I was driving home one morning and stopped at a traffic signal. This particular intersection is one I have driven through and stopped at for years. A strip of grass about six feet wide divides the opposing traffic lanes. There is always someone standing there with a sign of some sort, begging for money. I am not attempting to judge whether the needs of these people are legitimate, or whether they just want money for cigarettes, drugs or alcohol. What I want to share with you is that, for the first time, I noticed the grass on this divider strip has a dirt path about eighteen inches wide and about thirty feet long, right down the middle of it. This is the result of countless people, who have walked up and down on it, seeking money from the people in the cars awaiting a change in the traffic signal. The path is completely devoid of grass. It’s nothing but sand and dirt, full of all kinds of footprints, left by the unfortunate souls who have walked it.
Matthew 25:37-40 (NKJV) says, “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? {38} When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? {39} Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ {40} And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”
I sat, looking out the window of my car, waiting for the signal to change. My attention was not focused on the traffic signal, or the gentleman who happened to be walking on the path with his sign. I focused on that narrow path of dirt and sand, and realized the story of hopelessness it told. Thousands have walked back and forth on it, with heavy, downtrodden hearts. Just before the signal changed, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, saying, “Jesus weeps for the lost souls who walk that path. He died for them.” I’m Dr. Bob. As I waited at that intersection, gazing at the footprints in the dirt and sand of the path, the Holy Spirit asked me a question. I will ask you the same question, “Who will you weep for?”