The Harlot - abandonned

The harlot lay face down on the ground before her accusers.  There was nothing she could do.  She was alone, abandoned by all ... 

“There was nothing I could do.  Face down ... there’s a hand on my shoulder and I hear a voice like music in my ear.”

Where is everyone?  Where is her lover?  Her family?  Her friends?  Her community?  Is there no one to speak up for her before her accusers?  Does no one come?  No – she is alone.  Abandoned.  Lying face down in the city square.

I experienced a sense of abandonment last Sunday at church.  Robby Dawkins asked those who had back pain to stand up where they were in the congregation.  I have a sore lower back.  Healing prayer was on offer yet I found it difficult to arise.  I felt so vulnerable.  Then Robby asked those who had little or no experience in healing to gather around those who were standing.  I watched as others gathered around those in front of me and to the side.  But no one came to stand with me.  No one came.  I stood alone.  In those seconds of vulnerability the enemy came and whispered to me again about how I always end up standing alone because no one comes to me in my pain.  It seemed true enough because here I was standing alone.   But it was all a lie.  Moments later I felt Rudi’s hand upon my shoulder from behind. 

At the end of the service we were called to gather at the front of the auditorium.  I went forward and again felt the abandonment come up.  Tears began to fall as I remembered all those times of standing alone and being afraid.  Then someone came up behind me and laid his hand upon my shoulder.  As he did I heard Jesus remind me yet again that He has His hand upon my shoulder.  Just like this man.  Just like Rudi.  Just like when my father was deteriorating.  Again I saw the picture of my Dad lying in his bed unwell.  I was sitting next to him holding his hand.  I was so alone and in anguish as I sat him.  Then Jesus came.  He came and stood behind me and placed His two hands upon my shoulders.  He told me that as I supported my father and had his back, that Jesus was supporting me and had my back.  I was not alone in all of this.  I was not abandoned.

Have you ever felt abandoned?  Alone?  Afraid?  Have there been times when no one has come to you in your pain?  If so, then come to Overflow on Sunday night and allow Jesus to come and comfort you in that place.