Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
READ: Matthew 10:9-10; Matthew 25:31-46
When Francis of Assisi read the
verses in Matthew 10, he knew God’s specific calling for his life and devoted
himself to a life of poverty. As the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, Francis
came from affluence and was all set up for a rich future. After a year spent as
a prisoner of war, Francis abandoned the recklessness of his youth and began to
question the true value of the wealth he was destined for. He became a
Christian and responded to God’s calling on his life by abandoning his wealth.
This decision would forever estrange him from his father who could not
understand Francis’s actions.
Francis was a man of peace and
compassion – a Medieval mother Theresa. He despised wealth and denied himself
everyday comforts like sleep and rich food. He formed a monastic order – a
precise way of living for others who desired to renounce their wealth. He and
his followers sought to emulate the life and suffering of Christ. Unlike many
monks, they were active in their communities, preaching to the people and
ministering to the down-and-out.
Francis responded in faith to
what God asked of him. He trusted in the Lord as his provider, also recognizing
that there was not much in life that he needed. A story is told of Francis when
he came across a leper. Lepers were disgusting to him, but when he saw this
leper, he saw the face of Jesus and knew that the Lord was asking him to touch
this man. Francis kissed him and gave him the money he had. Francis was able to
take steps of faith in both the small and the big. Surely his life is a
testament to these words: “And everyone
who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or
children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will
inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who
are last will be first.” (Matthew 19:29-30)
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
