Even a Taco

Happy Sunday, and thanks for joining us for another edition of Our Daily Bread's daily devotional.

Today's reading was written by John Blaise, and he titled it, Even a Taco. Ashton and Austin Samuelson graduated from a Christian college with a strong desire to serve Jesus. However, neither felt called to a traditional ministry in the church. But what about ministry in the world?

Absolutely. They blended their burden to end childhood hunger with their God-given entrepreneurial skills, and in 2014 launched a restaurant that serves tacos. But this isn't just any restaurant. The Samuelsons operate from a buy one, give one philosophy. For every meal bought, they donate money to provide a meal specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of malnourished children. So far, they've made contributions in more than 60 countries. Their goal is to be a part of ending childhood hunger, one taco at a time. Jesus' words in Matthew 10 are not cryptic.

They are astoundingly clear. Devotion is evidenced by actions, not words. One of those actions is giving to the little ones. For the Samuelsons, that focus is giving to children.

But take note, the little ones isn't a phrase limited to chronological age. Christ is calling us to give to any who are of little account in the eyes of this world, the poor, the sick, the prisoner, the refugee, those disadvantaged in any way. And give what? Well, Jesus says, even a cup of cold water.

If something as small and simple as a cup of cold water classifies, then a taco surely fits right in line too. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Matthew chapter 10, verses 37 through 42. Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. And whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. Let's pray. Dear Jesus, we pray that you would tune our eyes into the needs of others around us and fill our hearts with compassion. Give us hearts of service that seek to meet the needs of the least of these in ways big and small as we're able to and as you direct us. For the gift of life, Lord, and for the opportunity that we have to shine the light of your love into a hurting world. It's in your name that we pray. Amen.