Pastor's Ponderings, October 28, 2019

What We Do For The Less Fortunate, We Do It For God

“Those who do not weep, do not see.” This quote is from the novel, “Les Miserables” written by Victor Hugo.  When we hear of bodies being found in trucks, human trafficking victims increasing, and unspeakable suffering on a worldwide scale, those who have any feelings are shaken to the core.  We must be concerned about suffering at home and abroad.

The Bible says that Jesus feels humanity’s pain.  When He came to the tomb where His friend, Lazarus, was laid, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and the great God of Heaven and Earth, wept (John 11:34-35). He keeps close records of every tear that we shed (Psalm 56:8). God does not just sympathize with us, He can truly empathize because He said that we can cast all of our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

As we focus on our victory in Christ, our blessings, our prosperity, and our deliverance, let us also remember the sick, the starving, the disabled, those behind bars, and those in the twilight of life.  God remembers them and empathizes with them.  How we treat them, God says we are treating Him (Matthew 25:40). Let us remember them, advocate for them, pray for them, and care for them as we feel led.  Let us do for them as we would have done for ourselves (Luke 6:31). 

John 11:34-35
New International Version (NIV)

34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept. 

Psalm 56:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?

1 Peter 5:7 

King James Version (KJV)

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Matthew 25:40
New International Version (NIV)

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Luke 6:31
New International Version (NIV)

31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.