By Stephen Anderson
Faith Baptist Church, Fowler
Much has been done in the last few weeks to provide help and aide to the people of Haiti. It seems as though every form of media is carrying a human interest story or courageous tale of survival and rescue. Much of the attention being drawn to the country and her people is a result of Christian Aid organizations and mission agencies working with orphanages.
There is no doubt that the people of Haiti have been left destitute and in dire need of care. Those left orphaned need to know that there is someone who can love them. The thousand who will never have an opportunity to bury their lost relatives need comfort. Haiti is a needy place. As a result of the attention drawn and great need expressed, millions around the world have given their time, effort, and financial resources. Millions of dollars have been given to support the work of organizations in Haiti. In fact, I read a story the other day that an individual had donated $1,000 a day since the earthquake by going into a cellular retail store and texting ”HAITI” to 90999 on all of the company owned demo phones. That type of charity, though misguided, demonstrates both the awareness people have of the needs present in Haiti and their desire to help.
The needs of Haiti, no matter how dire, are temporal. The Bible tells us that we all have a problem greater than any difficulty we might ever face here on earth. We have a sin problem. The Bible tells us that ‘all have sinned’ and ‘there is none righteous’. It also tells us that as a result of our sin we face death, both physical and spiritual. Our sin resulted in separation from God. But, just like how the needy people of Haiti are receiving help, care, comfort, and love; God provided help, care, comfort, and love for us.
Many people today look at the description of Jesus in the Bible and say he was a healer so if we provide medical care we are doing the work of the Lord. Others will say that he was a Comforter and so when we provide support and comfort we are doing the work of the Lord. Still others will say that showing compassion for the helpless qualifies as doing the work of the Lord. You know the Bible does describe Jesus as the Healer, Sustainer, Helper, and One Who gives comfort. Ultimately though he was none of these things because of what he accomplished by feeding thousands, healing lepers, providing emotional support, or offering words of wisdom and love. He was all of these things because as a result of His death and resurrection he; showed He loves us, provided hope and comfort, made it possible for our disease of sin to be healed, and sustains us in Him. His entire earthly ministry led up to the cross, and in what he accomplished there he offers eternal healing, love, comfort, and care.
