An officer of the health department went to the river Ganges at Kanpur’s Nan Mau Ghat, along with his friend. He slipped into a deep section. His friend approached divers to rescue him, but they demanded a certain amount to be transferred to an account before they did the service. After the money was transferred, they tried to rescue the drowning man, but failed and even the body was not found. His wife is a judge with the Maharashtra government and his brother is a senior bureaucrat with the Bihar government. (NDTV 6 September 2024) When these people had the power to do good, they failed to take timely action. Hence, they sinned against God and humanity. (James 4:17)
Taking advantage: The Bible warns against taking advantage of any fellow humans. “No one should seize a hand mill or its upper millstone as security for a loan, for that would be taking someone’s livelihood as security.” (Deuteronomy 24:6) A millstone was essential for a family’s livelihood. Non-essential items could be taken as pledges to guarantee the loan repayment.
God’s concern: God does not want even a sheep to die abandoned on a Sabbath day. Lord Jesus said to critics: “Which one of you who has a sheep if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?” (Matthew 12:11) If God expected to save a sheep from death on the Sabbath day, how much he demands to help fellow humans?
Good Samaritan: The Lord Jesus Christ taught the Parable of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37) The man who was in need was in danger of death and could not get any help from any other source. While the religious leaders ignored the man, the Samaritan extended the timely help. Without hesitation, he helped using his things, money, and resources. The Good Samaritan did not demand money or repayment from the helpless man.
Merchants of death: The divers who had time, energy, skills, and opportunity to help a drowning man, but bargained for money.
Do I do good eagerly, readily, and timely?