There Are No Dukes in The Kingdom of God

"The Duke of Wellington, the famous conqueror of Napoleon, was kneeling in a church one Sunday, ready to partake of communion. A private was also kneeling for communion. When the private discovered who was kneeling beside him, he was embarrassed. Quietly he arose, saying, "Pardon me, your grace." Wellington pulled him down beside him, saying, "In the presence of Jesus Christ there are no dukes." p. 24 Be Still and KnowMillie StrammZondervan, 1981 0310329914

Today is the first in a series on the power of the flame of love of God in a Christian's heart with hurting people. The "chatter" coming in my ears lately does not line up with Jesus Christ's message of love and transforming hope. Fear and self preservation are kicking into high gear inside and outside the church while financial worlds are shaking.

I've said this before on this blog: darkness only makes light shine brighter. I desire to be a flame of God's love and hope in my world. May we explore what the Bible says about this?

So........hang on and let's go down God's mercy, compassion life changing route.

Let us review the book of Ezekiel where he writes of times that were truly bad for the Jews. God gave Ezekiel the truth the people needed, but here was his initial instructions:

Ezekiel 3:15 "Then I come to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days."

God sent Ezekiel to His people in captivity with His warning. It was as if Ezekiel knew God was calling a pause before he would be ready to speak, "Not yet, Ezekiel. First you must sit with them and experience what they are going through." Like the Duke of Wellington said at the altar, "There ain't no dukes down here...." Seems God was telling high priest Ezekiel to get down in the dirt and "know" what these people were going through.

A Kay moment....Oh, yes...don't tell me what I need to do without listening to me. You need to show me you "know" something about my pain. I've mentioned on earlier posts that I don't take any advice from people until I "see" their limp or scars. If you've never been through some "stuff" or you like keeping that private; move on. I don't have an ear for your sermon. Show me you've "sat" where I sit; or you have spent time with people with my "issues" or you have some real knowledge of my needs or move on.

But Ezekiel was equipped to speak after 7 days of sitting, watching, listening, and feeling their pain.
He could feel their needs with them.
He could see their problems through their eyes.
Then he was ready to share God's message for them.

How do you feel about folks helping you in your needs?
What must they possess to be qualified to advise you?

As a Christian; what is most important to you as you reach out to help others?