Matthew 25:31-41

I know how it feels to be the stranger. I have had occasion to relocate for employment or worse and have to start over in unfamiliar circumstances.

My latest experience came when I could not afford my own modest home. The mortgage was paid off, but the economy turned. My wife was no longer working full time and we could not afford to pay the property taxes.

One day, I turned to my spouse and said, “We need to leave here and move in with your mother!” As it turned out, my mother-in-law was advanced in years and she gracefully agreed to take us in. We were able to care for her, shoulder some of the bills and rebuild our lives, but other than my wife, she was the only one I knew.

I remember the last drive south on I81, passing over a deep gorge in Virginia, driving a Uhaul, trailering a car, and prayed, “Lord, I have left it all behind, there is no turning back. Please show me the way!” I was launched into the unknown. My son was a college graduate. He was working. He had his own life. My trust was in that prayer.

First month, I found work. Lowest pay I ever worked for with rudimentary working conditions. However, I was unfazed, but still a stranger.

I had an application in with an employment agency and at the end of that month, I got a call. I was stopped in traffic on Alcoa Highway. It was for work at the institution that I had targeted.

I showed up that initial day of the job and was met by my first new co-worker. He is a Christian in thought, word and deed. He made me feel comfortable. We built a strong personal and professional relationship that is vibrant to this day. He walks the walk and talks the talk. I know the Holy Spirit works through him and that Jesus smiles on him.

Where are you in your daily walk? Are you distracted by highly charged political and commercial rhetoric from your TV, radio or digital media? Or are you looking out for the hungry, the thirsty, the unsheltered, the sick, or worse?

Jesus, make it perfectly clear to us where our collective attention needs to be, and remind us of the reward that awaits us.

Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and recorded by Sam Barto.

Grace for All is a daily...