes without them. I can see what is far away easily, but I’m literally blind to small print!  There are several “fixes” for presbyopia – bifocals, eating carotenoids, eye exercise, surgery – but if nothing is done, people with presbyopia we will never again be able to see what is right under their nose clearly!

I find it fascinating that “presbyopia” and “Presbyterian” are essentially right next to each other in the dictionary. Consider the meaning of Presbyterian: “governed by presbyters*” (AKA, “elders,” or “overseers”).  Our very name means that we are to be led by those who have wisdom that comes with age! ** 

When I think of Christians (in America, at least), I wonder: “Do we have presbyopia?”  

Look at the text above (Matthew 25:37-40).  I believe all Christians recognize the big picture Jesus gives in this parable: we are to show mercy, kindness, benevolence and love to those who are suffering.  Are we able to read the fine print, though?  What does it mean to see the hungry and feed them and give the thirsty a drink?  What does it mean to invite a stranger, or clothe the naked, or visit the sick or imprisoned?  What does it mean to uplift the lowly, persecuted, depressed, and downtrodden?

Does the fine print tell us that we should be doing more right here in Mena?

Does the fine print tell us that we should be doing more to help the victims of racism?  How about victims of child abuse / neglect? Or human trafficking? Or the disabled?  

Does the fine print tell us that we should be showing more mercy and love at the southern border of our country, or toward the almost 26 million refugees in the world who don’t have a home country?  (“You will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b)

What is Jesus REALLY asking us to do?  Can we read the fine print?    

The year 2020 is upon us.  Will you, church family, be my bifocals, helping me, your pastor, discern the fine print of Jesus’ will for us?  I promise to do my part to try to restore your 20/20 vision as well! Blessings! Pastor Bill

*See I Peter 5:1-4, I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 for a description of elders.

 ** Please note that we are fortunate to have some excellent elders!  My focus is not on them, but on Christendom!