relationships (Matthew 9:32-38) Being Compassionate

(Matthew 9:32-38)

32 And as they were going out, behold, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to Him. 33 And after the demon was cast out, the man who was previously unable to speak talked; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.”

35 Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.

36 Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY

We see this in today's society:  people falsely accusing those who are doing good, and then defending those who are doing evil.  We definitely live in a fallen, broken world, and my heart is heavy when I consider this!  We are to have compassion, but let us not confuse that with approving and enabling bad behavior.  We are to make sure that justice is served for the victims.  But more importantly, we are to pray - plead - that the Lord will send out workers, to reach out to those who are desperately struggling to find purpose, direction, healing, comfort, fulfillment and meaningful relationships...  All of these needs are spiritual, and the Lord Jesus is the only answer, solution and true Shepherd.

By asking the Lord to send out workers, let us remember that we, ourselves, are also called.  And we are most like Jesus when we are serving.  It doesn't mean that we have to go to some distant, strange land.  We actually have a great harvest right around us.  It might be as simple as visiting with the next door neighbor.  May we be open to God's calling, and His equipping us, in order to accomplish whatever task, mission or purpose He has called us to, in order to point people towards the Shepherd.  And then, it is in our close relationship with the Lord and our obedience that we, ourselves, will experience the Lord in a mighty and an amazing way!