Sixty-nine of us from multiple churches were gathered last week to serve the poor in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Packaging and serving meals and ready to give love, time, and any other resource we could possibly offer.
If you’ve ever been on a mission trip before, you quickly realize and readily admit that you go with the intent to give and receive so much more. This is God’s design. We give our lives away because what we receive in exchange is His life—His perfect, abundant, powerful life. More than this, we often travel to serve the poor as ones who have been given much. We’ve been taught the ways of the Living God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and we have been financially and physically blessed greatly. But in God’s eyes, are we rich?
Tuesday night, we had the privilege and joy of participating in the ministry of The Bridge, a ministry that serves the poor with food, needed articles of clothing and toiletry, a deep time of worship, hope-giving testimonies, and the powerful message of Christ. Many were there enjoying their time, participating some, waiting for food, etc. But several of them were there to meet with and hear about the Living God.
One in particular, our new friend Ricky, was one of them. It was difficult to forget his face because it radiated. This man could not stop thanking God and praising the name of Jesus. All through worship, and then even through the sermon, he would both bow his head and whisper and then lift his hands and shout praises to Jesus for His word, sustenance, and joy.
After the service, a group approached this homeless man. Ricky was overjoyed and kept sharing how good and faithful God had been to him. He couldn’t stop thanking the Lord. He went on to say:if people only knew His worth! If people only knew how worthy Christ is of all honor and praise!
He then began to remember his life before being saved saying:
When I used to watch baseball games I would raise my hands and shout. And at basketball games, too. How much more should I be rejoicing and celebrating the God who has been so good to me? I can’t wait to see Him! I can’t wait!
He said, as he jumped up and down like a happy child.
Although he didn’t have teeth, he had the most beautiful smile in all of Nashville.
Suddenly, I am reminded of the church of Laodicea. In so many seasons, I feel that I have prospered and have need of nothing, when my heart knows little of this kind of worship and dependence. When it is easy to lean on my own understanding or on Google or on what money can secure and His word doesn’t make me tremble, His presence doesn’t make me rejoice. When sacrificial love is rare, and little inconveniences almost ruin my day. When I am afraid to talk to someone about Jesus, and I fear what others think of my devotion to Him.
As the light of Christ shined through Ricky, our own poverty was exposed and we were filled with longing. We were reminded of the man who in his joy sells everything to buy the field that is Jesus Himself.
That evening at The Bridge, we received more than what we gave. And that night, many of us were broken under that ancient, yet relevant reproof given to a church that was found lukewarm.
Oh that we would be as broken in our need, as hot in our devotion, as shameless in our praise, as bold in our exhortations, and as constant in our expressions of gratitude as we found Ricky to be that day. We thank the Lord that Ricky was willing to share his wealth with us and will never forget him.
Revelation 3:15-19
