A typical morning as I headed off to early morning prayer. Trying to find the words to say to the Lord this morning did not come easy. I struggled in staying awake even. As I sought Him, I knew it would be another morning of grasping for the right way to “open the door.” As prayer drew to a close, I learned my breakfast meeting with one of the pastors (Dave) was canceled. I had been looking forward to it, to a time of self-indulgence. I called my friend (David) to see if he was available for coffee. “No, sorry too busy this morning.” Two down. I headed off to work and stopped by the usual bagel and coffee place. Then I saw him. He was homeless. His coat was in rags. His shoes were worn out with holes such that you could see his feet. His hands were cracked with sores. His beard was disheveled and filthy. His coat was also stained from…who knows what. As I got close the smell turned my stomach. Even as I write this, I can still smell the odor on my own clothing. I reached out my hand (reluctantly) and he firmly took it. Why did I resist reaching out to this man in need? Why get involved? “Hello,” I said. “My name is Ron.” “I’m David,” he said. “I’m hungry.” As I bought him breakfast, people stared at me in the restaurant. We sat down together and I watched him devour the food as though he had not eaten for a week. As I prayed for the words to say, few came. So I listened. His story gradually unfolded. The only family left was a mother somewhere in Illinois. He had not seen her in a long time. He slept wherever he could find a dry place. He seldom got to the shelters or the missions. His main goal was to find food and clothing and stay warm. As I silently prayed, I looked into David’s eyes and then…and then…I saw Him! I struggled holding back the tears as the words came so loud and clear. “I was hungry…but this was beautiful.” Well, they were not the exact same words that Christ used in Matthew 25 (which happened to be my morning devotion that day), but everything about this man pointed to the Lord’s words. I shared with him how he could get shoes and clothing through the van ministry on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I gave him a New Testament a long with my card. I prayed for him and talked to him about the Lord. “He loves you,” I said.
David was not my first or second choice for breakfast this morning, but he should have been. The harvest is so ripe! Have you seen Him today? Is Jesus your third choice today?
ron hampton – SDG
