Exodus 23:4-5
“If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you falling under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.”
We all need help sometimes, whether or not we admit it. There are many times I
have been grateful for the help given to me. In every situation of life there
comes a time when the offer of assistance is more than welcomed. This is
especially true when the offer comes from someone unexpected.
A few weeks ago, I was nearly eaten by my
chair. It’s a riser/recliner and I was reclining it
to get my 30minutes of circulation therapy. Anyway, the chair was too close to
the wall and the back of the chair jammed against the wall and moved forward as
I pressed the button to reverse the action. The foot part then jammed against
the floor while the rest kept moving and folded me inside. Just as well I live
in sheltered housing and was able to call for help. A man visiting next door
heard me and put his head round the door to see what was wrong then rushed in
the extricate me from the man-eating chair. I was still in my pyjamas and had
never set eyes on the man before, but he was a saviour at that moment, even
allowing for the embarrassment I felt.
Who ever thought it would be a clever idea
to put large castors on one of these chairs?
A situation like this is a time when we
should all be willing to help whether they are friends or strangers, we should
also be willing to accept help when it is offered. The mere acceptance of help
shows appreciation of the offer.
In the story of the sheep and the goats Jesus tells us that we are expected to help each other. We do not want to be the one who is rejected because we did not show compassion to others in need.
Matthew 25:44 makes it clear that we would be the ones to suffer most;
“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?’
Are you a sheep or a goat?
Prayer
Almighty God, You
are the ultimate helper. We can depend on You to help us in all situations. You
help so willingly that You sent Your Son to help us know the way to heaven and
eternal life. Help the people of Turkey and Syria to be able to cope with so
much devastation and loss of life. We pray that your mighty hand will sustain
everyone involved in rescue and recovery in both areas. We thank You that we
have never had the need to call for the help needed in this situation. Amen
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