They Had No Comforter
The above verse was where I began my Bible reading this morning and it has stayed with me – in particular, the phrase “they had no comforter”. A portion of Matthew Henry’s comments on this verse is as follows:
“They had no comforter; their oppressors were powerful and threatening, and therefore they had no comforter; those that should have comforted them durst not, for fear of displeasing the oppressors and being made their companions for offering to be their comforters. It is sad to see so little humanity among men.”
Matthew Henry
Sadly, this scenario is prevalent even among Christians. Fear of the oppressor and/or fear of association with the oppressed is the reason many people turn a deaf ear to the cries of the persecuted. Heads are turned the other way in an effort to avoid seeing and thus being moved by their tears. No doubt, we have all been guilty of insensitivity toward the mistreated at times. The Apostle Paul found himself alone, humanly speaking:
“At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me…” II Timothy 4:16
Even the disciples fled from Jesus in His hour of need.
“…Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” Matthew 26:56
Friends, have we allowed the fear of man to suppress our love and compassion toward others? Do we value our own reputation more than coming to the aid of a friend in need? Our Dear Saviour had no reputation – why should we?
“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Philippians 2:7
He was despised and rejected of men. Why should we think that we deserve to be loved by all – to the neglect of a dear sister in Christ?
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief…” Isaiah 53:3
Oh my, may we guard our hearts against such callous behavior! May we be willing to stand up to the oppressor and even lose our own reputation, if need be, as we stand beside the oppressed who have no comforter.
“Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but It takes heart to comfort.”
Samuel Chadwick