“Why don’t you go to the riff-raff…and ask them to let you have eight thousand dollars?”
—Mr. Potter, to George after money goes ‘missing’
God carefully positions around his children a small core group of people [Spirit-led family] who have their backs when life happens. The enemy comes to destroy the glory within through painful circumstances; his purpose is to break the soul; mind, will, and emotions (John 10:10). However, Jesus comes as the conquering hero to fill us inside and bring upon the scene his servants who understand the power of godly love (1 Cor. 13:4-7). These folks are there to stand with us, pray with us, move in God’s direction of healing, and lend resources to help us. They are like resurrecting angels, because in God’s hands they work to bring beauty out of ashes—replacing that which seeks to devastate with the goodness of God (Isa. 61:3). The Lord has always and will always have the last word over the lives of his children. It’s a promise! So, look for the beauty in the Body.
In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” it is Christmas Eve and George is in real trouble. We’ve looked at this scene in the movie from several angels now. George has lived in the background helping others right along, but now he is the one who needs help. Potter won’t give George a loan to pay off the eight thousand dollar debt he owes, and Potter ridicules George’s heart [where the glory of God abides] by telling him to go to the “riff-raff” he has vigilantly fought to defend and see what they will do for him. Interestingly, Potter’s words become a reality; but take just a bit of a detour. George does not ask for anything, but his family and friends carrying godly love get the word out about George’s need and all of a sudden there is a surplus of money and inexpressible JOY!
While Potter has been busy selfishly using people, George has been busy, in the background, faithfully serving them. People usually take notice of those who love, honor, and affirm their value through practical and encouraging help. Many people in Bedford Falls quickly remembered what George had done for them. Momentarily, when George was feeling like a martyr, God revealed the truth about godly Love.
When we pour ourselves out for others, it can be draining to the soul while at the same time filling our spirits with joy. For some reason, when we deny ourselves we experience the realm and power of eternal life in the joy of our salvation. It’s all a mystery surrounding our glorious Lord, but for those of us who live in Christ’s love…we know it is the Truth.
If Jesus sends you to be the help for others, then go and be a blessing because you will receive back more than you could ever give. If Jesus brings people to be your help, then graciously receive because God is wanting to connect with you in some way. Maybe it is God’s way of rewarding your obedience in the past, or maybe it is an invitation to trust him and his love more each day with your life. Either way, you are victorious in Christ!
OT Reading: Isaiah 41:10 NLT “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
NT Reading: 1 John 4:16 NLT “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work of your godly love to bring us into a place of generosity and well-being. You are Jehovah Jireh—the Lord will Provide—and you do that while blessing everyone involved. Holy Spirit, help us continue to be obedient to your leading as we live each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.