Luke 16: 19 - 21 Jesus said, "There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man's table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores." (New Life Translation)
Just thinking, what would I do with the situation that Jesus describes above? What do you do when encountering a homeless person? Better yet, what do I do? And what about our treatment of the 4-legged canine residing with my spouse and I? Sure, ... our adopted hound gets 2 squares a day, plenty of treats and a warm crib mattress nightly, but am I as compassionate with the needy? One of my tactics has often been to speak to a panhandler in French, German or Spanish (of which I know approx. 30 words totally), feigning that I don't understand what they are asking. Yet, I have lived for a few decades now, certain as a believer that "my God will meet all my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19), and parting with a few Euros for the approacher's small coffee & McBurger, extra-bread, won't deny my Bella-dog or afternoon Chai-latte. "But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." (Mt. 15:27).
Pastor Schmidt's depiction of the Luke text above whacked me in the wallet, but even more simply in the solar plexus. Is my empathy for and with the downtrodden on par with the innocent child which the Rev. portrayed for us? I shied away from a friendship I was invited back into with a down and out high school friend a couple years back. Am I that rich man depicted in Luke 16 or Senator-like, engrossed in my stuff to the degree that any compassion barely surfaces? Do I construct gates or bridges? Am I fencing out who I see as riff-raff rather than inviting conversation and connectedness? In no way do I see our status as royal or luxurious (they're way over rated in my book anyway), and God has given me the capability of setting healthy boundaries. This parable tells me to find balance somewhere between not losing myself or being taken advantage of and genuinely reaching out to one in need. Plenty of questions and opportunities, eh?...... still thinking, Lord may my meditations be acceptable in your sight!
Peace to you & yours in this turbulent time, Kevin & your FFC Deacons.