Read: Matthew 25:31-45
Every year at Impact, we have a theme that we build the experience around. You’ve completed Bible studies with your group expanding on the theme, and worship during camp will center on that theme as well. So for you to prepare for your experience, it’s important for you to understand vulnerability. It’s easy to think of people today who are much like the hungry, thirsty, stranger, sick, and imprisoned – those were needs then that are often needs today. But the naked – that’s a bit more of a challenge if we take it literally. But if we understand “naked” as vulnerable, we can think of groups of people (including even ourselves sometimes) who might feel vulnerable.
Being vulnerable in our world means more than just not having clothes. A person can feel exposed because they don’t fit in with the larger crowd. A person can feel threatened because the culture doesn’t think she has anything to offer. A person can feel exposed because other people aren’t comfortable around him. In the parable, Jesus called us to offer clothes to the naked. Maybe what we can offer to people in need – people who feel vulnerable – is a robe of hope.
Reflection
When have you felt vulnerable? What are you open to questioning about yourself and God during your week at camp?
Prayer
Loving God, as I prepare to go, help me to love others – just as you have loved me.