To advance God’s work, sometimes it’s best just to walk away
By Dean Collins
Sometimes we have to wait or retreat in order to provide help. Now is not always the right time. It can be very difficult to step back, especially when you see someone who needs help, healing, or even rescuing. To pull back from helping instead of rushing in when you know there is so much to do seems odd and maybe even like we are shirking our spiritual responsibility, but consider that this is exactly what even Jesus did.
We know Jesus saw the crowds of people that were like sheep without shepherds and in deep need of being rescued. He told his followers to pray for more workers to get busy helping. We know that Jesus, even in the face of skeptics and enemies, at times continued to meet needs, even performing miracles. But Matthew also tells us that sometimes in those very same situations, Jesus pulled back.
He did not stay
After Jesus healed a man with a withered hand, the Pharisees met together to hatch a plan to destroy him. Jesus did not stay and challenge the angry leaders. He simply walked away. And many who needed help followed him. Away from the hostile authorities, he healed those who went with him.
Sometimes confronting the tension is a prophet’s work. But sometimes it is right and maybe best to walk away from the conflict and allow someone in need to follow us. If we are the salt of the earth and light of the world, then it seems others will notice and often will pursue us.
You might be right in your position on some issue. You might have the best path forward for someone in need. But when there is resistance and hostility, choosing to stay and argue for the truth you think you have is not always the best or wise solution. You may even put yourself or someone else in danger.
“He will not quarrel”
Right after Jesus walked away from those who sought to harm him, Matthew quotes a passage from Isaiah. He includes it at least in part to validate that Jesus was the Messiah. But it also gives us a description of how this Messiah would act. Since we are to follow Jesus in every way, this same passage might give us clarity on how we are to act.
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
If we are to be effective in the ministry we share with Jesus, then we must take on his characteristics. Isaiah described Jesus as a servant who possessed the Spirit of God. He did not come to be quarrelsome or to yell at us about the things we need to change. He was strong but bruised. He experienced verbal abuse, rejection, and ultimately violence in order to fulfill his mission. His work continues through us today. The work of justice for all, hope for all, even salvation for all is ongoing and will not stop until Jesus returns to renew and restore all things.
Away from the hostility
We are to advance the kingdom of God, praying daily that his will is done on earth as it is in Heaven. But sometimes we need to step back for safety and allow someone in need to come to us so we can show them Jesus away from the tensions and hostility of the world.
Your time with God’s Word
Matthew 12:14-15, 17-21 ESV
Photo by Ondosan Sinaga from Pexels
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