It’s all on video. A seventy-nine-year-old man was attacked on a New York subway and was left bleeding, apparently by a tall, angry transgender woman who swore at him and hit him over the head with a high heel shoe. Several people sat and watched, some in disbelief, others on their iPhones.
The elderly man was calmly preaching from the Bible and was approached by the attacker, who apparently hates God and anyone who shares the truth. A few people finally came to the bleeding man’s aid, and he was taken to the hospital but at this time, police are still looking for the suspect.
What can we learn from this and how would you have responded?
The elderly man was left beaten and bloodied. The violent attack was captured on video last week by riders on board a subway train approaching Times Square.
Police say the unidentified rider confronted the elderly man, began to scream and curse at him, and then assaulted him with a spiked stiletto heel. The attack left the man with a gash in his head, and it took 30 stitches to close the wound.
But no one stepped in to help defend the 79-year-old man before he was attacked, and he was left a bloody mess as fellow subway riders watched it happen. Another video shows a few passengers eventually coming to the man’s aid as he stood there with his shirt soaked in blood.
One woman urged the elderly man to sit down and later she held tissues to his head. One Instagram user (@f.u.n.m.i.k.e), who captured some of the footage provided details and shared her thoughts:
This old man right here was just singing some gospel songs and sharing the word of God to people on the train; he didn’t say anything to hurt anyone, he wasn’t even loud, …but this is what he got in return from a transgendered Lady who hit him on the head with her heels, threw his Bible away, and no one did anything to help but to look at this old man bleed.
He’s just an old man… he doesn’t deserve this …Justice is needed. …see the next post to see how terrified this old man was.
So what can we learn from this? Let’s be more aware of those around us and let’s be quick to help someone in need. We may have to put down our phones in order to do this so we can react quickly. And pray for the protection of those who love others and are simply sharing the good news of Jesus. Pray that more people will be receptive to the message, that they’ll hear, believe, and repent.
I don’t know if there will be justice in this case, but know this: God is just, and His justice will prevail in the end.
In her Instagram post, one sentence was most insightful:
“What a world we live in that some people see preaching the word of God as a threat to their lives.”
Ironically, those very words of life, the gospel that is the power of God to save people, are what offends them. They need Jesus but are often the ones wanting nothing to do with Him. It’s their choice, and many will get their wish in the end because God won’t force anyone into heaven to be with Him for eternity.
These people not only refuse the message, they hate the messenger. Nevertheless, we as Christians are to be ambassadors for Christ, not secret agents.
Romans 5:8 states:
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The gospel is both exclusive and inclusive. What do I mean?
Jesus said He is the Way, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). But His offer is for every one of us, it’s for anyone who wants their sins forgiven and who believes in His name. Ten out of ten people die. Don’t gamble with your life, trust in Christ while there’s still time.
Video courtesy of Freedom Project Media
