Contents

The Scenario

Empatti, a Christian friend, met AstegoS “from afar” you might say. That encounter was on a Tuesday. The following is Empatti’s story. Empatti said that AstegoS had a dog with him, a pit bull looking sort of thing. Not sure who smelled worse, AstegoS or his dog said Empatti, and added, I wish that was just a crude and inappropriate joke, but sadly it isn’t. Empatti was being honest, that is literally the thought that went through Empatti’s mind—the smell was pretty rough, even at a distance. Sweaty, dirty jeans and shirt, washed by the rain, and sun-dried, again and again, and of course no baths, that sort of thing, extremely strong. AstegoS and his dog were huddled up in a reentrant corner of the building Empatti passed, a kind of forward-facing corner, all bricks, heated by the sun, a corner that created somewhat a recess removed from the fairly busy sidewalk. But it was early, so not much was going on when I got there on that day said Empatti. I guess that was “home” for AstegoS and his dog remarked Empatti, at least for a while until they were forced to move on. AstegoS has many “homes” like that Empatti suspected, so that when he wears out his “welcome” in one place, he has a sure destination on down the road somewhere at which to “live.” That’s life on the streets for AstegoS and his dog. Empatti continued. I said hi to him as he lay there with his legs sticking out onto the sidewalk. It was just him and his dog, and me passing by on my way to the building beside which he lay. There was no answer, just a stare—not sure if he “was “tripping” or if I had just awakened him—he looked “out of it” said Empatti. His back was against the building, and he was sort of propped up as he lay there so he could survey the scene in front of him, his flanks were protected by the walls of the building coming together to make the recessed corner. It was a carefully chosen spot for sure, warm from the bricks, and protected by the bricks to his back and pretty much left | right, and somewhat out of sight, except for his legs sticking out when he “fell asleep” as on that day. And his dog, said Empatti, was no doubt his “alarm bell” and outright protector. He reached down to his dog and petted its head and mumbled something to the dog, I’m thinking it was along the lines of “don’t attack” said Empatti. My friend went on to describe the general environment surrounding AstegoS. The building against which AstegoS lay was in a strip mall, with modern, nice stores, clean lots, a mall that was pretty busy usually with customers bustling about typically from about 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. But I was there early that day said Empatti, and that is how I happened to meet AstegoS. Had I gotten there later, I’m sure he would have moved on and then come back that night to sleep there. That is the pattern I reckon, sleep there at night, and then disappear during business hours. And continue to do that until someone either reports his presence as an “eyesore” and/or “nosesore” or just a “nuisance” or whatever. So that was Tuesday. Empatti said further, I had to go back to the store on Friday that week, and I wondered if AstegoS would be there. I thought about him that week and was praying for him, and I wondered why he ended up there, living like that. I guessed his age to be maybe mid-twenties, not much more than that. No gray hair or other signs of aging, still a fairly young man I thought. Did he just “drop out” of life so to speak? Was he a drug addict? Was he kicked out of his home? What kind of family did he belong to, and what was life like for him under that roof? As I was praying, I started asking myself why I didn’t offer to buy him a meal and O boy, that gradually started bugging me more and more, and I thought okay, if he is there when I go back on Friday, I’m going to gently try to strike up a conversation with him and “slip in” an offer to buy him a meal. Friday rolls around and I’m there early again and sure enough, there he was, just as ”ripe” as before, but not slumped into the corner this time, rather, sitting on some steps leading to an adjacent store, and his dog was with him, laying at his feet. He looked at me as I approached, and I said hi again as before. He spoke: “can I help you?” I thought, what’s up with that? He was acting like he belonged to the store somehow, an employee or something, coming across like an employee I thought. I said, friend, didn’t I see you here a few days ago? Silence. Then he said, “ya, that was me, I was sittin’ over there in the corner.” That was a good start, he spoke, good. Empatti thought, why not just come right out and ask him if he needs something to eat or drink, since his admission was essentially an admission of homelessness as pitiful as his “unconscious” condition was on Tuesday and he’s no less “ripe” today, no offense to just ask him at this point if he would like something to eat or drink. Empatti asked, do you need something to eat or drink? Silence again for a while. I wondered what he was thinking, had I offended him thought Empatti. AstegoS said, “no, but thanks.” Empatti thought, better let it be at that, and if we come back to this spot again, we can maybe build on this with God’s guidance. So Empatti said, God bless you brother, take care. AstegoS simply said,”ya.” And that is the end of Empatti’s story.

In the outworking of this scenario please consider the following–our sensitivity subject centers on the homeless and homelessness:

Sensitivity Points under Consideration

Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.
Job and his friends.
Bible Verses (Deuteronomy 15:11, Psalms 82:3, Proverbs 14:31, Isaiah 58:7).
Bible Verses (Matthew 25:35-40, Luke 3:11, 1Corinthians 4:11, James 2:14-17).
For the long haul (education, job training, rehabilitation).
One disaster, two disasters, three disasters yo, O no, to the streets must needs go.
Dear Christian Friend.

