“Luke 18:38-39, “He yelled, “Jesus! Son of
David! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Those ahead of Jesus told the man to shut up,
but he only yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”
(MSG)
Many of us when we hear a helicopter flying over-head have a tendency to look up. I for one always do, and maybe you do too. However, like me, it's probably not a major emotional experience for you. But as for Anna’s father, it is an emotional experience, and more than likely, it will always be. You see, she and her dad were outside recently when a helicopter flew over. In her words, "My dad suddenly hit the ground!" He instinctively fell to the ground. Now, you may look at that reaction and say, "Is he a little strange, or what?" However, the answer would be no, he’s not strange at all. He's a Veteran. Obviously, Anna was really surprised by her father's unusual behavior. So she said, "What's wrong, dad?" He said, "It's just part of post-traumatic-stress disorder. When I hear a chopper, it just triggers something inside of me. I'm suddenly back in combat mode all over again." That's when she finally understood his Reaction.
That father's hard-to-explain behavior is because of some of the battles from his past. And truth be told, he's not the only one! It may be that some past battles help explain what's behind the actions and attitudes of someone you're having a hard time dealing with as well. You simply cannot understand why their attitude is the way it is; why are they so angry, bitter, mean, depressed, moody and the like. Well, let’s see what we can discover from the Bible.
Jesus has this wonderful ability to always look beyond the deeds of a person to their needs instead. It's an outlook He wants you and me to develop as well. Luke 18:35-43 says this: "As He was approaching Jericho [on His way to Jerusalem], it happened that a blind man was sitting beside the road begging. Now when he heard a crowd going by, he began to ask what this was [about]. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” So he shouted out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!” Those who were leading the way were sternly telling him to keep quiet; but he screamed all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that the blind man be led to Him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me regain my sight!” Jesus said to him, “Regain your sight; your [personal trust and confident] faith [in Me] has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus, glorifying and praising and honoring God. And all the people, when they saw it, praised God." (AMP)
Now to the folks in Jericho that day, that blind man was a noisy, stubborn nuisance! They want to make a good impression on Jesus, and here's this man screaming in an outrageous manner. The people see nuisance! Jesus sees need! He knows that behind those screams is a man with a desperate need! And the man everybody else is trying to shut up, Jesus stops for, responds and reaches out to!
What I find amazing is that no one thought to ask the man anything! Jesus was the only one who asked the man, “what do you want?” Everyone else was simply concerned about the man screaming, but they weren’t concerned to find out why he was screaming! And many of us are just like that today. There are Men who are in the church that are gravely misunderstood. However, instead of judging, gossiping, ridiculing or shunning them, why not be a real brother and simply ask him, “what’s wrong? what do you want? what do you need? Why are you hurting? What happened? What can I do to help? Help me understand so I can help you or get help for you.”
That should be the response to seeing another brother in pain! And yes, sometimes it’s hard to get to the person’s needs, because you have to get past their speech, attitude, or even their negativity and flaming temper. But at the end of the day, you have your moments too as a brother in pain! Be it physical, mental, emotional, financial, or spiritual, you too battle hardships. So, why not fight WITH your brother, instead of fighting AGAINST him?
Brothers, when you try seeing the need behind someone's deed, it changes the way you treat that person. Like Anna. She could understand, and even sympathize with her dad's dramatic reaction to the chopper overhead when she knew the pain in his past that made him react that way. So, men, understand that just like you, your brothers have a past. Some have had absent fathers or mothers; some loss their kids in the court's system; some weren’t encouraged; some have suffered grave losses; some have health challenges that are attacking their faith; some are trying to readjust to society after time in jail; some are trying week-to-week just to make it and put food on the table; some have been looking for a job for a good while now, only to still be unemployed (and surely bills don’t decide to be nice to you and suddenly stop coming just because you have no funds); some didn’t have the right men in their lives to support and teach them; some have been told practically from birth, you will never be nothing; some are battered husbands; some have insecurities and low self-esteem (believe it or not, but men struggle with these issues too); some can’t figure out how to raise their children in this crazy day and age; some are trying to breathe just one more breath of life into a marriage that’s one breath away from death; some are still trying to heal from family and church hurt that happened years ago; some look in the mirror and don’t like what/who they see; some have tried businesses and failed; some haven’t finished school and it’s limiting their promotion and increase on the job; some have finished school and can’t figure out where is the job they promised my education would grant me; some are trying to quit cigarettes and put the bottle down for the last time; some are still trying to recover from sexual, physical and emotional abuse; some are trying to find just one reason to wake up one more day!
