Care for the Vulnerables

The service at ACK St. Luke’s Mirichi focused on the theme of Care for the Vulnerables, based on Mark 10:2-16. The message highlighted various groups of vulnerable people, including widows, orphans, the terminally ill, and others who face hardships. The passage opens with Pharisees questioning Jesus about divorce, aiming to test Him and trap Him into contradicting scripture or speaking against Herod’s actions.

Key Lessons from the Sermon:

1. Pharisees’ Intent and Jesus’ Response:
   • The Pharisees approached Jesus, referencing Moses’ law, which allowed for a letter of divorce to defend the vulnerable woman. Jesus explained that this law was given due to human sinfulness, not because it was God’s original design. He emphasized that God intended for a man and woman to unite and become one.
2. God’s Design vs. Human Design:
   • Jesus contrasted God’s perfect design for marriage with human-imposed solutions like divorce. While Moses permitted divorce, it was a concession to human sinfulness. Jesus pointed out that divorce and remarriage lead to adultery, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and adherence to God’s standards.
3. Family Stability:
   • God’s original design aimed to ensure stability in families—economically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Divorce disrupts this stability and brings challenges, although it has become a reality in the community. The sermon posed the question of whether those affected by divorce can seek refuge and support within the church.
4. Care for the Vulnerable:
   • The Jewish societal hierarchy placed God above men, men above women, and women above children. This hierarchy was evident when the disciples attempted to prevent children from approaching Jesus, reflecting a broader neglect of the vulnerable in society. The message encouraged the church to extend care to all vulnerable groups, including orphans, widows, the terminally ill, and those suffering from exploitation or loss.
   • Jesus’ action of calling forth the children symbolizes the church’s responsibility to welcome and care for the vulnerable, providing them with refuge and healing through God’s love.

The sermon concluded with a call to reach out and support those wounded by life’s challenges, urging them to seek Jesus for healing and solace. The church was reminded of its role in providing safety and care to those in need, adhering to Jesus’ example of compassion and acceptance.