Compassion

​Meditation
Psalm 116: 5--The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
 
Another day of silence . . . what sickness has quelled my mind and muzzled my voice that should thunder like an awesome waterfall the roaring news of God’s eternal love?  Why do I languish far behind the Master’s call and command?  Where is the compassion in my heart for those groping to find the Light?  How can I shun spreading the antidote to sin to those whose eyes wear its unmistakable mark? Have I forgotten so quickly the One who willingly hung there abandoned and abused to take my sin?

I cannot bear another stare . . . a child asks why do you cry?  If only they were tears of faithfulness instead of self-centeredness! Shame breaks out upon my face like some unholy rash.  Where are the tears that ought to flow for rebellious lives intent on rejecting God’s holy gift?  What makes my callused eyes unable to see the race of Adam God sees?  What madness propels me forward too busy, too quick to notice opportunities all around me?  

He stumbled beneath a crossbeam He should not have had to shoulder.  I am weighted down beneath the I-beam of my own making.  My neck bends so that I see only myself. How could I chew the food of complacency when He whose entire body was racked in agony refused pain-killing gall! Do I not see the brutal war for souls?

It is finished. O God, I cannot march through these motions any longer.  I’ve read Your Word and bent my knee.  I’ve encircled myself with those who know You like some magic bracelet.  But I’ve not yet made it my ambition to put others before myself.  My heart is not broken for the world.  I am not desperate for You.  My feeble love is like a blaring radio.  I don’t have Your compassion.  No more Lord! Make caring my robe.  Renew my spirit.  Take me to the cross.  Raise me from my tomb.  Help me ascend above the plains of mediocrity.  May the honor of Your Son be the focus of my heart for Your eternal glory. “Lord I lift Your Name on high! Lord I love to sing Your praises . . . “
​
When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few.  Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:36-38)  
 
Inspiration
I am sorry for the man who can't feel the whip when it is laid on the other man's back.—Abraham Lincoln
 
©2000 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)