When Did We See You

Then they also will answer Him [Jesus], saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. - Matthew 44-45

Everyone could see just fine but were blind - uncaring - to the needs staring them in the face. Now if they knew it was Jesus - well that would have been different.  

There is a man and woman - I assume a couple - that sit in a pew two rows down from us every Sunday. She brings him into the sanctuary, by herself, with him sitting on a simple chair with wheels. This particular Sunday, before the start of the service, the woman got up for some reason and left the man alone. After a few minutes, I noticed the he slowly, with considerable effort, stood up and began inching his way back closer toward the aisle, where they usually sit and then sat back down. He seemed to be using every ounce of strength that he had to move just 4 feet over on the pew. Frankly, I wondered if that could be me one day. It is cool in the sanctuary before it fills up with people. I noticed that he was trying to put his jacket on while sitting down. The jacket got hung up behind his head as he tried to find the other sleeve of his jacket. He was struggling to put his other arm in the jacket. All the while there were people sitting in the pew behind him chatting away - as if the man was not there. I waited for about 30 seconds thinking someone would surely make a move - but crickets. So I got up, walked down to where the man was sitting, asked if I could help and then helped him with his jacket. He thanked me but couldn't look up to see me. I patted him on the shoulder - a guy thing, wished him well and walked back to my seat. The people behind him never stopped talking - apparently oblivious to the man's need. I was thinking, people should come to the service on Sunday primarily to worship God corporately, secondly to show others Jesus and not just focus on people they know. 

That's when the Spirit brought the parable of the sheep and goats and the good Samaritan to my mind. So I wrote a note down on my bulletin. The topic for a future BLOG Post - this BLOG post. 

It is easy to have a judgmental attitude toward the goats, or the Levite or the priest. Thinking "that would not be me!" But it gave me pause to wonder - has that ever been me - could it ever be me. I shared the story with you not so that you would think I should be credited for doing a good deed. I shared that with you because we all need to be on the look out - the police call that a BOLO for others in need. I should not and could not encourage you to do something that I am not willing to do myself?

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. - John 15:13

There are always opportunities to show the love of God toward others. You must be ready to cross the road. They don't have to know who you are. And you do not need recognition from others for being a "good Samaritan" like the Pharisees did. 

they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. - John 12:43

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it.  Let your light shine and give God the glory.  

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone