Revelation 21:22-22:5

Most Sundays after church we pick up fast food. Usually we go through the drive-through to bring the food home. It never fails that whenever we go, the same homeless man approaches us to ask for money; and every time, if we can, we give him a few coins.

One day I realized God was asking me to do more. I did not hear a voice out of nowhere; I simply felt a tug in my heart. That day I ordered an extra meal with coffee and gave it to this man. I watched him enjoy a long-desired meal. My heart cries to this day when I think about it. It hurt me that day when I saw people ignoring him, and it hurts me now when I realize God continues to ask me for more. When has God asked more of you?

This passage in Revelation describes such a beautiful scene of sunny days, clear running water, and the tree of life full of leaves for the healing of the nations. I know that on that day, God will heal every broken heart, feed every hungry stomach, and give drink to anyone who thirsts. But for now, God is asking me for more. God needs me to help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, give drink to those who thirst, and mend the brokenhearted.

While my soul desires to see God on that day in God’s glory, right now God wants us to help others envision that day of hope. My best guess is that, as one of my seminary professors said, “Many people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” My prayer is that we may give more and more of ourselves to God and others until that day when we find ourselves realizing that it isn’t all about us.

Prayer: God, forgive my apathy for the pain of others. Help me share your enduring hope with those who have little or none. Amen.