Discussion

In Luke 9:58, Jesus responds to a man who expressed his desire to follow Him. He says, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” These words of Jesus highlight the cost of discipleship and the commitment required to follow Jesus. That is the main takeaway of Jesus’ words. That said, as an itinerant preacher Jesus indeed lived a life without a permanent home, choosing to prioritize His mission over worldly comforts. So, in a sense, one could consider our Lord to have been “homeless by choice” back in the days of His flesh. However, it is essential to recognize that His homelessness was not due to lack or poverty accruing to laziness or flat unwillingness to work, but rather a deliberate focus on His divine purpose, even that weighty Work, which consumed His person, Spirit, and time. Notwithstanding, let us remember our Lord did work in the mundane sense, He was a carpenter by trade.

MY LORD, were your nails ever blue,

did splinters impale you?

MY LORD, were the workdays long,

did someone mock and yell when they thought you did wrong?

MY LORD, were your tools true and good,

to better fashion the wood?

MY LORD, did anyone offer their help,

when the work’s strain you felt?

MY LORD, were you paid a right wage,

when you labored in that age?

MY LORD, were you thinking of my sin,

when each new workday did begin?

MY LORD, amidst the agony, rusty nails true blue,

impaled flesh and wood, a sacrifice so true.
A symbol of love, redemption’s hue,

in that cruel moment indeed, grace broke through.

MY LORD, those long hours on the tree,

when they mocked, and yelled at thee.

MY LORD, your dear Holy Spirit,

that molds such as revereth.

MY LORD, your Body as one,

carrying burdens now and anon.

MY LORD, the treasure of inheritance,

won by your loving perseverance.

MY LORD, these forever wash away my sin,

holy communion with thee usher in.

Even though there seems to be a disconnect thematically between Job and his friends and our subject, homelessness, we chose to look at Job in this context as a vehicle to discuss how not to be a “friend” to someone in need.

Job’s friends were quick to point out his sins as being the cause of his suffering—not a good way to start. Bringing the comfort of God’s Salvation into the mix is always the goal, but that takes time and God’s leading. Job’s friends, despite their good intentions, were not much help to him because they made a critical error in their approach. Instead of empathizing with Job’s suffering and sitting with him in his pain, they jumped to conclusions about the source of his suffering. Their reasoning followed a flawed syllogism: God sends calamities upon wicked people only, Job has suffered a calamity, therefore he must be wicked. This theology of divine retribution assumes that God blesses the faithful and punishes sinners, but it doesn’t always hold true. In Job’s case, God explicitly called him righteous (Job 1:8, 2:3), rendering their judgment inaccurate. Job’s friends failed to accept the mystery of suffering and instead sought to provide answers, even though they didn’t truly understand what Job was going through. It’s a reminder that sometimes our desire to explain suffering can lead us astray, and true compassion requires listening and being present without rushing to judgment.
Job’s friends tried to find a “silver lining” or rationalize his suffering. We should probably refrain from pressuring someone to see the positive side when they’re hurting. Acknowledging pain without minimizing it is probably the best way to go.
Instead of offering quick solutions, best to actively listen to another’s feelings, with patience. Good to ask open-ended questions somewhat like, “How have you been holding up?” and genuinely listen to the response, showing empathy and understanding, coming across like that.
Here’s a biggy–respect another’s personal space, something that is very important to all of us, especially to a homeless person. We let them know we are available anytime but always respecting their need for solitude if that be the case.
Folks pick up on pressure, it is good to avoid pressuring another to engage in conversation or discuss their challenges if they prefer not to talk. Sometimes, just being there matters. One’s presence can provide comfort without needing to say much. For sure avoid clichés or platitudes that may come across as insincere.
Each homeless person’s experience is unique, probably best to adapt one’s approach based on the individual’s needs. Of course this means spending some time to get to know them if that is possible, which understandably might not be for many different reasons; this calls for discretion.
When did Job’s restoration come? It came when he prayed for his “friends.” So, we learn that the comfort attending relief and restoration comes from empathy, understanding, and genuine presence. Rather than offering simplistic answers, we do well to listen, support, and pray for a homeless one and for one another in general during difficult times. (Job’s discourse with his friends and God is primarily found in Job 28-42. In these chapters, Job engages in profound conversations with his friends, expressing his suffering, questioning God’s wisdom, and ultimately receiving divine responses. The dialogue unpacks themes of suffering, wisdom, and the nature of God’s justice.)

