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Sharing Is Caring – Part 2

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14

Jerusalem two thousand years ago was no stranger to infection. Leprosy was highly infectious. To prevent the disease from spreading, the community created certain rules: lepers were ordered to wear a sign, ring a bell (like a cow – a bit demeaning), keep their distance. This way, they thought, the threat of catching and passing on the illness could be contained. Jerusalem two thousand years ago also knew the dangers of moral corruption, or teachings from another faith, or other people’s world views: avoid mixing with non-Jewish types, don’t eat with a tax collector, don’t trade ideas with a Roman, avoid the sinner (as you would a leper). This way a good Jewish boy could remain a good Jewish boy.

And then Jesus came. He broke bread with tax collectors. He hung around with prostitutes. He touched lepers. Yes, actually touched them! He seemed to be a law unto Himself. Jesus hung out with outcasts. Instead of being infected Himself, He infected others. He infected the forgotten with dignity and humanity. He infected screw-ups with second chances. He infected sinful people with the holiness germ.

Who are the forgotten in your circles? Who are the urban lepers?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me be like You and go to those who have been labeled outcasts. Help me be an instrument of Your change, of Your Love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen