August 13, 2025

“…plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:17b

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27

In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes issue with those who do their praying in public in order to be seen by others. For those, he says that “they have received their reward.” A few verses later he takes issue with those who try to make everyone aware of when they are fasting. Once again Jesus says, “they have received their reward.”

Why is it that there are times when we are tempted not to speak up and be identified with Christ, while other times we are tempted to do things so that in order to show that we are? Ahh. Being mindful of our motivations is a tricky matter which intersects much with the fear of man. If I fear that people will not approve of me, I may be tempted to be silent to express my beliefs about Christ and the gospel. However, if I think that by speaking up, I may impress some people and gain esteem in their eyes, I may be tempted to do or say things for that purpose. In view of this, it has been noted that when we are tempted to hide, we should speak and when we are tempted to show, we should be quiet.

Jesus warns about public ministry that is done for the audience of people rather than for the audience of one and yet, public ministry is necessary. But there is another aspect that we have to consider. Public ministry without authentic private ministry is disingenuous. That is why the church is called to care for her widows. God is not impressed if we have a great “show” of a service on Sunday but do not care for our widows.

Yesterday I was talking with one of our widows. She has been without her husband for over 20 years and has been homebound for much of that time. She told me that one of our members visits her every Sunday in order to read the Bible to her. I had no idea this brother was doing this. From 2-4p on Sunday afternoons, he just reads the Bible. He started in Genesis and is now in 2 Chronicles.

I believe that I will carry water for people like this in the Kingdom. Much of what I do is seen by others and perhaps, there is a sense in which I already have my reward. To faithfully serve where no one knows and no one sees, that’s beautiful because that is real. God bless this brother and God bless all of you who serve without acclaim. Your faithfulness is evidence of the validity of the gospel. We may not know all that you do, but God does and it is worth it!

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s Text: Luke 13:10-17