In other words, brothers, your brothers are reacting the way they are for a reason! Now that you know that, it’s time to respond accordingly.
Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times. A brother is born to share troubles.” (NLV)
Galatians 6:1-3, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love]. For if anyone thinks he is something [special] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself.” (AMP)
There's probably someone in your world who needs that kind of understanding from you right now. And be prepared and forewarned, it may be someone who has hurt you deeply, mistreated you, used you, or even attacked you. You may be increasingly annoyed or irritated or angry with someone whose attitude or actions or approach really rub you the wrong way. But there's a good chance there's pain underneath the way they are. Past battles that have almost programmed them to respond in a way that they think will protect them from more pain. So when your brothers start reacting negatively, show them positivity. After all, how can dark drive out dark?
“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
In other words brothers, you can’t respond with retaliation against your brother for his reactions. You need to help him, not hurt him further. Be the salt that flavors him and the light that removes the dim feelings from his life.
Matthew 5:13-16, “You are the salt of the earth. If salt loses its taste, how can it be made to taste like salt again? It is no good. It is thrown away and people walk on it. You are the light of the world. You cannot hide a city that is on a mountain. Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. They put it on a table so it gives light to all in the house. Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven.” (NLV)
Brothers, this is what your brothers need you to be for them. Salt and Light. Add things to his life that help him to become better today than he was yesterday, and to be better tomorrow than he’ll be today. He doesn’t need anyone else to point fingers at him; to judge him; to belittle him; to shun him; to wash their hands of him; to discard and discourage him; to criticize him. No, he needs brothers who can undergird him to win the battle. He needs brothers that will hold his hands up in the battles of life, when he’s ready to drop them, surrender and retreat.
Exodus 17:12, “Finally, Moses was so tired that Aaron and Hur got a rock for him to sit on. Then they stood beside him and supported his arms in the same position until sunset.” (CEV)
This is what your brothers need from you (both natural and spiritual). Men who will come with them in the battles of life; and even when they get tired, they have brothers standing right beside them helping, holding them up and supporting them through. Let’s be honest, if it were you, you would want brothers to listen, to understand, to help and to support and encourage you. No one wants to fight battles alone. Battles involve blood, and no one wants to bleed alone! Truth is, sometimes when people are bleeding emotionally, mentally, spiritually, they bleed on us! But never forget, we’re not the ones wounded, they are! So why not help them heal?
Think about it: If a person was injured in front of your house and physically bleeding, you'd respond with compassion and you'd do all you could to stop the bleeding. And I don't even think you'd get angry with them for getting blood on you in the process! Now, it may be that someone you know is bleeding emotionally from past wounds, and they do not need one more person who wounds them even though their behavior seems to invite such a harsh response. Whether it’s your father, brother or son, if they were physically injured, would you want people to just walk around them pointing fingers? Or, would you want someone to help them, even if helping them caused some of the blood to smear on them? Well brothers, you have brothers in your family, on your job, in your business, in your church that are bleeding in some way, shape, form or fashion, and they need you! Don't let them bleed alone! Don't let them bleed to death!
Listen: When you try understanding the needs behind their deeds, you can finally respond as Jesus told us to: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). The Message Bible says it like this: “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.” (MSG)
Listen, like it or not, but some of the brothers who are hurting, have hurt you! Hurt people, hurt people! But does that mean you get to respond the same way? Absolutely not, says the Scripture! You don’t show them, themselves, you show them a better version, by acting like it. That person you struggle with doesn't need any more wounds. No, they need someone who will, in Jesus' love, help heal those wounds.
In closing, our opening Scripture says this: “He came to the outskirts of Jericho. A blind man was sitting beside the road asking for handouts. When he heard the rustle of the crowd, he asked what was going on. They told him, “Jesus the Nazarene is going by.” He yelled, “Jesus! Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Those ahead of Jesus told the man to shut up, but he only yelled all the louder, “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought over. When he had come near, Jesus asked “What do you want from Me?” He said, “Master, I want to see again.” Jesus said, “Go ahead – see again! Your faith has saved and healed you!” The healing was instant: He looked up, seeing – and then followed Jesus, glorifying God. Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.” (MSG)
This man reacted this way for a reason! He was blind and begging. His sight impaired, but not his hearing. So, he responded with a holler for help that no one could shush down! After all, if you were in his shoes, and was told that Jesus of all people was walking by, would you be quiet? He responded the way he did because of what he had experienced. And if Jesus is coming by and I don’t have to stay this way any longer, I will cry out as loud and as long as I need to! I may be a nuisance to you, but I have a need for Him!
