Last week, my brother Rick was woken at 2 AM by a loud whining sound coming from the end of his driveway. As he got out of bed and dressed, he turned on the house spotlights. Then he phoned the police and reported a disturbance at the end of his drive.
Descending the stairs to the house entrance, he heard a loud pounding on the front door. Sensing no danger, he cracked the inner door, knowing the outer glass door was locked. There stood a shivering young man in shorts and a t-shirt.
Rick questioned, “What’s the problem?” The young man’s strange answer, “I’m really thirsty and would appreciate a drink of water. I know that’s a lot to ask with the virus going around.” “Sure!” Rick responded. He closed the door, thoughtfully seeking his next wise action.
These directive words of Jesus began to fill his thoughts, “I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me… I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”
Slowly obtaining a bottle of water, Rick returned to the door and saw a police squad pull in his drive. The young man politely thanked Rick for the water. While the police engaged the shivering man in conversation, Rick felt led to find him something warm to wear. Digging through the hall closet, he found a warm, almost new jacket. Again, the young man received the gift with polite gratitude.
The police determined the young man was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and his car, in Rick’s ditch, was towed away. Rick is pondering why he didn’t reach for his gun when he went to the door. I think he was listening to the words of Jeremiah, “So now the LORD says, “Stop right where you are! Look for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”
What could have been a fearful and anxious meeting between Rick and this young man was instead quite positive. Rick feels good about helping the man with his physical needs. Science proves love is powerful. Unconditional love helps to bring physical health to ailing bodies and healing to negative emotions.
No matter the chaos in the world around us, when we reach out in love as God directs, supernatural healing is offered. Both the giver and receiver have an opportunity to know more significant rest for their souls.