Time for Compassion

2 Samuel 2; 1 Chronicles 11; Psalms 142; Matthew 14

“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

Matthew 14:13, 14

Where do we go when we need time and space to process events in our lives?

Jesus looked for solitude after he heard of the execution of his cousin John the Baptist. If there was ever a time he could justify ignoring the demands and needs of the crowds that followed him, this was that time. 

How did Jesus respond?

He had compassion for them and healed their sick. Christ’s compassion was stronger than his need for alone time. Who we are when our margins are tight and our reserves are thin is a good measure of our maturity and character. Jesus bled compassion. 

When pushed to our limits, what do we bleed?

Processing is healthy and alone time is essential if we are to be healthy. 

Will we trust God’s timing in our lives, our families, and our ministries, and invite him to fill us to overflowing with compassion and love for a world in need?

“Lord Jesus, I desire to love as you loved. I repent for selfish uses of time that are more about me than about you.”