First off, to those of you who know who I am, please pretend you don't. I have been trying to analyze why I have not posted on here recently, and I think I am afraid of revealing personal details to people who actually know me. However, last week I listened to Hell's Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort. He said that people who don't do something because they are afraid of what others may think of them are prideful. I have realized that there are a lot of situations for me in which this is true. Many times I may desire to do something fun or to please God, but refrain because I am afraid of what others may think. I think the area in which this most comes into play is in group activities, probably why I am usually a loner. It is to easy for me to mess up, and then there are a lot of people to witness it. Anyway, the upshot is, although I love your comments, please keep them to here, and not facebook, and refer to me as something other than my name. Many thanks.
Anyway, the reason I felt convicted to post today is for a completely different reason.
As most of you know, last night was the night when a lot of people chose to dress up for Halloween on Welch Ave, the bar strip. So, after a concert I went down to my God spot at the end of Welch to pray for them. As I was leaving I was stuck between a group of drunk guys behind and a single, probably drunk, guy in front. This made me nervous so began walking in the street to avoid being in a group with them. Apparently they had all just left a party where the single guy had done something to upset the others. I had my iPod on and was desperately trying to tune them out so I missed their verbal dialoge. I finally pulled ahead of all of them just as the single guy passed a high fence. The group of guys grabbed him, threw him to the ground, and proceeded to beat him up. This went on for about 3 minutes while I stood there, staring like an idiot at them trying to decide what to do. I wanted to help him, but I was alone, and was definitely feeling a lot of fear. Luckily the guys didn't stay long, and left after a few minutes. A couple who lived nearby had come out and were also watching. He just lay on the ground for about 2 minutes. Together we managed to get him on his feet and pointed in the right direction. I wanted to help him get home, but he just wanted to find Towers and his friends so he could beat up the guys who hurt him. I felt so bad over my un-Godly reaction. I was not feeling the love at all. I was so mad at God that He pretty much leaves us alone down here to hurt each other. I understand that's because He wants us to be His hands and feet. But frankly, we suck at that. We probably spend more time attacking and hurting each other than helping. I prayed so fervently last night for Him to come back soon. We need Him so badly and last night I really understood that. As I was driving home later I saw the guy being helped by two guys, I just pray they got him home safely. Short of appealing to their better nature, or aiding the weaker guy, I had no clue as to what to do. That was the first time I had ever witnessed a real fight and I was horrified. I don't know what the guy did, but nothing is worth that humiliation, pain, and degredation. I pray that you would be praying for God to show me how He manages to love people like that. The group for their insensitivity and violence, and the single guy for his stupid addiction to vengence. I hope all of you Halloweens went better that theirs did. Stay tuned...
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4 comments:
Lazarus - Your story really really reminds me of a parable: Luke 10:25-37.it sounds like you were able to be Jesus's hands and feet to that man the other night. I can only imagine the other people there who walked by, or ignored it. People who were probably more equipped to do something about it too. I think whether he realized it or not, you were able to show Christ's compassion and gentleness even just in helping him to his feet.
I'll call you Bob then :)
Be thankful that you got to see what you did and felt pain for the man. Many good men and women have turned away, plugged their ears and hardened their hearts to what God might have them do. If Christ came back now, they wouldn't fare so well. According to Isaiah 59:1-2 he is able to save them, but their sins have hidden his face from them. Even though Christ is within us they know him not. And Christ said that those who came after him would do greater things than he did... we need to claim that power that Christ is offering us.
Do not be overly upset by these things. Sin must reach its full measure before it can be recognized for what it is. Prepare yourself (with the word) for when that happens and be asking God for the strength to help these people and to take on their pain.
Ohh and you've already been forgiven for all the mistakes that you're going to make in groups and in evangelism. Look to God and not the possible things that you might mess up on (the Law). God is working to perfect you in a way that you cannot :)
Hey--
I read Psalm 10 this morning and I think David was expressing similar sentiments in that Psalm--(check it out.)
The apologetics answer to your question of why God lets us all hurt one another is free will. God thought the risk of evil was worth the chance of true, genuine love.
I know I prefer genuine love to forced love. When I feel someone is doing something for me out of a sense of duty or obligation, I don't want it. I'd rather have the person's genuine affection/love than their good actions without their love. I think that reflects God's desires, too.
Good thoughts, friend. I think God is so pleased that you are seeking to walk with Him in and through these things--while witnessing an event that I'm sure grieves God as well, and while processing all of these things, even your questions about Him.
PS the hottest guy ever made the first comment!
Well said.
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