08/04/10

The day of your brother's misfortune

Obadiah 1:12 - But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress.


The Word of God advices us on how our reaction should be on the day of misfortune of our brother [kindred].

This misfortune is not an accidental fall but a fall after even receiving warnings. When another believer makes mistakes it is our duty as children of God to point out the issue to our brethren (in a kind, compassionate and merciful way for our God is kind, compassionate and merciful).

Does that mean when our brethren is in problems we need to jump in to help? No.

The Word of God says in cases where a brethren is warned and yet does not heed to advice, in such cases we need to set ourselves far. Not taking pleasure of his calamity nor jumping in immediately to help.

One may say we as Christians need to be merciful.

Our God is merciful but to those who turn to Him. It is his patience that keeps his anger away but He forgives only those who repent.

Jesus died on the crucifix and when dying He said 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do'. Does that mean the sins of everyone were forgiven? No.

Jesus said these words so as to keep the anger of God away, but latter when Jesus comes the second time these very souls cry out when they realize what they did and they if not repented will be held accountable.

The forgiveness of sins is not for everyone, but to everyone who repents and believes in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Understand if we jump in to rescue when the person has not repented, then we will never let that person change but will be instruments in letting that person remain the same. It also does not mean that we be audience and not do anything.

If you observe a lifeguard rescuing a drowning person, if he is not very excellent swimmer he will first instruct the victim to stop beating his hands and legs around and only then will he take hold of the person and swim to land. If he holds that person when that person is beating his hands and legs around, there are chances that the victim may even drown the rescuer.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Lord Jesus, You are merciful God and it is only by your mercy that those who believe in You are forgiven. Lord, your Word also tells us what and how we should respond to those who are lost or misguided among us. Lord, give us the wisdom, patience and strength that in true love we work for the goodness of our brethren...

We make this prayer in Jesus' Name, Amen.


[ Reference Scripture ]
Proverbs 17:5
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 24:24-25
24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him:
25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them.

Proverbs 27:10
10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

Luke 23:33-37
33 And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left.
34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen.
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, offering him vinegar,
37 and saying, If thou art the King of the Jews, save thyself.

John 19:33-37
33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:
34 howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water.
35 And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe.
36 For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Revelation 1:7
7 Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others.
(All rights are with God)