Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 16:19, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 29:7, Hebrews 13:3, Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 68:4-10, Ezekiel 34:11-16, Matthew 25:35-40
When the poor and sick in our city have no resources, the city sends them to motels for a short period. I was part of a ministry that provided burritos and prayer to those living in these motels. Every Wednesday, we drove to different motels, knocked on the doors, offered dinner, and provided prayer. Our ministry certainly felt like an image of Isaiah 1:17: Correcting oppression, bringing justice to the fatherless, pleading the widow’s cause.
One evening, I was called into a motel room to pray for an older man. I was told to prepare myself before entering the room because the man was alone and dying. The room was small, with a tiny twin bed pushed against the wall. It smelled strongly of bodily waste as the man was no longer able to get up. Everyone in the room prayed for this man, but I could not. I could not contain the emotions I felt over how this man was going to end his days alone in this motel room.
In Matthew 25:35–40 Jesus instructed His disciples to treat the “least of these” as they would treat Jesus Himself. As those who belong to His kingdom, God calls us to show no partiality (Deuteronomy 16:19) and treat people with kindness. We know systems and the people behind them are not perfect. But one prayer, one conversation, one burrito can help someone in a season of suffering feel seen.
The team that day could not deliver peace to this hurting man, but I know God did. That suffering man was not alone. Our prayers were answered that day, and I believe the man was met by God in love and was received into His presence in glory—not the filth that surrounded him. We mourned the injustice we saw while fighting for the dignity in his suffering that this man deserved.
Our hearts will continue to break for those who are living with all sorts of injustices. We can trust that God sees them and is acting on their behalf. And we can also trust that God provides for the poor by His goodness (Psalm 68:10).
As agents of God’s love, we can offer what we can, when we can. We can bring the injustices to God who promises: “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice” (Ezekiel 34:16).
Written by Bailey Hurley
