The Tender Mercy of God our Savior

The tender mercy of Christ was revealed to me this week in a “chance” encounter.

As I was about to go into a store, a disheveled young man approached me, “Sir, can you help me with some food?”

What? This is not why I’m here,” I thought to myself.

Focused on my task, I touched my pockets and said I had no spare change. He said, “God bless you and have a good day” and walked away.

As I started opening the door, I stopped in my tracks.

Wait a minute John! I forgot what I’m always supposed to remember as a Christian. I had just blown off Jesus.

Right before me, Jesus was hungry and he was personally asking me for food. I went back outside.

“Excuse me! Jesus! Come back! Could I get you a sandwich?”
“Yes, please, that would be great,” said Jesus.
“Jesus, stay right here. Don’t leave. I’ll be right back.”
“OK, I’ll wait.”

I came back from Honey Baked Ham a few doors down and Jesus was still there. I had the privilege and joy of giving Jesus a chicken salad sandwich and two Dasani water bottles. Jesus broke bread with me on the sidewalk and we talked for a little bit.

I got to meet Jesus on a Tuesday morning in Tucson.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.   – Titus 3:4-5 (NRSV)

 
Pastor John
Jots and Tittles Blog
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
john@immanuelpc.org

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