Preaching on Isolation and Abandonment

Introduction:

The concept of "enmity" in the Bible extends beyond simple dislike or disagreement. It often depicts a profound state of alienation, abandonment, and isolation. This study will examine the theme of enmity through a selection of passages, focusing on the emotional and spiritual impact of being forsaken by others.

Passages and Analysis:

1. Psalms (Ps 31:11, Ps 38:11, Ps 88:18, Ps 142:4):

◦ Ps 31:11: "Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; a dread to my friends—those who see me on the street flee from me."

◦ Ps 38:11: "My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away."

◦ Ps 88:18: "You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend."

◦ Ps 142:4: "Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life."

◦ Analysis: These verses reveal the psalmist's deep sense of isolation. The psalmist experiences not just hostility from enemies, but abandonment from friends and neighbors. This emphasizes the emotional pain of feeling utterly alone and forsaken. The imagery of fleeing and avoidance highlights the severity of the alienation. The darkness in Ps 88:18 suggests a sense of despair and hopelessness.

2. Gospels (Mk 14:48, Mk 14:50, Lk 15:16, Lk 16:20, Lk 16:21, Jn 5:7):

◦ Mk 14:48: "‘Am I leading a band of rebels,’ said Jesus, ‘that you came out with swords and clubs to capture me?’"

◦ Mk 14:50: "Then everyone deserted him and fled."

◦ Lk 15:16: "He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything." (Parable of the Prodigal Son)

◦ Lk 16:20-21: "At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores." (Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus)

◦ Jn 5:7: "‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.’"

◦ Analysis:

▪ Mark's account of Jesus' arrest demonstrates the ultimate form of abandonment, even by his closest disciples. The question in Mk 14:48 highlights the unjust nature of the hostility.

▪ The parables in Luke illustrate the depth of human isolation. The prodigal son's desperation and Lazarus's suffering reveal the harsh reality of being completely destitute and without human compassion.

▪ John 5:7 highlights the loneliness of physical helplessness, and the feeling of being over looked.

3. Additional Passages (Job 17:3, Job 19:13, Ps 69:8, Ps 88:8, Prov 19:7, Eccl 4:10, Nah 3:7, 2 Tim 4:16):

◦ Job 17:3: "Lay down a pledge for me with yourself—who else will put up security for me?"

◦ Job 19:13: "He has alienated my brothers from me; my acquaintances are completely estranged from me."

◦ Ps 69:8: "I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children."

◦ Ps 88:8: "You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape."

◦ Prov 19:7: "A poor person is shunned by all his relatives—how much more do his friends avoid him!"

◦ Eccl 4:10: "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

◦ Nah 3:7: "All who see you will shrink back from you and say, ‘Nineveh is ruined! Who will mourn for her?’ Where can I find anyone to comfort you?"

◦ 2 Tim 4:16: "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them."

◦ Analysis:

▪ These verses reinforce the theme of alienation across various books of the Bible. Job, like the psalmists, expresses the pain of being abandoned by family and friends.

▪ Proverbs emphasizes how poverty exacerbates isolation.

▪ Ecclesiastes highlights the importance of companionship and the vulnerability of being alone.

▪ Nahum portrays the complete isolation of a condemned city.

▪ Paul's words in 2 Timothy reveal that even faithful servants of God can experience abandonment.

Theological Implications:

• Human Fragility: These passages reveal the vulnerability of the human condition and the deep emotional pain of isolation.

• Empathy and Compassion: They call us to empathy and compassion for those who are suffering and alone.

• God's Presence in Abandonment: Even in the depths of despair, the psalms often express a plea to God. This suggests that even when abandoned by humans, one can still find solace in God.

• Jesus's Experience: Jesus himself experienced the ultimate form of abandonment on the cross. This allows us to understand that God understands the pain of isolation.

• The Importance of Community: The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship.

Application:

• Reflect on times you have felt isolated or abandoned.

• Consider how you can be a source of comfort and support to those who are alone.

• Remember that even in times of isolation, God is present.

• Examine your own life, and ask if you have been guilty of isolating others.

• Pray for those who feel alone, and ask God to bring them comfort.

Conclusion:

The theme of enmity in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the pain of isolation and the importance of human connection. It also points to the ultimate hope found in God, who promises never to abandon those who trust in him.

Preaching on Isolation and Abandonment