Craig Clouston

Eternal Homelessness

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

1Timothy 1:15, 16

Wendy had walked past Rufus’ cardboard box on a daily basis since she’d begun working at Kelvin’s Furniture. That was two years ago. But why was she thinking about him this morning? She reflected on the many times she’d brought him coffee and breakfast…even extending him a hand up once; offering to make him a loan of sorts to help him find a job.

He’d refused, sighting that he just didn’t have the emotional or physical strength to meet daily workforce demands…he seemed content to live out his life in a 4’x 8’ box.

Wendy shelved the memories and finished getting ready, then left for work.

As she walked she considered this morning’s sensitivity to the Spirit. The closer she got to Rufus’ box the more sensitive her heart became. Strange, but she felt a sense of freedom.

As she drew near she could see the box wasn’t in its customary space. A policeman told her Rufus had died during the night…he’d frozen to death. Instead of feeling guilt or remorse over her inability to bring him in out of the cold, she felt peace. She had talked to Rufus about Jesus, and knew he had accepted Him as Lord and Savior. The reality in the meaning of his earthly departure brought Wendy comfort. Rufus was no longer homeless! He was finally Home!

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Homelessness is an ugly blight on humanity. We are not to judge, we are to reach out. We have no idea what they deal with on a daily basis and for whatever reason, some people cannot overcome the adversities that leave them homeless; some even feel more comfortable on the sidewalk than in a shelter or home.

Jesus came to stamp out eternal homelessness by offering us an Eternal Home!

Truthfully, to be homeless on earth and know Jesus as Savior is acceptable. We are all nomads here; our earthly existence is only temporal. It’s our eternal destination that matters to Jesus. He wants us to come Home!

Prayer

“Help me reach out to those who are headed for eternal homelessness, Lord. Give me courage to approach them and offer them eternity with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”