“This is what the LORD says: "For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as upon the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name.” – Amos 2:6-7
Every Monday afternoon, the Rev. Bob Book and his wife, Holly, have transformed the Church of the Common Ground in Atlanta into a spa for the homeless. The congregation is less than 100 people. But it is a “church without walls” on the downtown streets, providing support for the physical and spiritual needs of women, men and youth who live on the margins.
Bob and Holly scrub the feet of the city's forgotten, mirroring the act of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.
The service, repeated at clinics and churches elsewhere, isn't simply symbolic — it helps stave off foot infections, which affect the homeless disproportionately and can lead to more serious health problems. Men and women also leave having witnessed Christ’s love for all people.
The poor are always on the Lord’s heart. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He has blessed you with many material blessings. Ask Jesus how you can give to those in need.
“The cry of the poor must either be heard by us, or it will ascend up against us into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” – F.D. Maurice
God’s Word: “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” – Galatians 2:10
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