Angels Unaware…
Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angles without knowing it.”
Years ago I worked for a Bible Church in Dallas, TX. For three years I mostly drove to the church the same way everyday. On the way there was a 4-way intersection in which I had to turn left in to reach my destination. The left lane had an arrow turn signal allowing the right of way for the turn. It was rarely used by the vast majority of people traveling the road. This is the type of intersection you could let the light cycle 5 or more times with no vehicles behind you. One day I noticed a homeless man sitting on the corner holding a sign. The first time I didn’t acknowledge him but did notice the sign had a verse from Leviticus written on it (I wish I could remember the specific one). Now I will say if you want to avoid a book in the Bible Leviticus may be the one to choose. I have a pretty good grasp of Bible knowledge and have read it several times but did not know the verse the sign was referring too. I proceeded to make my turn, went straight to my office and looked up the verse. I do remember it had no contextual basis for his situation or message to others.
The next day I saw him again. I rolled down the window and asked him if he knew what the verse said. He did not. I asked his name. His name was Donald, end of the conversation and I proceeded to the church. Day after day this occurred, for a couple of weeks. Sometimes, I would put the car in park and sit there for minutes having conversation with him. He told me he was a military veteran and diabetic. Gave him money once. Gave him diabetic friendly food and water several times. Talked to him everyday about life, asked him how he was, but never told him my name or where I worked. NEVER. To add some additional context prior to the further reading of this life lesson, there are 5 churches between “Donald’s” intersection and the one where I was employed.
One Sunday I was called to the Lobby by the Ushers in reference to a man wanting to enter the Sanctuary. Prior to arriving one of the Ushers advised me he was homeless and had a bag with him. The bag is one thing but it disgusted me when they gave me the “judgmental” description of him. If Jesus showed up to your church, do you anticipate he would be dressed in a nice suit, clean cut hair and smell nice? Stop judging people! Anyway back to the story…
As I enter the lobby I see the “homeless” man is Donald. Upon first glance he didn’t recognize me, then in almost an instant his face lit up and he pointed towards me with the “Ah Ha” moment. Like one of those moments you see someone from the past and all the interactions you had come to memory in that instance. I walked up, called him by name, which shocked everyone around, said “yes it’s me” and advised him to go in enjoy the service. I did tell him I would lock up his bag in my office, in which only three people in the church had keys to (Myself, one of the Pastors and a Texas State Trooper who assisted with Security). He agreed, entered the service and sat in the back. After service concluded, I went to my office, retrieved his bag and he exited the building.
I NEVER saw him again. EVER. I even drove around areas I knew looking for him but again, NEVER. I lived in Dallas 20 years after. God really can get to you wherever you are.
Matt's Anthology 