HELPING OTHERS

Ezekiel 34:4-6 (NLT) You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the injured. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. Instead, you have ruled them with harshness and cruelty. So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd, and they are easy prey for any wild animal. They have wandered through all the mountains and all the hills, across the face of the earth, yet no one has gone to search for them.

I think one of the most rewarding things you and I can do is help people. I know that you and I have things going on, issues, and problems in our own lives; but I have found that the principle of sowing and reaping that is taught in the Word of God also works for things, issues, and problems. If I will try to help someone out when they are going through something, I believe God will send someone to help me when I face a problem. The golden rule still applies, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

I have been blessed to teach young ministers and Pastors all over the world; and I like to take an interesting passage of scripture from the Old Testament to teach them the heart of God concerning pastoring and how to take care of God's people. I have often asked the members of our church to help me fulfill this Word that God gave to the shepherds. I have also tried to follow this guideline in helping people, so let's look at Verse 4 of today’s scripture and remind ourselves what the Lord wants us to do in helping people. Ezekiel 34:4 says, “You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the injured. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost...”

I believe if you and I will start giving such care, we will help people, and it will bless the heart of Father God. Let's look at each part of this verse and see how you and I can be a blessing. How do you help the weak? You can lift a weak person up. You can stand by their side. You can be like Aaron and Hur and hold their arms up. You can take them to a place where they can get the help they need. How do you help a sick person? You, of course, can do natural things; i.e., bring them meals, do some chores, or make sure they can get to the places they need to go; but the best thing you can do is pray for them. Lay hands on the sick, so they will recover. You can give them the Word of God that will heal their bodies. You can give them books, show them a pod cast, bring them to church, or take them to Healing School. You can minister to the sick and watch God heal their bodies! How do I help those who have wandered off? How do I keep them from being prey to the wild animals (devil)? I think the best thing you can do is get them back in the flock; there is safety in the herd (my wild kingdom theory). I am so grateful that God never gives up on us, and we should never give up on anyone either. Ask the Lord for creative ideas with each individual you are ministering to, and He will show you what will work, so you can help them quit wandering, and return to God and church.

Let's turn our hearts to help others; and, in the process, we will bless the heart of God!