There is a global epidemic of homelessness all over the world. According to some official estimates, there are over 150 million homeless people worldwide. In the United States alone, there are more than a half a million homeless individuals, especially in big cities like New York and California.
Over half of these homeless people find some form of shelter every day, while the rest live (and sleep) in dark alleys, highway underpasses and wherever else they can find a place to spend the night. It is hard to imagine and admit that there are so many homeless people in the richest nations of world!
What causes homelessness?
There are many reasons. Here are some possible causes:
Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, etc.
Fires and vandalism
Divorces and domestic violence
Lack of affordable housing
Unemployment and poverty
Laziness and negligence
Some people are temporarily homeless due to fires and other disasters, but the majority of the homeless are so because of a result of the sin and wickedness of others, or their own negligence, irresponsibility and sin.
Jesus was homeless too. He was born in a manger (Luke 2:7) and during his earthly ministry He didn’t have a place where He could lay his head (Matthew 8:20). He was homeless because as John 1:11 says: “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
Come to think of it, we are homeless too. You and I might have a beautiful house or live in a fancy apartment, but none of these are our real home. In fact, if you are a Christian, this world is not our home (John 15:19). Our real citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Brother or sister, do not get too comfortable in this world. Jesus has prepared a place, an eternal home for us in heaven (John 14:1-4). Remember that we are homeless until we reach our eternal and glorious home.
Being homeless as Christians doesn’t mean that we are hopeless or Fatherless. Quite the contrary! Our home in heaven is safe and secure and it has been paid in full by the blood of Jesus.
A. G.
