In my previous post I referenced the book "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclaen. The story is about how Paul's brother Norman takes him fishing one last time to try and help him through a difficult season in life but his message doesn't seem to break through.
Being a pastor I have rejoiced with people who rejoice, and also mourned with people who mourn. Why is it some of the most difficult situations, and some of the hardest struggles are smack dab in the middle of family? Why is it some people who appear to need the most help are the most difficult to reach?
A popular English proverb says "when the going gets tough the tough get going." Far too often this happens in a negative sense, usually one of two ways:
1) People who are wounded retreat and don't allow anyone close, because to be close equals too vulnerable
2) People near the wounded retreat and don't fulfill Proverbs 17:17 and they love only when convenient or on their terms
Consider this sliver from :The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible
A true, hearty, faithful friend, loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity: there are many that are friends to persons, while they are in affluent circumstances; but when there is a change in their condition, and they are stripped of all riches and substance; than their friends forsake them, and stand at a distance from them; as was the case of Job, (Job 19:14) ; it is a very rare thing to find a friend that is a constant lover, such an one as here described. The Jewish writers understand this as showing the difference between a friend and a brother: a cordial friend loves at all times, prosperous and adverse; but a "brother [loves when] adversity [is] born"
Some of my favorite family memories have been an annual fishing trip to the Beartooth Mountains in Montana, just north of Yellowstone Park. My Dad and brothers went last year and we spent 5 nights around 12 miles into the wilderness area. We enjoy each other's company, catch tons of fish, get on each others nerves, and also challenge one another physically and spiritually. A Proverb written by Solomon says "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Far too often the iron in our lives doesn't sharpen but can do damage. Remember the story of two brothers in the book of Genesis named Cain and Abel. Because of jealousy, competition and anger Cain slew his brother Abel. How many family feuds have there been or started in good intention and the outcome of adversity ends in emotional slaying?
Community/Family is designed to:
Help us in times of trouble
Challenge us not be independent
Cause us to overcome individualism
Forge us with accountability
Encourage us to keep going when the road seems to long
This week we are mourning with those who mourn. A great man, Brent James Schlimgen (see link) passed away last Thursday morning. Leaving behind his beautiful wife Kristy, and two boys Andrew John and Luke James. Not to mention so many in our own community who were dear friends.
This event has cause several responses in my heart. One of grief for his dear loved ones who have certainly walked through some difficult years. Secondly I am reminded how precious are days our and not to take for granted even one day with those close to us. Finally I am reminded of how to respond, that a brother is born for adversity. Not for quarrelling. But to stand strong when others fall.
Proverbs 17:17 is summed up well with these words,"To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is specially seen in adversity" - Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
We live in a land where dysfunction has become the norm. Divided couples and friends, Divided families and a Divided Nation. Reach out, don't run. Dig Down and find a purpose in the middle of your adversity.
JY
http://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/article_367f6f00-6e94-11e0-9842-001cc4c03286.html
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