“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Heb. 13:2
One day, not long ago, I was walking from my truck towards a department store. As I crossed the parking lot to the sidewalk, I saw a young man, sitting against the building with his dog.
Something inside me whispered:
“Sit with him.”
Suddenly, as I sat there, people approaching the store stared at me. I immediately felt judged. I saw the snarls of disgust and could hear their whispered murmurs and felt their critical glances…
…I felt despised and rejected.
I sat there on the cold concrete with this houseless man in front of “Big Lots,” in Sonora, California. Suddenly, I heard, what seemed like the voice of God tell me his age.
I said:
So, Aaron, you’re 27.
He smiled and said:
Why, yes, I am!
…And so, the opportunity for a deeper conversation began.
I didn’t see Aaron, I saw Jesus. And I want all my brothers and sisters to know this…
…Jesus is everywhere!
He’s the Aarons and the Julies on the sidewalks, under bridges, at intersections and outside of McDonald’s and Taco Bell. He’s in the Safeway’s, Walmart’s and city streets. He’s in every line you stand in and every restaurant you visit.
I used to think Jesus was only in our Churches, but I’ve been so wrong. When Jesus walked the earth, some 2000 years ago, he was houseless too!
He’s out there and waiting for a cold cup of water or a warm coat; a meal or a place to lay his head. He’s longing for a conversation; just a little of your precious time.
I met Jesus today, and today his name is Aaron.
Ironically, the name Aaron means: Lofty; exalted; high mountain. My brief encounter with Aaron led me to believe that Aaron didn’t feel lofty, exalted and in the safety of a high mountain.
Aaron needed me; he needed you too.
Please pray for courage and compassion, but not for the Aarons, but for ourselves – for each of us, my dear brothers and sisters, have the Good News. The Bread of Heaven and the Water of Life. Go and spread it out and pour it richly on the lost. They’re everywhere!
I am sorry Lord for being so blind and so stubborn. Heal my blindness and my hardness.
I may not have silver or gold, but what I do have; what we all have, all of us who call themselves by the name of Christ Jesus is far better and more precious.
I dare say that not a day goes by that I’ve not met Jesus or bumped into him in some way and in some place. My only regret is that my busyness or my smartphone has kept me from seeing Jesus in front of me.
Thank you, my Heavenly Father, for revealing your Son to me today. He is beautiful, and today, his name is Aaron!
Call To Courage 