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mervynrothwell 05-Nov-12, 14:29 |
 .....with Matthew 25:31-46 in mind....37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the great values of the internet is the opportunity for those who are housebound to have regular contact with the “outside world”. In my opinion it is one of the biggest indictments on our churches that, when regular attenders become less mobile and eventually completely unable to have fellowship as they used to, they gradually cease to be contacted, eventually becoming isolated from those with whom they worshipped and to whom over the years they may have rendered valuable service. We are very clearly instructed to visit the sick and help those in need, yet many who are aged or unwell folk can become prisoners of their circumstances often with no visitors. John (Johntd) one of our team is now virtually housebound due to an illness which is progressive and which is even making the playing of chess something of a burden, much as he loves the game. I wrote recently to him as he had not been online for some days to learn that he is now unable to play chess but values his membership of the team, not least because he is looking for matters which require prayer – something even his illness cannot prevent him from doing. Let us remember people like John, not just within our own chess fellowship, but also those who have over the years been associated with our churches but are now largely, of not completely, forgotten. That the churches should forget their former fellow worshippers at the time in their lives when they are most lonely, most in need of fellowship, and, on a practical level, most in need of a helping hand in practical ways (tidying the garden, shopping, filling in forms, and so on.) is truly an indictment. With today’s technology (the telephone and e-mail to name just two media) that is available to us now, there can be no excuse for allowing folk to live their lives completely isolated from the fellowship they one enjoyed. I do hope our churches have some programme for ensuring that those of our brethren that are unwell, hospitalised, or burdened with other difficult personal circumstances and living in a “prison” not of their own making, are not side-lined to become the “forgotten” because they are no longer able to sit amongst their brethren and worship, as once they did. It goes without saying that we, of course, one day may well find ourselves in that same position! John, for one, would I am sure appreciate an occasional contact from members of the team, and no doubt you can think of others in your own circles who could appreciate a visit, a phone call, or some other contact. Food for thought....? |
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solascriptura 10-Nov-12, 20:50 |
Very good! I am involved in Prison Ministry where I observe Heb 13:3 English Standard Version (©2001) Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. I lead a bible study on Saturday nights, it is awesome to see new believers come along and increase in faith daily. So, with those who by an illness cannot attend, we should honor the command to Heb 10:25 English Standard Version (©2001) not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. When we go to see prisoners or the ill, we honor God and His word. As Merv said, we may find ourselves in their position...but for the grace of God so there go I. |