Friends In Need, Need A Friend
Anyone can be a friend when things are easy. How do I respond when others are hurting, need help, or in a difficult place?
“They took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed…When Abram heard that his relative was taken captive, he led out his three hundred eighteen trained men, born in his house, and pursued as far as Dan. He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot and his goods, and the women also, and the other people…Abram gave him a tenth of all.”
Genesis 14:12, 14, 16, 19-20
What is your natural reaction when you hear something has gone wrong for someone else? Do you feel pity and move on, or does it activate a deeper purpose to help them? Would you have helped Lot?
The Lord blesses Abram’s faithfulness to Lot and Abram in turn is faithful back in what he gained. Serving others is the double win as we are blessed as we bless others. Abram gives a tenth back to the Lord. Is my default to give back to God as I am blessed?
“Yahweh looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God.”
Psalms 14:2
What makes a person seek after God? Why does one person pursue faith and another not? God seeks out relationship and He is looking to see who is like Him and will seek back. What keeps me from seeking? What have I found when I do seek?
“There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end; it leads to death…A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways…The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:12, 15, 27
Time waits for none of us. We are all on a path that ends on Earth. Wisdom says it is best to live intentionally and with an understanding that God’s ways are eternal. Are there any areas of my life that could use more attention and intention?
“It will happen in the day that Yahweh will give you rest from your sorrow, from your trouble, and from the hard service in which you were made to serve,” Isaiah 14:3
Jesus said we will have trouble in the world. But, we are never without hope. Believers in Christ know that salvation is a when, not an if. We can move forward with whatever we face because we know God will give us rest in His perfect timing.
“Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying…Send the multitudes away…But Jesus said to them…You give them something to eat.” They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to me.” He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.”
“In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea…Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.” He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.”
Matthew 14:14-21, 25, 28-29
How does Jesus respond to those in need? He looks above the supplies to the supplier and gives abundantly so all people were satisfied. What does He do in the midst of fear? He seeks out the scared. He meets people where they are. He steps into the middle of the storm and is looking for a seeker. One who seeks a savior more than the focuses on the need they need to be saved from. He finds a seeker in Peter and invites him to join him in walking on water.
Where do I need to grow in my thinking to be like Jesus? How can I have compassion like Abram who rather than judging Lot for poor choices, buckled up and got into the fight with him. Jesus is calling us to a new way of thinking that sees beyond the limits we know to draw closer to the limitless God who desires to be known.