One of the things in life, we try to help people when we see them in need. In fact, it is the essence of a Christian life. Mk 6: 37- there was a need for food, Jesus told his disciples to fill the need; they couldn’t. So Jesus had to. In Mark 6: 47 Jesus was on a mountainside and the disciples were on the lake. By evening, so let’s say 6pm the boat is in the middle of the lake. He was on the land, the disciples straining at the oars until the 4th watch. Storm came. Jesus watched them from evening up to 6am in the morning (4th watch)(exact time he started watching till he rescued them unknown, but maybe some 10hrs). Another thing we should never know, is the privacy of giving. It is personal, between you and God. Mth 6:3-4 secret giving; Mk 12: 41- very clear, Jesus watched who put in what, so not so secret. Sees in private, repays in public for all to see Mth 6:4 (if you have good things, you can hardly hide all). Point being; why did Jesus let the disciples struggle? Why does Jesus let us struggle? He requires us to alleviate hardship and struggles of others, yet Jesus showed us, that he also knew that people must struggle. It brings them growth. Challenging us to give till it hurts. Challenging us to compare what we give to others. Challenge us to rescue people, but not straight away. So many difficult things to understand about the Christian life. When do we apply which principle? One foot does not fill all shoe sizes. One rule is not the same for all. So, what one person can do, is clearly sin for the other. We just cannot make hard and fast rules in Christianity in general. And in Mk 6: 48, Jesus was about to walk right passed them- in other words, Jesus had no intention of helping them in their problem. Incredible! Mth 5: 42- must ask you; yet 1 Jn 3:17 says nothing about a person asking. So, was Jesus really going to pass by, or was he waiting for someone to ask for help? Didn’t he see the need? Oh dear, which Scripture to use at what time? Helping someone- Deut 15: 7-8- open handed, closed fisted are rules for seeing a need and filling it; yet we must be also discerning about the situation. Is that why some say- I never help anyone anyway, as I am not sure God wants me to help. Maybe I should pass them by (I am giving you ammo, to solidify lack of helping). No, that is not right. We must always be ready to help. And if you receive help, but don’t need it, just pass it on. So someone else can benefit…Always help...
MCC Admin
10 Kislev 5782