The Least of These…

Today I went to the post office.  As I pulled up and parked, I noticed a man that seemed to be homeless approaching the future (aka, my van).  My window was down and I was still finishing up what I needed to do before I went inside.  My first thought was, “I really don’t feel like having a conversation with this guy right now”.  So, I continued doing what I was doing, making sure to avoid any chance of eye contact.  I hear very faintly, “Excuse me, sir?”, not once, but twice.  I continue looking down, acting completely preoccupied and uninterested.  I watched out of the corner of my eye as the man walked away.

Instantly (and I mean instantly), Matthew 25:40 pops in my head:

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Wow did I feel like a jerk.  I thought to myself, “If Matthew 25 is true, then I totally just ignored Jesus Himself.” (see verses 42-43)  I looked around for the man and he was still there.  I finished up what I was doing, and sure enough, when I looked up again he was standing there.  He said again, in a very pleasant tone, “I’m so sorry to bother you, but can you spare a couple dollars so I can get some food?”  To which I replied, “Well, I can’t give you money, but I would be glad to go pick some food up for you once I finish up here.”  The man said, “Would you really?  Oh, thank you so much sir.  Oh, and if you don’t mind, could you please get me something to drink?”  ”Of course”, I said.

So, I went inside and did my deal.  Left and went to the gas station/deli down the street (they have great sandwiches by the way), got the man some food and drink and took it back to him.  Let me tell you, he was so grateful.  I told him how much Jesus loved him and cared for him, but all he could say was thank you and God bless.

Why do I tell you this story?

Well, because I’m laying here again, another sleepless night thus far, so I get up to read Crazy Love (which I have yet to finish).  Slow reader, I know.  I pick up where I left off, and I promise you, the second paragraph I read is about this very topic.  In fact, he quotes this exact verse!  I couldn’t believe it as I was reading it, just knowing that it was exactly what I needed for right now.

I don’t know why God teaches me lessons the way that He does, but I love Him for it!  I don’t quite know what I’m supposed to have learned yet, but I felt compelled to tell the cyberspace.  I hope this serves as an encouragement to you, as it has for me.

Anyone have any similar stories?