Ministers of Comfort

PSALM 72:12-14

“For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help,

The afflicted also, and him who has no helper.

He will have compassion on the poor and needy,

And the lives of the needy he will save.

He will rescue their life from oppression and violence,

And their blood will be precious in his sight.”

What lessons can we learn by reflecting on the September 11th attacks of 2001? In thinking about how Americans responded, I’m reminded of the extraordinary selflessness and compassion that they modeled. Many New York firemen and policeman risked—and sacrificed—their own lives in the rescue efforts. Across the country, people tried to help victims and their family members in any way possible. Some donated blood while others donated money.

Remembering these altruistic acts, we should be inspired to show kindness during times of disaster, whether natural or man-made, national or local. As we saw a decade ago, true compassion not only tries to understand the pain of others, but also provides practical help. In light of recent calamities that have occurred worldwide, let’s consider how we can express care and concern for those affected.

First of all, remember that you and I have a wonderful privilege: the ability to touch anybody anywhere in the world through prayer. No matter how far away the victims are, they can be comforted by God as He responds to your heartfelt cries. So as soon as word of a tragedy reaches you, start praying for the victims, rescue workers, and officials managing the crisis. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in petitioning God for protection, provision, comfort, awareness of His presence, and whatever else He deems fitting (Rom. 8:26).

Second, donations (money, food, clothing, household goods) and assistance of many kinds are usually high priority. It is wise to team up with dependable relief organizations and to consult trusted sources about what’s needed. Travel limitations may narrow your options, but in local situations, you can express compassion with words of comfort, a warm embrace, or simply a listening ear. Through this kind of love, the world will recognize its true Light—Jesus Christ, who was anointed to bring good news to the afflicted, bind up the brokenhearted, and comfort all who mourn (Isa. 61:1-2).

On this somber anniversary, recall some of the kind acts that were prevalent in the aftermath of our national tragedy. Let those memories motivate you to notice needs around you and to reach out with Christ’s love. In addition, think about a disaster in the news this year, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways to pray for families that are still suffering. Your concern can have a profound impact

Communion with God on the Mountain

And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.

Mark 3:13

Here was sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume because they are not called to the highest places in ministry; but, reader, learn to rejoice that Jesus calls those He desires. If He leaves me as a doorkeeper in His house, I will cheerfully bless Him for His grace in allowing me to do anything in His service. The call of Christ’s servants comes from above. Jesus stands on the mountain, forever above the world in holiness, zeal, love, and power. Those whom He calls must go up the mountain to Him; they must seek to rise to His level by living in constant communion with Him. They may not be able to achieve classic honors or attain scholastic eminence, but they must, like Moses, go up to the mountain of God and experience intimate communion with the unseen God if they are ever to be fit to proclaim the Gospel of peace.

Jesus went away to hold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter into the same divine companionship if we want to bless our fellowmen. No wonder that the apostles were clothed with power when they came down fresh from the mountain where Jesus was. This morning we must endeavor to ascend the mount of communion, so that we may be ordained to the lifework for which we are set apart. Let us not see the face of man today until we have met with Jesus. Time spent with Him is time well spent. We will cast out devils and work wonders if we go down into the world clothed with that divine energy that only Christ can give. It is no use going to the Lord’s battle until we are armed with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus; this is essential. At the mercy-seat we will linger until He makes Himself known to us and until we can truthfully say, “We were with Him on the Holy Mountain.”

The family reading plan for

September 10, 2011

2 Samuel 4 , 5 | 1 Corinthians 15