Jesus healed those that others thought unworthy or unclean. He dined with tax collectors and sinners. He encouraged his followers to be humble, stating that the last shall be first and that those who would lead must be the servants of all. He told a parable of a man whose invited guests refused to come to a banquet, so he invited the poor, crippled, and homeless. I'm thankful that North Pointe Baptist has a ministry to reach our neighbors in apartment complexes, sometimes even taking a cookout to them and inviting all to dine. I'm thankful we are involved in prison ministry and helping with a local ministry that meets material needs. Because of my current situation taking care of my mom, it would be difficult for me to be actively involved in these ministries, but I can give them my prayer support and occasionally donate small items. However, I can take Christ outside the church building myself. I can take an encouragement card to the flower lady at the grocery store, share Christ with someone at Sams Club, or invite hurting friends to my home. I can be faithful to witness to those people placed in my path. Christ touched people right where they were, and so should I.
I'll share here a song on this subject that the Lord put in my heart a few years ago. The first impression I had was the title, "Portraits of People". The idea would not leave my head. So I prayed, "What people, Lord?" The answer that came to mind after a few days of diligent prayer was "people the Lord Jesus touched." So I began a study of people that Christ physically touched while here on earth. The result was the following lyric set to the most driving music I've ever written. (I'm usually 1960's folk rockish). When I sing it, I envision the scenes in my mind.
Portraits of People
The boy was so controlled by demons that he threw himself in the fire.
His father came and begged the Master to save his precious boy’s life.
Jesus didn’t say, “Clean him up, and bring him into the church.”
Instead He cast those demons out and touched him right there in the dirt.
Portraits of people for whom Jesus cared...
He’s called us to follow Him and His compassion share.
The woman had been bleeding for twelve terrible years.
She touched the hem of His garment as hope conquered her fears.
Jesus didn’t rebuke her for touching Him although she was “unclean”.
Instead He said, “Your faith has healed you. Daughter, you may go in peace.”
Portraits of people for whom Jesus cared...
He’s called us to follow Him and His compassion share.
He was just the servant of the man who’d have Christ killed,
but when Peter tried to defend our Lord, it was the slave’s blood he spilled.
Jesus did not say to him, “You got what you deserved.”
Instead He put that ear back on healing every vessel and nerve.
Portraits of people for whom Jesus cared...
He’s called us to follow Him and His compassion share.
Perhaps she may be dirty, or maybe he has AIDS...
Someone who’s been in prison or a homeless renegade.
How would Jesus touch them if he were here today?
In my heart I can’t believe He’d turn and walk away!
Portraits of people for whom Jesus cares...
He’s called us to follow Him and His compassion share.
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