I’m sure most of you have experienced something along the lines of what I’m going to describe. I was using my wife’s original bible to check some scriptures when I came across a paper tucked into the bible that contained a poem. Hand written by an Uncle of Barb’s that behaved more like a grandfather due to the age differences between Barb’s Mom and Dad. In any case he had his problems and I think this poem described himself in his mind. The poem was written by someone else but the author is unknown.
Pray don’t find fault with the man who limps or stumbles along the road. Unless you have worn the shoes he wears or struggled beneath his load. There may be a tack in his shoes that hurts, though hidden away from view Or the burden he bears, placed on your back might cause you to stumble too. Don’t smear the man who’s down today unless you have felt the blow. That caused his fall, or felt his shame, that only the fallen know. You may be strong, but still the blows that were his, if dealt to you In the self-same way, at the self-same time, might cause you to stagger too. Don’t be harsh with the man who sins or pelt him with words or stones Unless you are sure, yes, doubly sure that you have no sins of your own. For you know, perhaps, if the tempter’s voice should whisper as soft to you. As it did to him when he went astray would cause you to falter, too.
When we think of the person described in this poem I’m sure you all can think of someone close or you’ve met or just seen on the street that fits the poem’s description. So I asked myself where am I in this poem’s picture. Judgemental, critical, unthinking, uncaring or assuming. Yes I’m sure we can all identify with some part of the poem one way or another.
So again I asked myself what would Jesus say and do. We can see that Jesus cared deeply about the poor and the downtrodden by demonstrating his compassion in various ways. Sight to the blind, healing the leper and giving life to the dead. Many instances of Jesus caring. But, He also preached the good news of Salvation at every opportunity. He also gave examples of human caring such as the “good Samaritan”. Scripture is full of examples of how our Christianity should manifest itself publicly.
Matthew 25: 35-36 & 40
For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
……………….Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 14:14
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
In looking at these and other scriptures, and the poem, I am moved to ask God to temper my criticism of the folks we see on the streets. Some are there through no fault of their own others, yes have made mistakes in life but what is our opportunity to help? Let’s think about that in light of a remodeled chapel and our responsibilities to the lost of all types. Both rich and poor are lacking one thing. Trust in our Saviour Jesus and the saving knowledge to life eternal with him. Let’s pray for guidance in this respect that we as a group of saved individuals, looking forward to Jesus’ return, will act according to God’s guidance in all that we do and say. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Speaker: Dennis Scott Sermon title & Bible Ref: “Peace Perfect Peace” from Isaiah 26 & Psalm 14.
