by Tim Hall

Television camera crews are packing up and heading for home. Newspaper reporters are checking out of their hotel rooms. The story of the tsunami disaster is old news and no longer occupies the front page. Only a few will remain behind to help those whose lives have been uprooted. These are the ones whose care is deep and genuine.

It happens hundreds of times each day on a smaller scale. Homes are visited by death and lives are ripped asunder. For a few days, a flurry of activity takes place. Friends call, visit, prepare meals, order flowers, and even attend the funeral. But when the deceased is laid to rest, then what? Have all of the needs been provided for? Or will someone still come by a week or a month later to bring comfort to a lonely widow? Those whose care is genuine will be there.

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples were comforted by the wise words of the stranger they had met. He opened to them the words of Moses and all the prophets in ways they had not considered. But their hearts yearned for more. "Abide with us," they pleaded, "for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent" (Luke 24:29, NKJV). And, true to his nature, Jesus "went in to stay with them."

People can be so thoughtless, so shallow with their concern. Yes, we appreciate their visit at the funeral home, but how we need their companionship weeks later! Is there no one who will stay longer?

"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23). What a friend we have in Jesus! Brief pop-in visits are not his style; he prefers to move in to be our constant companion. He is there when the first wave of disaster strikes, and he will be there as we mop up our lives. "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

If we have benefited from the abiding presence of Jesus in our lives, should we not also strive to model that to those around us? When they see our Lord moving us to unexpected kindness and faithfulness, will they not see his glory?