12.9.99

There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. - Luke 16:19-21.

The headline says "World Silent as Russia Hits Chechnya." Many countries including Islamic nations have condemned Russia's aggressive campaign against Chechnya. But none are threatening the immediate institution of sanctions or any other punitive measures. So far it has all been words as far as trying to stop Russia's attack. We know there are reasons. Russia is fragile and has been attacked by terrorists. It is also about economics. Who is going to control the oil in that area of the world? Russia, or this little Chechnya? If we let Russia get by with this; then, they will be on our side when there is an issue, which really matters to us.

How does this relate to you or to me? It is a picture of the individuals who make up the nations. We are a silent world when it comes too much smaller matters as well. At the current time there is a very aggressive campaign in the United States against the homeless. Much like Chechnya, they are small and defenseless. Much like Chechnya, there are few standing up to help protect them, or to try and make life better for them. We throw out our crumbs, and think we have done our part.

In your world, it may not be the homeless it may be someone else. It may be that in your world there is someone who is handicapped who needs protection or help. It may be someone who needs that cup of water in the Name of Jesus. It may be someone who needs clothes in the Name of Jesus, or is in prison and needs your visit. Will we continue to remain silent as the enemy devours victim after victim? Who are these victims? Jesus says: "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me: I was in prison and you came to Me (Matthew 25:35-36)."