Where is Compassion?

N.T.#371 "Where is Compassion?"

August 20, 2024 

Mark 7-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Where is compassion in our world today? I have seen it given toward the tornado victims in the neighboring town hit hard in the rural area. Since the end of May, a sister church has fixed meals for those in need. Some days they had as many as 140. Not only that, people donated food and items needed. They had rooms packed. When they were running low on food, our church stepped us and gave over $800 from a car show collected. How grateful they were. People are repairing homes, clearing debris, and healing. (Most were just devastated emotionally. Another sister church gave away food on Saturdays to those in need. That is compassion. 

There were a few things we don't want to overlook concerning Jesus healing the blind and speechless man:

• Even Jesus' saliva was used for God's glory. (7:33 and 8:23)
• Jesus looked to heaven in dependence on the Father. (verse 34)
• He demonstrated genuine humanity and emotional involvement in the lives of those to whom Jesus ministered. 
• He sighed deeply in sorrow over the man's broken condition (verse 34) and wept before raising Lazarus from the dead. (John 11:35)
• He ordered the people to not tell anyone about the man's healing. (verse 36) Jesus' mission wasn't healing physically but spiritually those in need. 

We have a Savior who knows our sufferings. Jesus is abundant in mercy and gives us lively hope by His resurrection from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

Do you have this hope, my friend?

LET IT GROW 

How did the people react that was witnessing this healing? They were beyond measure astonished. saying, He hath done all things well. (verse 37)

Astonished means amazed; exceedingly, abundantly above.

Aren't we amazed when Jesus does something for us, answers our prayers?

What can we gleen from this passage?

• Treat everyone with courtesy, including family and friends, not just strangers.
• Promote liberty everywhere. So many have scars from the past, memories of heartbreak, failures, moral tumbles, foolish decisions, disappointments, fractured romances, etc. 
• Help others be free from those things, affirm them, letting words have the power to free people.
• Do everything well. Do your job with excellence, give to others. Finish well. (Swindoll)

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Col. 3:23-24)

LET IT GO

                               ... of the past and live in the present.

                               ... and forgive those who have hurt you.

                               ... of self and love others more.

                                ... and show compassion.

                                ... and be more like Jesus.