|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Thursday, March 25, 2004 |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for Thursday, March 25, 2004 By Pastor Justin Lathrop
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40
Last week I was heading downtown on a crowded Metro train. I had some difficulty getting into the car because the doorway was blocked. A man in his wheelchair made it difficult to pass. Most of the people in the car with me tried to avert their eyes. They tried not to be obvious with their stolen glances in his direction. I guess I’ve not yet attained that level of maturity. Unlike everyone else, I stared. I was curious about who he was and how he got there. He was obviously homeless. His clothes and smell told me that much. It looked as if he suffered from CP, along with some other infirmities. His body was twisted in his chair. His mouth hung open. His wheelchair was dirty and in poor repair. As I sat there unabashedly staring, I realized he must be coming close to his stop. It was cold that night, and he was struggling to put on a pair of gloves. He got the first one on quickly. The second one was proving more difficult. As I sat staring, I glanced around the car. Eyes darted up to steal a momentary glance at his plight, but always quickly returned to their books or papers. So I stood, and walked over to him, and offered my help. He looked up with grateful eyes and struggled to say “Thank You”. I looked around the car to find most eyes fixed firmly on anything but me and this man. Except for one woman. She was staring at us, and smiling.
A few minutes later, his stop came. He had mistakenly pointed his chair in front of the wrong door, and was struggling to turn himself around. I rose to get up to help again, but was beaten to the punch. The woman with whom I’d locked eyes just moments ago had jumped into action. She greeted him, turned him around, and helped him off the train, giving me a wink as they exited.
I’m not writing this to brag. The truth is, I didn’t do anything all that special. But it serves as a good reminder. People are always watching. They see every little thing we do. And God calls us to always to proclaim the Word to them. Not necessarily with what we say. More importantly, it’s in what we do. The smallest, most insignificant thing could inspire someone to greatness.
I thought I’d share this because we are nearing the end of Lent. Instead of offering a thought on a specific spiritual discipline, I thought I’d just offer some encouragement. These last days tend to be the time when we start to fade in our commitment to the season. Stay strong! Remember, every time you pray, or care for someone, or perform any other act of faith, you are a witness to the world. The moment you take for prayer could inspire someone else to have a conversation with God. The moment you stop to help someone in need could change an onlooker to a caregiver.
Let’s Pray: Gracious God, you’ve given us so many gifts; and so much responsibility. Remind us always that our words and actions are a reflection of you. Strengthen us for your service, that we might inspire others to come to know you deeper. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Have a great day!
 |
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |