Standing with those in Need

"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing by, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son! Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home."  (Gospel of John chapter 19:25-27)

  When things go bad in our lives its interesting to observe who stays nearby. People who really love us are not intimidated by our failings, downturns, disasters or tragedies. Love draws ever closer in times of heartache and pain. Here the scriptures give us a window into the fraility of our faith. Most of those who had followed Jesus during his active ministry of healing, miracles and deliverance are now nowhere to be seen. A handful of those who truly loved Jesus were still with him during the time of the crucifixion.

  When we're in pain of any kind whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual its very hard to be alone. Abandonment is one of the most painful realities of a fallen world. No one sticks around for a perceived 'loser' in life. We try to pick winners and invest our time in them. The ultimate irony is that in just a few days the most significant and altering victory in history was about to transpire. But few would bear witness.... and fewer still would remain faithful through the entire spectrum of the first Easter weekend.

  Another lesson in this brief portion of scripture is that personal tragedy should not cause us to abandon our responsibilities to care for those we love. Jesus in the midst of horrific pain and suffering, remembers his mother and makes provision for her.  John's love for Jesus is not superficial or situational. John proves his love by immediately making room for what is important to Jesus... the care of Mary in the light of his transition from this world. Jesus knew the future....and he prepared for it and for those in his care.

  A life of faith is not meant to be an escape clause from responsibility. People of faith are meant to love responsibly and with their feet and heart planted firmly in two worlds.  We are citizens here.... and there. A holy faith cares for those in front of us in practical and significant ways. Are you making room in your life for the people whom God deeply cares for?

  Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)

Jim