The Left Door

After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son.  And Isaac settled at Beer-lahai-roi.  Genesis 25:11

I’ve done some funerals in my time.  The first was as a layman for a lady who attended a Bible study I taught.  It was an especially heart wrenching service for me as it was for her baby granddaughter who died of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).  The child was only four months old.

I believe we all feel at a loss to say the right thing to the hurting.  We want to bring comfort and hope but many words fail in that regard.  In today’s verse, it seems God was Isaac’s comfort and hope when he had none. 

I read an interesting story from Jewish sources respecting comforting the hurting. It said that in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the faithful would enter by a door on the right side.  Those who were bereaved would, for one year, enter at the left door.  Those exiting would know those coming in were in the distress of grief and could show compassion, understanding or even assistance to them.

I could not verify the Jewish source. But if it is not true it certainly serves as a good illustration of how we’re called to comfort just not the bereaved, but the hurting. If a person is breathing, they’re hurting, or have been hurt, in some way.

As Christ followers we are consistently called on to show grace, understanding, kindness, and to be ready to offer comfort and support instead of judgment and a critical spirit.  Our Lord Jesus calls us to a higher commissioning in His name.  Even as He was Isaac’s peace, His compassion reaches out through us.

So, when you become aware of the next person you meet who draws breath, ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment and wisdom about the bruising life might be giving them.  Be compassionate.  Who knows but they may have just entered into your left door. 

Ken