I see a fair amount of folks who are homeless or otherwise down on their luck (as they say). It's always tempting to want to avoid them. Just look down and walk past, I think to myself. They're used to being ignored, right?
There are times, though, I am reminded of the parable in Matthew 25 (37-40).
“‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
I try to envision "these people" as Jesus himself. I mean, what if it is?! It could be! And a few verses later he has some not nice words for those who ignore them/him.
Anyway... all that... but a couple weeks ago my mind was thrown for a complete loop! There was a woman sitting in the hallway at work who no doubt looked way older than she is. People wanted me to shew her away but I let her sleep a bit. While she was obviously homeless, she wasn't hurting anything.
Well, a little later she came into my workplace and wanted to use the phone. Ugh. I hesitantly let her. And... as she talked to the voice on the other end it occurred to me... I NEVER CONSIDER JESUS AS A WOMAN!!!
It is not just men who get hungry, thirsty, lonely, sick, or in trouble. And if Jesus could be any random one of those guys... could he not also be one of those gals??? HOW HAVE I NEVER THOUGHT THIS!?!?
Maybe you've always been aware, but not me. I feel a bit stupid. But also humbled and thankful for this opportunity to see Jesus in the form of a woman.
It's like a whole new way of thinking has opened up in my mind...
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