Psalm 9:18 But
God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.
The news of the past
month has been filled with stories of the afflictions being endured by those on
the east coast in the path of Hurricane-then-Superstorm Sandy. October 29, 2012
was for many the beginning of a prolonged time of affliction. Hurricane force
winds knocked out power and caused severe damage. Boats were driven ashore to
be left high & dry of streets, roads and even railroad tracks. The
devastation was wide spread. Fuel supplies were taxed to the point where
gasoline rationing was required. For
some the affliction continued for weeks as crews struggled to restore power in
the face of monumental obstacles. The hope of the afflicted was dimmed by
bureaucracy, bungling, and incompetence that permeates all human endeavor of
disaster preparedness and response. When God-sized disasters happen, only
God-sized efforts can overcome the afflictions.
The relief efforts
pouring into the northeast following Sandy has been staggering. Private, and
public relief agencies have stepped up to the plate and tried to help. Few had
contemplated the scale of devastation that Sandy left in her wake. Those who
had fully grasped what could be the result of a storm of such magnitude were
ignored in the face of a desire for profit or rising costs coupled with
declining budgets. Sadly the reality is now present for all to see. What stands
out in stark relief is 1.) the heroism of those who went out to face the storm
and rescue those in peril and 2.) and the acts of generosity from those who have
given much. Each day, for the several weeks after Sandy, stories were presented
for public consumption about emergency services workers who risked it all to
step in where help was needed. Not all survived and their loss is mourned. The
words of Christ from John 15:12&13 come to mind when I think of
their sacrifice. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. The second part is the acts of kindness and
generosity displayed by those who gave so much to those who have need. The gifts of food & water, shelter,
warmth, kindness were and remain prolific. A bakery that baked thousands of
loaves of bread to freely give out to the hungry. Or one family that had power and
set up a smart phone charging station allowing many to stay in touch with
family and friends. A simple gesture, yet one that speaks volumes of how simple
it is to help.
Each of these acts
speaks to how all can help. Any one of
us can be the hands and feet of embodying the very premise of Psalm 9:18
But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never
perish. How we step out in faith and love depends upon the gifts each of us
has been given. Stepping out is the imperative; after all it is what has been
done so lavishly for us in the birth-life-death-resurrection of God’s own Son
Jesus Christ. Love one another as He has loved us.
How will you share His love today by being the hope of someone else in this
world?
PRAYER: Almighty God we look to you in times of
trouble, sorrow and affliction. Help us when we need help. And help us to reach
out in love, as You would have us reach out to others who are in a time of
affliction. And strengthen our faith to share even when we think we have too
little to share. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment