Once when Kinsey was just six or seven years old, a group of us went to a Braves’ game. Kinsey and I were walking together when a man in shabby clothes came up to us asking for money. I watched my little girl reach into her pocket and pull out a five dollar bill and give it to the man with a big smile on her face. It was all the money she had and I was so proud of her. Later, she was confused when someone criticized her generosity saying it was foolish to give to panhandlers who were probably going to buy drugs. I watched an innocent girl’s joyful expression change to a worried one, wondering if she had done something wrong. I think Jesus restored her joy, but how we must keep our eyes on the Master for instruction and approval.
There were several compassionate responses to last week’s story of Perecles. If he had an address, I could send shoes, clothes, and other necessities to the homeless Brazilian. Of course, he and many others we met that Christmas night probably need food worse than anything. Kinsey, who turns twenty Monday, took special interest in a pregnant lady who looked like she was going to go into labor any second. Kinsey sat next to her and rubbed her huge tummy and told her about the homeless mother in Bethlehem many years ago who had the Baby that saved the world. Our hearts go out to those in dire circumstances and I pray God will show us how to serve the poor and needy in our own cities. If anyone criticizes you for helping, just ignore them.
I want to confess a deeper lesson learned in the story of Perecles. It is hard to hide from God’s penetrating Word. I was the American who gave away his shoes on our first stop on the streets of Natal. Any of us would have done the same. My shoes were rather old and I had another pair in my suitcase. The truth is I didn’t give away those shoes with much love in my heart. As I listened to Ben pray and looked at the bare feet of Perecles and recognized my feet were about the same size, it seemed God was saying, “So, what are you going to do… stare at his feet or meet the need?” How do you tell God you signed up to go on a mission trip, not to give away your stuff? So, my reaction was pretty much a no-brainer. But here’s the way I really felt: I would have gladly given my shoes to any of the other homeless people in that location. They were all listening to a message, waiting patiently for their food, and following the rules. Perecles was annoying. He never followed directions and seemed only concerned about being first in line. He was dirty and he didn’t smell very good. I gave him the shoes simply because he was bold enough to declare his need.
When I saw he had run nearly a mile to our next stop, my initial impression was confirmed: “This guy just wants handouts. What a mooch!” The Father knows the hearts of all people and He has the power to change us in an instant. Perecles told Fernanda that as we drove away, God broke his heart and he couldn’t stop crying. He knew he had to find our group and give back the shoes to a guest of his city. You don’t know how humbling it is to have a homeless man get down on his knees and put shoes on your feet. I didn’t want them back, but Fernanda wouldn’t let me stop the outpouring of generosity.
Now here’s the kicker: When Perecles rose and looked me in the eye, I saw the love of Christ in his face. I knew a poor man had given a greater gift than a rich American, but did this beggar also possess a greater measure of the fruit that most pleases the Father? And if so, where did he get it? “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” God, help me.
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:17-20