Several weeks ago, flash floods swept through Maryland. I was stunned when I saw how quickly nature can turn harmony into chaos. However, in the midst of this destructive chaos, salvation was taking place. A woman was rescued from her car by the collaborative power of a human chain.
Moved by these men's compassionate bravery to risk their own lives to save another's, I remembered a Biblical story of a human chain. The story is when Jesus healed a paralytic man whose friend created a human chain in order to lower him down to the Master through the roof of a house. The doorway was blocked, so the paralytic's friends formed a human chain so that he could be healed by Jesus.
Have you ever been part of a human chain? Think about it. To be a part of a human chain doesn't necessarily mean you put your life in harm's way such as the rescuers in Maryland. At the heart of the human chain is sacrificial service; giving of yourself to lift up (or lower down through a roof) another who is in need.
We have many opportunities for service at JCPC. Holy Hands in Prayer meets on Tuesday mornings to create a human chain of prayer. Meals and More provides essential meals during times of crisis and need. The Knit Wits and their blessed knitting needles stitch together loving prayer shawls that warm the bodies and spirits of hospital patients. Stephen Ministry offers the ministry of caring presence for those needing a compassionate friend to walk along side of them during a rough time.
Speaking of Stephen Ministry the next training is scheduled to begin on September 16th. If you are interested in training to become a Stephen Minister, let me know.
God forms our human chains as part of his plan for salvation. Take some time to reflect upon the people that God used to form a human chain to save you. Perhaps it's time to return the favor!
Prayer for Today
We thank you, O Lord, for the men and woman of faith that you have placed in our lives to help us in times of struggle. Bless us with your Holy Spirit, so that we will become that man or woman who heeds your call to give of ourselves through sacrificial service. Amen.
