Accessing Compassion

[Albert Finch]

Matthew 9:36 - But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

 

COMPASSION IS A DEEP YEARNING THAT RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE.
JESUS' LIFE ON EARTH WAS A PICTURE OF COMPASSION IN ACTION. HIS WHOLE MINISTRY WAS DRIVEN BY IT.

 IT WAS COMPASSION THAT CAUSED HIM TO MULTIPLY THE LOAVES AND FISHES, HEAL THE SICK, CAST OUT DEMONS AND RAISE THE DEAD. IT WAS COMPASSION THAT COMPELLED HIM TO GO TO THE CROSS.

 

Observation

HE NOW LONGS TO POUR OUT THAT SAME COMPASSION THROUGH ME.

HIS COMPASSION MOVES ME TO PROVIDE FOR THE HUNGRY.

IT COMPELLS ME TO CAST OUT DEMONS AND SET THE CAPTIVES FREE.

I REACH OUT AND TOUCH A LOVE-STARVED WORLD WITH COMPASSION.

 

Matthew 28:19-21 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.

 

God's covenant promise "I will be with you" has always been linked to mankind's need for courage to face the impossible.

The great commission provides more interesting reading for those who remember what kind of men God was giving His charge to -- greedy, prideful, angry, and self-centered. Yet Jesus called them to change the world.

 

Question To Ask Myself

 

Do I believe that Jesus can overcome my shortcomings and still use me to do His kingdom work?