Читать книгу Beyond the Horizon - Harry A. Renfree - Страница 14

January 08

In response to the vast human needs of global proportions, Albert Schweitzer and countless others like him have dedicated their lives to relieve suffering and to tell others of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In one of his writings, Schweitzer describes the kind of moment in his life that gave him the greatest satisfaction. A native with intense suffering was brought into his hospital. Dr. Schweitzer calmed the man by relating that he would operate and the man would soon be well and free of pain. After the operation, the caring doctor sat with the man while he was regaining consciousness. Slowly the man opened his eyes and whispered in sheer wonderment: “I have no more pain.” That was the moment of Dr. Schweitzer’s greatest satisfaction . . . no monetary reward there, but a deep satisfaction.

In response to the vast human need with which He was surrounded, Jesus gave what we call the Sermon on the Mount, found in which are the marvelous Beatitudes. The last few verses of chapter 4 in Matthew set the scene. News about Jesus had spread, and many brought to him people with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the epileptics, the paralytics, the demon possessed etc., and Jesus healed them. Large crowds from Galilee and beyond followed Him. Chapter 5 begins by indicating that Jesus then went up to a mountainside and began to teach the comforting words of the Beatitudes:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled

(Matthew 5:3–6).

Jesus remains as concerned about the sufferer today. And so are His followers, whether skilled like Albert Schweitzer or simply able like you and me to share the Master’s love and concern.