Outside Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre a dishevelled figure was looking at his feet, leaning forward on the seat with his elbows on his knees.
Someone in the bustling crowd stopped. “You could do with some help!” he said, slipping him a dollar. And then he was gone, before his beneficiary could respond.
This anonymous gift was no handout to a beggar, but to world-acclaimed actor and Lord of the Rings star -Sir Ian McKellen – who was still in costume, relaxing between performances of Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot.
McKellen later offered his unknown donor a free ticket, but he never came forward.
This event parallels Jesus’ parable about sheep and goats; or how people’s lives will be ultimately evaluated.
He commends the sheep for providing life’s basics for those unable to help themselves; and he condemns the goats for offering no assistance at all.
He also reveals his presence in each area of need – even though neither group has noticed him – and he equates how they treat the lowest of the low with how they respect him!
While this may sound self-indulgent; he knows all our struggles; for he has personally come here to release the acceptance, healing and forgiveness that reflects God’s image in us – regardless of our appearance or experience.
And he is still here, so we may receive him and learn to help others see he is there for them, so they may also be renewed in a personal, permanent relationship that restores God’s image within them.
Surprise Rewards for Generosity
November 16, 2011 by Noel Mitaxa
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