Under a bridge

I just spent a week driving from Michigan to St. Louis to Jenks, Oklahama, to Abilene, Texas. Then from Abilene to Oklahoma City to Searcy, Arkansas, to Nashville, and back to Michigan. Sound tiring? Maybe a little. But at the same time, it was a refreshing time to connect with old friends and make new ones.
One of the coolest groups of new friends we made were at Tent City in Nashville. We were able to go with Doug Sanders, a friend of mine in Nashville, and visit a community of those who are homeless. They allowed us to come onto their turf under the highway and spend time with them. We were able to talk with them, laugh with them, and cry with them.
As I reflect on our time with our new friends, the following words of Jesus came to mind…
'Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:37-40)
Every time I read this passage I am reminded of an important lesson. When we seek to serve others, we must always have our ears, eyes, and hearts open towards God. It is often in those moments that we see God in the faces of those we serve as much as or even more than they see God in our faces.
When we humbly seek to serve others and recognize that we need God as much as those around us who are “in need,” it can change the way we view everything. Jesus said it well near the start of his ministry. This is the way Matthew records it in his gospel (Matthew 5:3-8):
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
May there be the words on our lips, the intentions of our hearts, and the passions of our lives. For when we truly seek to live out the Kingdom of God in and around us, God will do incredible things. It is when we pursue the Kingdom that we be able to see God in every part of our lives and every person that we encounter, even a homeless man under a bridge in Nashville, Tennessee.

shine!
Jason