When Crises Come

Chuckle: "I'd really like to die in my sleep like my grandfather. Not kicking and screaming like those others riding in the car with him."

Quote: "It is motive alone that gives character to the actions of men." --Jean De La Bruyere

WHEN CRISES COME

"Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, 'My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.' So Jesus went with him" (Mark 5:22-24 NIV).

As a pastor, my heart has often been deeply moved as I stood in the pulpit and looked out over a congregation, I saw people who were suffering through severe crises in their lives. Here are some examples of the pain and heartache that people suffer. There's the wife of an abusive husband. There's the grieving family who recently lost a loved one. There's a husband and father who has just lost his job. There are the parents in extreme emotional pain because of a rebellious child. Each of these situations represents a serious need for a loving, caring, ministering hand. 

More than likely you have been the recipient of a ministry of kindness and love in your own life in a time of crisis. If so, you are keenly aware of the comfort you felt from just knowing someone cared. Knowing that someone loves you enough to share your burden or hurt gives added strength to see you through even the most difficult of times. Jairus' heart was broken at the plight of his beloved daughter, and because of his sorrow, he set aside his pride and threw himself at the feet of Jesus. He was desperate for help and recognized both his need and his helplessness.

If you are suffering through a crises, the lesson for you here is that you must seek help if you are to make it through. Likewise, if you are aware of a crisis in someone else's life, Jesus would have you be sensitive to that need, as He was, and be willing to do what ever it takes to help that person endure the crisis and be strengthened by it. Because of his love and compassion, Jesus went with the man and restored life to his little girl who had died even as Jairus was searching for Jesus.

In Matthew 25, Jesus describes what our reaction should be to those in crises and need. We are to visit the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, satisfy the thirsty, etc. Jesus saw such actions as indicative of our relationship with him, and he had harsh words for those who choose to ignore the needs in people's lives around them. We are taught to imitate Jesus in our ministry to others, and do so with the same love and compassion he has shown us.

So, if you are in a crisis, first draw close to your Lord, then swallow your pride, and seek help. If you know someone in crisis, make the time to minister to that need in the name of Jesus as you would want someone to minister to you. It is a struggle for each of us as Christians to find the right words or action that will help alleviate the pain. But the important thing is for us to be willing to help. Then God will show us the best way to minister to a given need. God will bless you as you bless others!

Love, Jerry & Dotse