As we wrap up our Winer Bible Study we find ourselves in the middle of the season of Lent, a time to prepare our hearts for the Easter celebration of the Resurrection. As we look forward to that day, we need to consider the preparation that was made for that day to become a reality. What are we preparing for? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Most of the Northeast is preparing for the upcoming season of Spring. The time is fast approaching when we can get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and watch things grow. As we prepare for the season ahead, what do we hope for? What are the dreams we have for the season ahead?
Preparation can be an inward focused idea or an outward focus. We can intentionally prepare to give someone else hope. That is called encouragement. I read this illustration and I thought it was interesting how we can choose to give hope to others even if we ourselves are facing difficulty.
The Hospital Window
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it. In his mind’s eye, as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
We can prepare to give others hope, despite our own situations. Joy when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy. As we move through life, we have many opportunities to give others hope. Will we prepare ourselves for them?
1 Peter 3:15b; NLT; And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
Our willingness to help one another can shape us into someone people like to be around. I have seen it many times, people helping each other get through life. When we take time to understand the challenges others face, we start to open the door to helping them. Christians should know, care and be willing to give each other hope and encouragement.
Luke 23:39-43; nlt, One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus found himself nailed to the cross, enduring the pain for you and me. He was there between two thieves, one on his right, and another on his left. He was there for us; they were there because they deserved it. Even on the cross we see that Jesus still had compassion for those who sought him out.
The thief on the right asked Jesus to remember Him when he came into his kingdom. Look closely, not if you come into your kingdom, when. He had done some terrible things in his life, terrible enough to be sentenced to death. He understood that that was unacceptable to God and he turned to the only one who could save him, Jesus.
Jesus wasn’t focused on his own needs, he was focused on the needs of those around him. How easily are we distracted from our surroundings? How easily do we get lost in our own difficulties and challenges that we forget to be aware of others? How many times do we push someone away because we don’t have time? How often are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we cannot see the needs of those around us?
Jesus wasn’t too busy or distressed to hear the request of a lost soul. He has set an example for us to follow. We need to be prepared and listen to those around us. We need to be prepared to provide hope and encouragement.
Blessings,
Pastor Don