Devotion
Compassionate Shepherd
David Jacobs
The world seems more divided with each passing day. Every difference is multiplied and magnified, making it seem like we truly cannot get along with others.
In Jesus' time, people were set against one another in a similar fashion, but he chose to be the bigger person and accept all the people. In this verse, Jesus sees the masses of people that are non-believers, ones that he might not take pity on and have compassion towards, and he, of course, does what most of us would not be able to do. He can see how lost they are without a shepherd, and knows that he will never be able to lead them without help.
What Jesus does directly after this verse is telling: he tells his disciples that they need to get to work. "Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38). He knows that he will be unable to touch everyone himself in the short amount of time that he has left. He knows that humans must work together in order to make the world a better place, and we must love and trust each other in order to live a life that is godly. The people that Jesus were talking about were people that had seen and heard him and still chosen not to follow or believe, and yet he still shows them compassion.
Additionally, Jesus feels compassion and pity on the crowd for how they are living their life. They are scattered abroad, fainting, lost and without a leader. He could easily try to forget them, thinking that they are in too deep and lost with or without him, but he doesn't. I wish I could say that I acted with similar compassion with people that have starkly different views that I do, but alas, I am but a mere mortal.
Prayer
We must challenge ourselves to be more compassionate to all people, not just those that agree with us and those that we know and love. All people. Trust in the good ways of Jesus Christ, as he has trusted us to act as his disciples. Will we answer his call?
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
