«But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd» (Matthew 9:36).
WHAT DID THE LORD’S HEART FEEL when he saw the weary and scattered multitudes like sheep without a shepherd? Deep compassion. Every time our I Savior was in the presence of human suffering, the Scriptures say that He: «Had compassion. »
In Greek, the expression «to have compassion» means «to be moved as to ones bowels,» and it refers to the deepest feelings a human being may experience. In Jesus’s case in particular, that feeling was always accompanied by action: it did not matter what work He was doing, or who He was dealing with, He always did something to free the oppressed and heal those who were suffering, without expecting anything in return.
How do you and I respond in the presence of pain? And what motivation are we led by when, for instance, we give a donation or a Bible study? Is it out of love for souls or an interest in the crown? Professor Helmut Thielicke tells the following story that is very enlightening.
Thielicke writes that he once witnessed the special interest a nurse took in her patients. He himself had been ill, and had been able to prove, first hand, how much she cared for each person that was ill. For twenty years, she had faithfully performed her job. Then Thielicke decided to ask her why she did it, and where she got the strength to do it, in view of the sacrifice her work implied.
«Well, you see,» the nurse answered with a radiant expression, «every night I work adds another star to my heavenly crown. I already have 7175!»
Professor Thielicke’s disappointment could not have been greater. In an instant, both his admiration for the nurse, as well as his feeling of gratitude, disappeared. To this woman, patients were simply a means to an end. She viewed them, not as human beings in need of help; but as stars that were added to her crown each night. And she had counted them: 7175!
How different is the example the Lord Jesus gave us! Steps to Christ tells us that, «Love, mercy, and compassion were revealed in every act of His life; His heart went out in tender sympathy to the children of men.» (ch. I, p. Il).
His heart overflowed with compassion for every human being! That was His motivation to serve! That was also the reason why He left heaven, and died nailed to a cross. Should we be led a different motivation in fulfilling the mission he has commended to us?
Dear Jesus, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit today.
That way my only motivation in serving You will be the glory of Your holy name, because You are worthy of bearing the crown!
#AdultsDevotional
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
