DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday, April 13, 2022
TOPIC: Someone To Lean On
TEXT: PROVERBS 17:15-28
KEY VERSE: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (PROVERBS 17:17).
DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday, April 13, 2022 OUTLINE
Jackie Robinson was the first black to play major league baseball. Breaking baseball’s colour barrier, he faced jeering crowds in every stadium. While playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he committed an error. The fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, humiliated. Then, shortstop Pee Wee Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Jackie Robinson and faced the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career.
In the passage under discussion today, the author, by the Spirit of God characterises the qualities of a good brother and friend. A true friend loves at all times, in sickness or health, through the good and the bad times. True brothers stay with us in times of adversity.
During the days of segregation and racism in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world, many black and coloured people were humiliated and maltreated in public places. They were subjected to inhuman treatment, in proportions that should not happen under any civilised setting. Their very humanity was called to question.
Unfortunately, some so-called Christian congregations joined in the practice of racism, refusing to hold mixed services for fear of offending the black supremacists and other misguided locals. Up until this moment, racism has not totally left us.
The cheering news, however, is the courage of true friends, like Wee Reese who dare to stand with their colleagues in times of trouble. The world needs more of this kind of friendship today.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Everyone needs someone to lean on.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 78-79
