Pastor's Ponderings, May 4, 2020

Let’s Call On God For His Help

Dominique Mosbergen recently wrote an article in Huffington Post entitled, “California City Official Ousted After Saying Old, Sick And Homeless Should Die In Pandemic.”  Apparently, many were outraged but another official made a similar statement. “Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who is of the opinion that old people, i.e. those most at risk, should volunteer to die to save the economy.” These bizarre quotes are the considered opinion of some in this country who are willing to sacrifice the weak and the needy among us for the good of others.  

This earth is the Lord’s and all of mankind is the Lord’s, but He has given the earth to mankind (Psalm 24:1, Psalm 115:16). We have a solemn responsibility to all of us even during this challenging time. We should consider not only the feelings of the richest and most powerful among us, but also those who depend upon others to supply their daily needs. The Bible warns that those who turn their backs to those who need them most will have to face an uncomfortable Judgement Day (Matthew 25:41-46).  The Bible goes on to remind the children of Israel that they should treat foreigners well because they used to be the foreigners (Exodus 22:21).  Moreover, the Bible states that we should do to others just like we would like them to do to us (Matthew 7:12).

It is true that these are desperate times and desperate times call for desperate measures. Since nothing else seems to be the magic bullet that will suddenly save us, perhaps we should turn to God upon our knees.  Perhaps we should begin to look to Jesus who began and perfects our faith. Perhaps we should cry unto the Lord in our time of distress (Psalm 77:1, 2).  If we cry unto Him, He will hear our cries when we ask according to His will. If He hears us, He will answer our request (1 John 5:14-15).  Therefore, let us call on God during this challenging time.

Psalm 24:1 

New International Version (NIV)

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

Psalm 115:16
New International Version (NIV)

16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.

Matthew 25:41-46
New International Version (NIV)

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 

42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, "

43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Exodus 22:21 

New International Version

21 "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt

Matthew 7:12
New International Version (NIV)

12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Psalm 77:1, 2
New International Version (NIV)

1 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.

2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.

1 John 5:14-15
New International Version (NIV)

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 

15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.