They Helped

Author Unknown

The prophet Isaiah, declared by the inspiration of God, “They helped everyone his neighbor: and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage” (Isaiah 41:6).

In times of crisis, especially, cries for help are frequently heard from every corner of the earth. Victims of floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters reach a point of desperation—a point in which they are powerless to help themselves—and out of necessity cry out, “Help me!” We read frequently of those who heroically witness an accident, and, at the risk of their own lives, rush in “where angels fear to tread.” It is encouraging when individuals show themselves willing to help the needy with such items as food and clothing. Sometimes, especially during times of warfare, weaker nations under siege will plead for help from other nations that are better equipped to meet their needs.

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He frequently heard cries for help, and Jesus responded with compassion. Multitudes had nowhere else to turn. By His power alone, the blind were enabled to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk. By His word, some who had lost loved ones in death had their grief allayed in seeing their loved ones brought back to life. Jesus revealed Himself as the divine Helper to deliver aid to the helpless. With His return from earth to the Heavenly Father, the church, as the spiritual body of Christ, is to view itself as Christ’s agent of rescue for mankind. As Christians, we echo the spirit of Christ when we come to the aid of others. Paul, writing to the saints at Galatia, urged, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10). One observed that we are to render kindness for the same reason a flower blooms—we were made for that purpose. Certainly, if you assist in meeting others’ needs, all paths lead to the door of the helpful.

While assisting others in their physical and material needs or offering words of encouragement is Christ-like, the greatest help we are capable of is sharing the good news of Christ. Paul, having a vision of a man pleading, “Come over into Macedonia and help us,” concluded, “that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel (good news) unto them” (Acts 16:9-10). Is that not the main reason we are here? We are called to be rescuers of those in the bondage of sin that they may be set free by Christ. Whatever the need you find in your world today, may you choose to be—and may God enable you to be—a helper of others. May it be said of us all: “They helped.”