stephen R Harrison

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. – Proverbs 24:11

I was approaching the checkout counter at the dollar store one day when I heard a man yelling at the lady cashier. It was apparent he was unhappy for some reason. I stepped in between him and her and asked, “Do you have a problem?” The lady was crying as the man continued to raise his voice. He quickly left, and I proceeded to check on the woman. My dad taught me that a godly man is a defender of the weak. I’m not saying all women are weak, but that lady obviously needed help in the moment. I think my mom could have taken him. 

Defending the weak presents itself in various forms. One way to define “weak” is “someone in difficulty who needs more people standing with and supporting them.” My wife and I financially support the Christian women’s pregnancy center and have also served in it. They offer parenting classes, provide free diapers and wipes, free ultrasounds, and many other resources for expectant moms. That’s one way we help defend the weak. Another way I help defend the weak is by serving as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for foster children. I go to the foster home and ensure the child’s basic needs are provided and they are safe, then send a report to the court. 

We’ve sponsored children in other countries through a parachurch ministry. Each of our children has written, prayed for, and encouraged their kids: Don (Haiti), Aydee (Bolivia), and Melanie (Ecuador). Our newest kid is Carles (Peru). Another way our family has helped defend the weak is by serving our community through food pantries in our church. It has allowed us to pray and share the gospel hundreds of times. We love helping people practically by meeting their basic needs, such as clothing, Christmas presents for foster kids and the poor in our community, school supplies for those in need, and backpack meals for kids who may not get enough to eat on the weekend while not at school. 

On mission trips to places like Haiti, India, and Peru, I’ve been able to help kids and families who live in extreme poverty by delivering water and food and even building new homes. I have shared the gospel in these homes and led people to Christ. What people need most of all is the hope of Jesus. In very extreme situations, my wife and I have helped ladies leave physically abusive situations, even helping them move out while their husbands were at work. 

In Proverbs 24:11-12, Solomon’s counsel is to rescue those being led away to death. I’ve counseled young ladies contemplating abortion and provided resources to help them raise their babies. While this is one of the ways these verses are most often interpreted, I believe there is a greater understanding to be had. Nearly 3 billion people around the world have never heard the gospel. People near us and worldwide need us to take the gospel to them. Verse 12 says, “If you say we knew nothing about this, does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?”

I am well aware of the vast lostness around the world, and I have the gospel. I cannot disregard those perishing without being saved by Christ. In the words of an old hymn, “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying. Jesus is merciful. Jesus will save.” I am accountable before God and responsible for sharing the Good News with people daily where I live. I must also use my resources of time and money to travel to unreached and even unengaged people worldwide to share the gospel with them. Those who do not know Christ are being led away to slaughter by the devil. Proverbs 24 men share the gospel continually because they sense the urgency and responsibility of the gospel. As we grow in the other areas mentioned in Proverbs 24 (envy, trust, hope, peace, perseverance, diligence, honesty, non-partiality, etc.), we must lead by being men who defend the weak, rescue the perishing, share the Gospel, and love others.

Questions to Ponder

1. In what ways do you help defend the weak?
2. Do you practice sharing the gospel with others?
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. Write down some ways to help defend the weak and rescue the perishing.
2. Reread Proverbs 24. Ask God to make you strong to be a godly man who defends the weak.
3. Take time to pray for the weak that come to mind.

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 11:30, 14:25, 19:17; 22:9, 31:8-9

Prayers to Pray

Jesus, thank you for your strength. Help me defend the weak and vulnerable in practical ways. I will use my time, talent, and treasure resources to care for others who need more people standing with them in their difficulties. Thank you for those who have helped me when I’ve been weak. Please help me share the gospel with others being led away to slaughter. I will not ignore the poor, defenseless, vulnerable, hurting, and unreached. In Jesus’ name, Amen.