“Remember me?” the gentleman asked as he plopped down into the vacant seat next to me while I drank my coffee in my favorite haunt. The answer to his questions was, “No.” He stated his name in a slur-mumble, combination, and I shook my head in unrecognition and doubt. Our common ground was supposedly high school until he dropped out to become a professional boxer. His story rang a bell in my sub-conscious, but I still couldn’t place him. (Pause for Thought: “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name.”—Malachi 3:16. Have you been recognized by someone you didn’t remember? How did it make you feel? Have you recognized someone who didn’t remember you? What thoughts came to mind?)
He said he’d fallen on hard times, and he looked it. His hand was poorly bandaged, and his clothes had seen better days. He asked me for some money, but I had no cash or change. Instead, I offered to buy him some food or drink from the coffee bar, and he determined an orange juice would suit him. While we waited in line, he spoke of my hometown and the high school I went to; even mentioning names of people I was acquainted with over 30 years ago. We had trod the same ground. (Pause for Thought: “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me’.”—Luke 22:19; “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.”—Luke 24:30-31 What strong memories do you have of certain meals? Are they fond memories or hurt-filled ones? Have you ever considered Christ eating a meal with you? What do you imagine mealtime with Jesus looks and sounds like?)
He guzzled his orange juice in a minute and gave me a large, appreciative, smile. He shook my hand and left the shop waving good-bye through the window. My spirit was immediately filled with the image of the scripture, “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’.” (Pause for Thought: “On the day I shall act’, says the Lord Almighty, ‘They will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as the father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not’.”—Malachi 3:17-18 How important is it, for us, to remember and recognize God? How do you remember and recognize Him? How often do you do so? How important, to you, is it for God to remember and recognize you? What will He remember you for thinking and doing?)