Now, he cried out for Jesus, and believe it or not, but the brothers around you are doing the same. It may not look or sound like it based on their behavior and speech, but they are. No one hurts and wants to keep the hurt to themselves. No one wants to walk through life in continual misunderstood pain. This man heard help was near, and he reacted to get a response! There’s brothers around you that may be reacting in ways that make you want to slap him upside the head with a skillet, but he really just needs another brother to help him. Help him pray, help him praise, help him worship, help him with a job, help him by listening, help him by sitting quietly in his presence just so he knows he’s not alone in this. Help him get help!
Anna’s dad responded in a peculiar way when the helicopter flew overhead because of his past painful experience. But once she understood what caused him to react in such a way, she could help get her dad help. She could now participate in the process of his healing. And likewise, if you can become just a little more compassionate and patient, you just may find a way to help a hurting brother near you. There’s a reason for his reaction. Respond by taking out time to sit with him, listen to him, and help him. He’s been hurting by himself long enough!
Our Scripture text is about a blind beggar. This man was handicapped and in that society was considered less than, a nuisance, a bother. He had no sight, therefore he had no means of work, instead he had to beg for handouts. But once he reacted in a way that got Jesus attention his sight was restored. The added blessing, he wouldn't have to blindly beg for handouts any longer. He's now in a better position to find work. And likewise, when a brother near you is hurting and hollering and acting out, don't ignore him! Help him get to Jesus so he can be helped, healed and restored, so his life can be turned around for the better! And like the blind beggar he will be in a better position to better his life! Don't you love your brothers enough to help make that happen for them?!
Don’t ignore when you see the signs of him withdrawing from auxiliaries; from prayer, bible study and Sunday school. Don’t ignore when he was once noisy and now he’s extra quiet. Don’t ignore his multiple missed Sunday’s, that have nothing to do with work or illness. Don’t ignore when he stops joining in the Men’s Fellowship. Don’t ignore when you see him even distancing himself from his family. Pray. Embrace him. Ask questions. Seek additional help be it natural or spiritual to help you help him. Just don’t sit off to the side murmuring that he’s not the same, he’s changed. There’s a need behind what looks like nuisance to you and others! There’s a reason behind his reaction, so be your brother’s keeper and find out what it is and help him right where he’s at!
Proverbs 3:27, “Do everything you possibly can for those who need help.” (ERV)
1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us.]” (AMP)
“The true character of a man is not defined by what he does in front of a crowd but instead by what he does when no one else is around.” (Author Unknown)
“Great men are not born great, they grow great.” (Mario Puzo)
“There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet.” (William F. Halsey)
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” (Bob Marley)
“A man must be Big enough to admit his mistakes, Smart enough to profit from them, and Strong enough to correct them.” (John C. Maxwell)
“A strong man stands up for himself. A stronger man stands up for others.” (Pinterest)
“Whenever God means to make a man great, He always breaks him in pieces first.” (Charles Spurgeon)
“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.” (Roger Bannister)
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“Fathers, like mothers, are not born. Men grow into fathers – and fathering is a very important stage in their development.” (David M. Gottesman)
“Arrive as a King, Leave as a Legend, be Remembered as a Gentleman.” (Gentleman’s Essentials)
“Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value.” (Pinterest)
“God uses suffering as a whetstone, to make men sharp with.” (Henry Beecher)
“It’s not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters.” (Evander Holyfield)
“A man’s success is measured by what his wife and children say about him. Money and accomplishments mean nothing if you let your home fail.” (Tony Gaskins)
“Many people think less of a man if he cries because it supposedly shows a sign of weakness, but I beg to differ. A man that’s in touch with his feelings is absolutely beautiful! I admire, respect, and appreciate their braveness to be vulnerable. Crying is NOT a weakness. We cannot expect our men to be strong all of the time. That’s so unfair! They have feelings, too. Don’t ever make a man feel less than just because he cries. Comfort, love, and support him. Show him that you genuinely care.” (Stephanie Lahart)
Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)
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