A Friend in Need?
John sat quietly in the corner of his favorite coffee shop. This had once been a special place where many deals were made with clients. Today, it was not the same. He has been terminated from his job and has been unemployed for about 123 weeks. In those early days, he would arrive for his appointment early and gaze out the window at the bright blue skies thanking the Lord for how much He had blessed his life. But today it was cloudy, just like the rest of his life. Tired, weary, and despondent, each day seemed to come with less hope and little purpose. He was out of a job, about to loose his home, and the college tuition was due. Suddenly, an old client walks by and awkwardly offers a hello. He asked how things were going, but really shuffles off before John has time to answer. As he sat there pondering his situation, John looks up and across the room is a friend from church. They once shared a lot of time together playing golf and having family outings. Today, his friend just offers a wave to say hello. A feeling of deep despair sinks into John's entire body as he sees his friend leave without speaking.
But then, a new friend he had met only a few weeks ago at his church comes up and asked if could he sit and talk for awhile. After some preliminary conversation, Bill shares with John that he had heard of his situation and wanted to know if there was anything he might do to help. John is hesitant to delve into the details of his situation, but thanks Bill for asking. Bill then begins to share with John how, only fourteen months ago, he too had been terminated from his job. Surprised in hearing this since Bill was now employed, John begins to open up and they share their experiences with each other. Bill suggest they continue to meet each week at the same time and place. After Bill leaves, John looks out the window and he thinks he sees a break in the clouds. Someone cares.
Jesus offers a similar story in Mark with the parable of the Good Samaritan. He also offers a story in Matthew of contrasting reactions to someone who is hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and lonely. In each parable, Jesus relays the importance, the requirement, that as a representative of Him, we are expected to help meet the needs of those around us. 1 John 3: 17 tells us; " If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him."
As John and Bill continued to meet, John shared that when he was terminated he was given two weeks pay and escorted out the door. All this was with no prior notice. Bill, on the other hand, was presented with the possibility of his situation over a period of weeks directly by the owner of the company. He was given six months pay and the opportunity for additional training at the expense of the company. The owner of the company provided letters of recommendation and a personal note to Bill's wife of his high regard for Bill and his regret in having to make this decision. Bill's boss continues to check in to see how things were going.
Unusual? You bet! Which company had the pity? Which company had the love of God in them? Which company represented the love of God in the marketplace? As individuals, we too, often run across situations where someone is in desperate need. It is so easy to pass them by. Let's face it, it can be awkward. We don't know how to help, we don't know what to do. We hesitate, maybe because we don't want to get involved. It takes time, may cost us some of our possessions, so we let someone else, or some organization deal with it. We feel guilty, but we move on seeking God's love.
"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen from me, put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4: 8-9
