"Break Our Heat Lord!"

I know many of you look at the images coming out of the Houston Texas area, and it is heartbreaking.  There are times during an event like this, we can only imagine what we would do.  How would I react to this type of flooding and devastation?  

In light of the past several weeks of non-stop news and imagines of other events plaguing our nation, I have been intrigued by the imagines and reports from Houston.  While we have heard of some price gouging, $100 for a case of water.  Sam’s sells a case of 40 bottles for $3.18.  So a $100 is a little out of line.  And yes, a few reports of people taking advantage of flooded businesses where they take things that they don’t own.  Most, even the majority, of the focus has been on people helping people.  

I’ve watched the pictures and videos flood in (no pun intended) that show, whites carrying blacks in their arms, on their backs to safety through chest high water.  I’ve seen blacks carrying whites in their arms through chest high water.  I’ve seen whites and blacks rescuing Hispanics, risking their lives to bring them to safety.  I’ve seen a parade of boats from other states flow in to Texas to help with the rescues.  Blacks, whites and Hispanics riding together.  Over 13,000 people have been rescued as I write this article.  Over 30,000 are in shelters and that number is growing.  I have been so blessed to see that in this tragedy, on the heels of all the talk of division and no hope for reconciliation as many say, we are able to see a community, even a nation (somewhat) come together for the good of all people.  Isn’t that the way it should be?

We have seen this over and over again in our nation’s history.  When a catastrophic event happens, people come together to help one another, regardless of the risk or race.  We saw this as recently as September 11, 2001.  People rushing into buildings burning, ready to collapse to save others.  It was interesting to see that the Sunday following 9/11 the church attendance was the highest recorded in recent decades.  Why can’t we have this compassion always?  Why only when a tragedy hits?  Why can’t we all live into Galatians 3:28?              “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

I can answer that question.  When tragedy strikes we begin to draw on the compassionate spirit we were created with but when the tragedy ends, our fallen nature kicks back in.  Satan goes to work again.  You see, the Apostle Paul is speaking to the believers in the church in Galatia.  He was saying that there should be no division in or with believers in Jesus Christ.  We are all one in HIM.  We know scripture tells us the world does not understand that concept.  For the world, it is all about “me.”  So here in lie the answers.  If fact, it has always been the answer and always will be the answer.  That answer is: “true faith in Jesus Christ.”  True Faith!  When we surrender ourself completely, our whole heart to HIM, our view of mankind begins to change.  How we view others changes (it better or something is amiss).  We are a new creation, as Paul states.  The old has passed away!  Let it be so LORD!  Let it be so!!!

That is the very reason the LORD has called us to be His hands, feet, and mouth in a lost world.  The more who come to faith in HIM, the more will change their mindset and look at things differently.

There is a song we sing at HOPE called “Jesus, Friend of Sinners.”  There is a line in the song that states: “Jesus, break our heart for what breaks Yours.”  Until we, as believers, live into that sentence, we have not lived into being what Paul calls us to: “all one in Christ.”

Pray for Houston.  Pray for the families and the life changing situations before them.  Pray that their communities and nation will continue to respond with help, money, and aid.  But also pray for people to have an ongoing change of heart.  Don’t let it stop here or today.  May believers everywhere show compassion and love that is ongoing.  May our heart be broken for those who break our LORD’s heart.  May it be so!

Blessings,

Pastor Marty Duffell - Pastor, HOPE EPC Raleigh

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