Caring for the least of these – Anthony Reddie

Dr Anthony Reddie shared a political parable of three boats making a journey at BMS World Mission’s Catalyst Live event in in Reading.

Three boats, with ten passengers each, take a long journey. Within each boat, they decided how to split the limited resources among them. Boat one devised a test to determine who the most useful passengers were and distribution went accordingly. Boat two did not like this idea, and decided to split everything evenly regardless of need. Liking neither option, boat three decided to divide everything according to the needs of their passengers. At the end of the journey, only boat three made it with all ten passengers.

The parable reflected our world today, where those who make the rules live and the weaker among us are left to find their own way. Dr Reddie described his time in university studying Acts 1 and the appearance of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. When he arrived at chapter two, he realised why there is so little focus placed on it. “The practical application of the Holy Spirit is harder to discuss because it asks why we don’t share what we have with those living without,” he says.

“It’s not about what we deserve. If we got what we deserved, we wouldn’t be here. Christ offered himself so we can have life and be loved,” said Dr Reddie. “We are expected to follow his example.”

We are instructed to love our neighbours as ourselves, regardless of who our neighbour is.

28/11/2013