My Brother's Keeper

The last few weeks I have heard from several friends of personal struggles. Hurting and longing for help. Some have sought God and He is answering. Sometimes not so easily visible to them, but for those God has ask to join them in prayer, we in faith see and hope.

Then there are those who in the illusion of independence seek to solve their current dilemmas on their own. It is here my heart aches. Nevertheless I pray convinced that God loves them far more deeply and genuinely then I ever can.

In this I have seen how I have grieved the heart of Christ when I have sought my own solutions and agendas over than His. As I have watched friends make “questionable” choices that will have long standing ramifications I am reminded of how I too have done the same.

Then the Spirit reminds that Abraham hoped when hope seemed the least logical course. He reminds of Jesus going to cross fully convinced of the wisdom, love and goodness of God. Is His love bigger and stronger than my sin? Of my friends sins and failings? Can I call out to Him who gave His very life for them and not expect Him to answer?

So in my groaning I ask “Daddy how do I pray for them when I see what I think are wrong turns?” I sensed the Spirit’s whisper “ like Jesus prayed for Peter before the garden.” I do not see Jesus praying that Peter not struggle but that he would be restored afterwards and strengthen his brothers.

As parents my wife and I recently discussed what “mistakes” to let our son make and when to intervene. “I always want to intervene” my wife said. But to do so would prevent him from growing and becoming a man.

Does my Daddy in heaven not know better? Is sin o.k? ? No. But where sin abounds is there not an abundance of grace from God? Yes. Does his love excuse sin or does it cover sin? As Chris Rice says “Can I leave the timing of this universe in better Hands?”

So I will trust the Jesus I have come to know and love. And as Rich Mullins said “ I will be my brother’s keeper, not the one who judges him. I won’t despise him for his weakness. I won’t regard him for his strength. I won’t take away his freedom but help him learn to stand. And I will be my brother’s keeper.”