06.06.2023 Lessons from a Spontaneous Banquet: Compassion

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

When the crowds heard [that Jesus was going to a desolate place], they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

The greatest miracle in the account of the feeding of the 5000 might be Jesus’ compassion. I marvel at the fact that Jesus, who wants to be alone in His grief over the death of John, sees the crowd and has compassion on them. He has every right to be angry and send them away. Instead, His heart breaks or them. Jesus realizes that the emotions He is currently struggling with are the very sorrow that the people live with every day. Sin and death are a constant part of their lives. So Jesus has compassion and begins to heal, teach and encourage. Jesus knows that the same is true for you and me. We daily struggle with grief over sin and death, wondering if God will reject us because of our lack of faith and faithfulness. His response is the same. When Jesus meets you each morning He has compassion. He comes with healing, strength and encouragement, even when He has every right to be angry. Come into His presence today and experience afresh His compassion.

Lord God, I thank You for Your endless compassion on me. I confess that I do not deserve it and could never earn it. Therefore, I praise You for Your free gift. Amen.

You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion. — Meister Eckhart

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. ― John Bunyan