Scripture
27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
Proverbs 3:27-28
Observation
Just before these verses King Solomon reminds his son that God is an ever present help in time of need. That he can find rest in knowing that God isn’t far away but is here, and near and ready to help right now. “24You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.” (Proverbs 3:24-26). Thus, the following verses build on this in that if God is here to help us right now shouldn’t we be ready to help others right now? How many of us want a God who procrastinates when we pray? No way. Then, why do we do so to others? Solomon is teaching us to be a constant state of readiness to help those around us.
Application
There we were in the middle of the New York subway system and we realized we were on the wrong side of the tracks about to get in the train going North towards Manhattan when we needed to be going South toward Brooklyn. We had no idea how to get from where we were to where we needed to be. We were dependent upon the kindness of strangers. You know what? Everyone we asked was kind. The stereotype of New Yorkers being rude and mean did not hold true in our context. We were exhausted and confused at the end of a long day and each person standing around helped us. It was obvious we weren’t locals. Instead of mocking us they gave us the direction needed to traverse the subway system and get us safely back to our rental house. What if they had said they didn’t have time to help? What if they had said if was our own fault for getting lost? It was in their power to help and they did! We were so grateful and we couldn’t have done it without them. The truth is there are many who are lost and confused around us and are asking for help. We are the “locals” when it comes to walking these streets by faith. Every conversation is an invitation to help someone find their way home. Every person we meet, every need we meet is an opportunity to meet the real need of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Power of NOW is the power of proximity and presence with that person. Instead of seeing the need of those around us an interruption or an irritation what if we saw it as an invitation to relationship. The power of now is Nearness, Obedience, Willingness. Solomon goes on to write, "29Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you. 30Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.” (Proverbs 3:29-30). Where is your mission field? Start with those who are near you. What should you do? Start now? Delayed obedience is still disobedience. God will not force us to help but is searching all the world to find someone willing to stand in the gap for those around them.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for hearing me now. You don’t put me off. My need is not a nuisance to you. You are my security and because of Your nearness I have nothing to fear. Now, You have called me to be the same to others right now. Not later, not “when I have more time or it’s more convenient.” My mission field starts right here, right now with those that are near me, obeying what You’re saying in the moment, willing to give what I have until it hurts in order to help others. This is the power of now. This will help those who are lost to find their way home to You.
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