While visiting the home of a new friend, Mpho noticed several children’s books sitting on a worn table in the living room. The books were torn at the corners and ragged along the edges. When her friend left the room, Mpho asked the oldest child present about the books. At first, he shyly hid his face and would not answer. Mpho talked with him briefly about the importance of taking care of his books, and then questioned him further. Again, the boy wouldn’t look at Mpho. This time she recognized the look of shame on the boy’s face. She began to encourage him about reading and caring for materials. The young lad interrupted her. “You don’t understand. When we don’t have enough food my mom feeds us and then eats the books so she isn’t hungry.”
Mpho was moved to tears and to action. Nutritious food was delivered to the family, along with new books for the children.
I am so thankful for Mpho who was not afraid to ask questions, listen to answers, and respond to needs. The Bible says in Psalm 119:103, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” Mpho’s friend was eating words, but not words of life, hope and strength that would satisfy – empty words without physical or spiritual nutrition. Mpho, a partaker of the sweet ancient words of God, was able to make a difference – to provide delectable honey to a single mom and her children.
“Holy words long preserved for our walk in this world. They resound with God’s own heart. Oh let the ancient words impart. Words of life, words of hope, give us strength, help us cope. In this world, where e’er we roam, ancient words will guide us home. Ancient words ever true, changing me, changing you. We have come with open hearts. Oh let the ancient words impart. Holy words of our faith, handed down to this age. Come to us through sacrifice. Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.” (Michael W. Smith)
My prayer is that like Mpho we would be moved to tears and to action in sharing the ancient words of God, imparting words of life, words of hope, and words of strength. “Oh let the ancient words impart.”