This
blessing is found in Psalm 42:1, NIV version. My first thought when
reading this was of Techno-man. He is my hero when it comes to
technology. One of the weaknesses I experience as an “elderly”
lady, is that I am a Tech-not!
Though
I have managed to learn to use a computer, self-taught over the
years, I nevertheless have no real technical knowledge of PC's. I once
took a class in programing (before PC) and found that my logic was
very rusty and may never be any good again, even with a good dose of
Naval Jelly. (Look it up.) I may never understand the “how did it
get this way,” but I do know some things about “how do I use this
thing?”
Techno-man
is a young man, with a young family, who works from home developing
all kinds of techno-things that I do not understand. He also helps with
training and serving in technology areas in our church. But, if I
have a question, he will stop for a minute and try to answer it. He
always has a really good answer, calms me down from my worries, and
even has invaded my computer to put a few things to rest.
The
point is that he - a very busy, very knowledgeable young man - has
“consideration for the weak.” And a huge smile as well. He has
won my heart, and He makes God glad.
In
the King James, the word “poor” is used; but as in many cases,
this is probably not specifying just the unrich. For me “the
weak” seems a better understanding than “the poor.” I am weak.
Many of my friends are weak. Not all of my friends are poor. Yet they
all have a weakness somewhere. And many join me in my modern weakness
as a Tech-Not.
Meanwhile,
there are other weaknesses all around us that are even more serious
than a failure to understand technology:
There
are those who are weak physically and have a hard time getting
around. I have dear friends in that situation. One accompanies me to
church on Sunday. Church is greatly important to her and she needs
the help of those “stronger” than her to get her there and into
the church. When we drive up, the men who are greeting move right out
to help her; they get her out of the car and up on the sidewalk, so
that she can go in and enjoy the time of worship. These men “have
regard for the weak” and they are blessed.
We
also have people in our church who come in weak of spirit and weak in
self-control. We welcome them and nourish them and help them grow
into stronger people through the comfort and teaching of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Those who pray for them, those who do what they can to
guide them, and those who befriend them in the Love of Christ are
showing “regard for the weak” and they are blessed.
And,
not the least of them, are those who show regard for the children
(the weak) will be blessed: This includes actively, and prayerfully,
supporting the lives of the unborn children; speaking out for
abolition of “sex-trafficking;” and caring about food and shelter
for the homeless children here and around the world.
It
also means loving the children around you and sharing your children
with others for loving attention. Teaching, nursery care, youth group
leading and simply befriending; all of these come under the umbrella
of loving in Christ in a way that reaches out to the weak. Those who
do will also be blessed.
Basically,
a little compassion goes a long way with the Lord. Those who show it
– compassion, not pity – have “regard for the weak” and are
blessed.
May
we step up to the plate and put ourselves out there, with a smile on
our faces, to encourage and build up the weak, no matter what the
weakness. Then, we too will be blessed.
God
help us to see and recognize the weak and help us to reach out in
your love, with regard for them. In Jesus name, Amen.
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