Send Portions Unto Them for Whom Nothing Is Prepared
The sermon encourages believers to share with those in need and to pray for those who have no one else to care for them, just as Christ did.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the call to care for those who are neglected and unprepared, drawing from Nehemiah's message during the Feast of Tabernacles. He urges believers to share joy and provisions with the needy, reflecting on the love of Christ for the unworthy and the importance of interceding for those who lack support. Simpson highlights that true strength comes from the joy of the Lord, encouraging a selfless love that mirrors Christ's sacrifice. He challenges the congregation to recognize the many who suffer in silence and to act with compassion and generosity.
Text
Nehemiah gives us a graphic picture concerning what took place during the celebration of their glorious Feast of Tabernacles. Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared . . . neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. How many there are on every side for whom nothing is prepared! Let us find some sad and needy heart whom there is no one else to think of or care for. Let us pray for someone who has none to pray for him. Let us be like Him who, one Christmas Day, came to a world that would not appreciate Him, to be rejected and finally murdered.
Let us not be afraid to know something even of the love that is unrequited and is thrown away on the unworthy.
That is the love of Christ, and God has for such love a rich recompense. How Christ must weep over the selfishness that meets Him from those for whom He died!
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Share
- The Example of Christ
- The Reward of Unrequited Love
- God has a rich recompense for such love
- Christ weeps over selfishness
Key Quotes
“Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared.” — A.B. Simpson
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — A.B. Simpson
“How Christ must weep over the selfishness that meets Him from those for whom He died!” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should identify those in need and share with them, especially those who have no one else to care for them.
- We should pray for those who have no one else to pray for them, that they may experience comfort and strength.
- We should strive to show the love of Christ, even to those who are unworthy and may not appreciate it.