Speak up for
those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are
perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor
and helpless, see that they get justice.
Proverbs 31:8,9 NLT
Where in the Bible does it say, “The Lord helps those
who help themselves?” You won’t find
that statement in “The Beatitudes.” In
fact, you won’t find it anywhere in the Scriptures. What is the source of this commonly held
proverb? You’ll find it in Ben
Franklin’s Poor Richards Almanac,
1757. I doubt that Ole Ben was
inspired by God to make that statement.
The teaching of Scripture is totally
opposite of Mr. Franklin’s teaching. The
overall theme of the Beatitudes is to provide “help to the helpless.” (Matthew 5:2-12)
Another good example of helping the helpless is found in
Proverbs 31:1-9. In this passage the
Queen mother of King Lemuel advises her son to give justice to those who are
oppressed. She urges him to rule with
compassion and mercy to help the helpless.
The Psalmist Asaph’s instruction is:
“Give fair judgment to the poor and the
orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them
from the grasp of evil people.” (Psalm
82:3-4 NLT)
When a disastrous tornado struck
Joplin, Missouri thousands of volunteers from all walks of life not only
responded by giving money, food, and supplies, but also gave their time and energy to go down and lend a
helping hand in the cleanup.
Jesus had a warm place in his heart
for the poor and needy. He never turned
anyone away who came to him for help.
The Scriptural record shows that he feed the hungry, healed the blind,
lame, and helpless.
We say all this to point out that
acts of service are a form of worship.
Worship is not just sitting in a church building singing and
praying. Worship is a mindset It
is a way of life. Worship is having a
heart for God and involving ourselves in spreading his message of love and
forgiveness to a lost and dying world.
What are you doing to help the
helpless?
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