Deuteronomy 15:11. There will never cease to be those who are in need in this fallen world, nevertheless we must continue to address the plight of the needy no matter how daunting and unending that task may seem. Generally, this verse emphasizes compassion and generosity toward those less fortunate, it commands us to assist our neighbors who are struggling. By extension we must by divine command therefore care for those facing homelessness and poverty, thus carrying out the understood broader principle of social responsibility inherent in this compassionate command of God. Sure, we may not complete the task of helping given so much never-ending need, yet we must do our part when we see the need before us.
Psalms 82:3-4. This passage issues a powerful directive: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” It emphasizes our responsibility to care for those in need, including the homeless. It calls us to advocate for justice, protect the vulnerable, and ensure their rights are upheld. In a practical sense, this means actively supporting organizations that aid the homeless, volunteering at shelters, and promoting policies that address homelessness. By doing so, we embody the spirit of compassion and social responsibility that this verse and others like it encourages. Bottom line: “Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need. Rescue the weak and homeless from the powerful hands of heartless people.”
Proverbs 14:31. Please notice what this Word from God says: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors Him.” This verse challenges, nay, convicts us to show love through actions, especially in helping those in need, including the homeless. By being generous and compassionate, we honor God and reflect our respect for Him. Consider the account of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man disdained and ignored Lazarus, a poor beggar, but after death, their positions were reversed (our God is the God of resets, restarts, and reversals). In the end the rich man faced torment, while Lazarus found comfort (Luke 16:19-31). Let us heed this wisdom and actively support those experiencing homelessness for our God is not mocked let alone insulted, not ever, not even a little bit (Galatians 6:7-8). If ya’ can’t or flat won’t help, don’t make things even worse for the oppressed (and yourself) by way of disdain, spite, and added oppression.
Isaiah 58:7 provides a clear directive on compassion and social responsibility: “Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” This verse clearly emphasizes practical actions—feeding the hungry, providing shelter, and clothing those in need. By doing so, we honor God and demonstrate love for our fellow humans.

Matthew 25:35-40 provides a powerful perspective on our responsibility to the homeless and those in need. In this passage, Jesus describes the actions of whom? Those welcomed into His Father’s kingdom:

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; I needed clothes, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you looked after me; I was in prison, and you came to visit me.”

The great King further emphasizes that when we serve “the least of these,” we are serving Him directly. Here are some takeaways for our modern age:

Jesus calls us to practical compassion. It’s not enough to merely acknowledge the needs of others; we must actively respond by feeding the hungry, providing clothing, and caring for the sick. Please notice: When we serve the marginalized, we encounter Jesus Himself. Our loving acts of kindness and mercy become a direct, manifest expression of our love for Him. Importantly, loving our neighbor prepares hearts for the Great Commission. Our deeds pave the way for sharing the message of Jesus our Lord through our words. To be agents of the Great Commission, we must first embrace the Great Commandment—manifestly loving God and our neighbors. Being close to Christ means being close to the poor. As we address homelessness today, let us remember that our actions matter, and serving those in need is an essential part of our faith and it says something about our witness.

Luke 3:11. Here John the Baptist speaks about repentance and righteous living:

“And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’”

John identifies acts of generosity toward the poor as a key indicator of true repentance in God’s kingdom. It is not just about having a generous heart though that is good, but actively sharing, participating, and showing solidarity with those in need. The verse emphasizes practical actions, specifically, sharing clothing and food. In our modern context, this translates to providing shelter, food, and necessities to homeless individuals, there is just no other way to understand it aright. John’s message remains relevant today. Our responsibility includes not only acknowledging homelessness but actively addressing it through compassionate deeds. Let us never forget that helping the homeless aligns with the heart of God, so, let’s continue to care for and serve those in need if we are so doing and let’s get off the snide and get busy doing it if not. How about tomorrow first thing?

1 Corinthians 4:11. Here the apostle Paul describes the hardships faced by early Christians, he says, “To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.” This passage highlights the challenges they endured, including hunger, thirst, poverty, mistreatment, and lack of a stable dwelling place. The verse underscores the early Christians’ commitment to their faith despite adversity—Paul’s words highlight the resilience of those who remained committed to their faith despite extreme challenges, and homelessness was one aspect of their difficult circumstances. The passage underscores that material hardships do not define a person’s worth or faithfulness, rather, it emphasizes the spiritual endurance required during trials. So, as we reflect on present-day homelessness, we must approach it with empathy and compassion. Just as early Christians faced adversity, today’s homeless individuals, Christian or not, need precisely the same understanding and support—our Lord would expect no less from us in this generation.
James 2:14-17. This passage addresses the tension between faith and works, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions. James begins by condemning favoritism based on wealth within the church. He warns against showing preferential treatment to the “deep pocket folks” while neglecting the poor. But the issue isn’t merely societal income inequality here, more generally, it’s about how the church treats people within its own walls. Moreover, James argues that faith without works is dead. Mere verbal acknowledgment of faith isn’t enough; it must be expressed through deeds. Imagine telling a homeless person, “…God bless you friend, and have a nice day…” without offering practical help. One can almost feel heaven cringing and muttering OUCH here. Notice too that James calls for compassionate action within the church community. Before addressing societal issues, we must address poverty within our congregations. Effective social justice ministries begin with practical love for both rich and poor inside the door. James grounds his words in a high doctrine of Christ. Notice, he refers to Jesus as “our glorious Lord.” Indeed, Jesus, the visible manifestation of God’s glory, inspires our compassionate response to those in need. Bottom line, James challenges us to live out our faith by caring for the homeless and practicing love in tangible ways. Let’s be Christ-like in grace and truth, serving both rich and poor inside the door and without with genuine compassion.

