God's heart for the community

Our 75th Anniversary Celebration began on Easter as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and sang out All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name as they did 61 years ago. This past weekend we celebrated all that God has done through Grace over the years to reach the larger community here on the Central Coast. From reaching out to the local servicemen, to reaching out the jails, to our current ministries in Juvenile Hall and the Overflow Shelter, Grace has been reaching out to live the Gospel in this community for 75 years. We heard from Pastor Scott as he showed us God’s heart for the poor, the broken and the outcast. Mike Yankoski, author of Under the Overpass, shared his experiences living among the homeless during his days in college. In addition to this, Grace hosted a BBQ luncheon for the poor and homeless in our community last Saturday.

As I was gearing up for last weekend, I couldn’t help but notice something very particular about the Lord’s instructions to the Israelites concerning the feasts He appointed them to celebrate. In Leviticus, a book full of Levitical Law and instructions, the Lord clarifies some of the specifics about how the national feasts are to be carried out. In chapter 23 we are told that the 14th day of the 1st month is an appointed time of rest and celebration—it is the Lord’s Passover. Then, the next day is to be the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, which is to last 7 days (vv. 1-8). The Lord goes on to give more explicit detail, directing the Israelites in the specific ways in which they are to harvest the crop at this time (vv. 9-14). Then He makes clear the offerings and sacrifices that are to be made—bread, lambs, a bull and rams. And yes, they are to rest from labor (15-21).

It’s the next verse that catches my attention though. In verse 22 we see God’s heart for the poor and the needy in in society. Even as the Lord instructs the Israelites to extravagant sacrifice, He lays down instruction for the poor of the community. The Israelites, recognizing that their harvest comes from the hand of God are not to hoard the fruits of their labor to themselves, but are to share with those in need. As they celebrate the mighty acts of God—their redemption from slavery in Egypt and God’s provision for the people, they are to hold that provision with an empty hand. The people of God are to share and freely give of that which they have freely received.

This weekend we began our 75th Anniversary Celebration in earnest. Perhaps it’s fitting and even appropriate that a celebration of God’s faithfulness and blessing all starts with an opportunity to bless others through a tri-tip BBQ luncheon for the poor and needy of our community. The Lord has given Grace so many resources and opportunities over the years. He has enabled our church to grow and to give back to our own community, to those who have suffered devastation in our own country and those who have suffered around the world. This past weekend, we celebrated God's faithfulness through serving and loving those for whom God has a special place in His heart.

May we take the time in the days, weeks, months and years ahead to look the homeless in the eyes. May we talk with them as those created in the image of God. I was struck by practical ways we can reach out to those in need by giving away socks, gift certificates, soft granola bars and water bottles. May we incarnate the love of Christ to any and all we meet!