Education must begin with regular Bible study because that education addresses all needs and has the greatest potential for thorough-going healing whatever the situation might be. God’s Truth coming through the lips of a dedicated and sincere group-study addressing homelessness from a biblical perspective is most effective. Here the local church can provide the facilities and participants and qualified teachers. Of course the desire to learn must be there else no amount of education will turn homelessness around to fruitfulness, and there’s the rub, an unwillingness to learn, to change, may be a significant hurdle to overcome. The person is homeless oftentimes (but not always) because they do not want to conform to societal norms in the first place, and hardly anything can change that except the amazing grace of God stepping into the middle of the problem and turning the ship about. The last thing such a person wants typically is God in their life, but God will step in anyway as an extension of His mercy paid for at the Cross and in consideration of the prayers of concerned believers interceding for a homeless one. More general education as touching job skills is provided in the U.S., for example the Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Program (JTHDP), and the Department of Labor (DOL) provides employment and training programs. Bottom line, God has provided escape routes out of homelessness for many of the homeless and not just in the U.S. if that’s what they honestly want.

Probably all of us would be surprised to know just how fast a mere handful of personal and otherwise disasters hitting us could change our lives drastically in the negative, even to the extent that we find ourselves hanging out on the streets because there are no other alternatives available to us anymore. The older one is, and if alone, the more likely it is that one cannot “pull out of” a downward spiral like that. Personal disasters can include domestic violence or family breakdowns, job loss, medical emergencies including mental health crises, and substance abuse. Obviously, when folks face such crises without adequate support it can lead to homelessness or worse. It goes without saying that homeless individuals and populations are more vulnerable during times of personal disaster due to their lack of stable housing, limited access to resources, and ongoing health challenges stemming from a chronically difficult, rugged lifestyle. Here now follows some spiritual insights and words of guidance from God’s Word that anticipates and addresses our tribulations.

Ecclesiastes 9:12 speaks of what we all know to be the unpredictability of disasters and their sudden impact.
Job 30:24 reflects the desperation and helplessness that can accompany personal disasters, desperation and helplessness that frames the cry for help just so, which “frame” must be discerned and then acted upon accordingly as best as humanly possible per God’s guidance accruing to prayer.
Isaiah 15:1 Isaiah describes the all too real swiftness of destruction per se that can occur.
Revelation 6:7-8 paints an apocalyptic imagery of widespread disaster, seemingly more real than ever these days early on in the twenty-first century.
Psalm 57:1 Here is wisdom. Let us seek refuge in God during times of trouble. Actually, let us do a swan dive into His shirt pocket over yonder close to His heart long before trouble hits, let’s get ahead of the curve in this way.
John 16:33 Let us not be discouraged but overcome the world and its tribulations instead, and manifestly so, in and through our Suffering Savior who’s “been through it” on a scale we cannot rightly imagine.
1John 5:4 What does it mean to you personally beloved reader that (1) Jesus overcame the world and extends the same victory to you, and (2) for precisely whom did He overcome, who are the beneficiaries of which He speaks? (Hint: “A Letter of Invitation”).

Dear Christian friend, how are you doing personally, are you okay? If things are not so good maybe, allow us to say that we admire your courage and strength fostered by your faith and trust in our blessed Lord Jesus. Whatever it is that besets you, you can get through this with Him by your side, you can count on that (“Ever by My Side”). Believe in your dreams, you know, the ones you lift before our Lord. Your life is worth fighting for, you are exceedingly precious in the eyes of our Lord, and He loves you dearly. He wants to bless and enrich your life (Matthew 6:25-29, 30-34). Never give up on your dreams and most of all, never give up on God—He hasn’t given up on you nor will He ever for sure. If you are living on the streets or something akin to that, and you are willing to make a sincere effort to live according to the biblical precepts and principles set forth by our Lord Jesus, by our Savior, you can be sure that there is loving help for you, the best possible, in His much precious Church. May God lead you to such a place, and may you recover and be restored, and may your personal relationship with Jesus fill you with a joy you never reckoned possible. That is our prayer for you beloved friend. Amen.

Praised be your Name on the streets and in the homes and in all the earth great Savior God. Amen.