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| Compassion--sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. | (Merriam-Webster) |
January 21
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning
to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.” You no doubt probably recognize the words of this sonnet written by Emma Lazarus, and know that these
words are written on a plaque that is mounted in the base of The Statute of Liberty.
Our study today has a common thread that runs through
Genesis, Psalms, and Matthew. That thread is compassion. When Joseph saw his
brothers for the first time after many years, he was moved with compassion for
them. He watched and listened while they verbalized their fear and frustration
as they dealt with their dilemma. He listened as they expressed regret for
having sold him into slavery, and as they bemoaned the fact that now they were
paying for it. He finally had to remove himself from their presence so that he
could weep.
Matthew 14: “And when Jesus went out He saw a great
multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick”.
Later, the disciples came to Jesus and suggested sending the multitudes away so
they could buy themselves food. This seemed like a practical idea. “But Jesus
told His disciples, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to
eat”. He proceeded to miraculously feed more than 5,000 people besides women
and children. In our daily reading in Psalms 10, God is said to be “the helper
of the fatherless” and “(does) justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
that the man of the earth may oppress no more”.
On occasion, during times of waiting, I have had the opportunity
to observe people coming and going. This usually results in a sense of sadness
for me. Without the hope of something better, our lives are left with much to
be desired. Even if we make it through life with our needs met, we will
ultimately face the end of our lives. We are each a part of the huddled mass of
humanity. While we may receive a little compassion from others in times of
sickness, loss, and neediness, we are born with an overwhelming spiritual need
that can only be filled by the compassion of a loving God.
Psalms 86:15, tells us “But you, O Lord, are a God full of
compassion, and gracious, patient, and plenteous in mercy and truth”. We should
be so thankful and grateful to God for His plan of salvation and the hope this
brings to all, as we recognize the ultimate sad state of humankind. We should
also, without hesitation, share this Good News with those we meet. Our hearts
should emanate compassion for the spiritual need of “the huddled masses”. We
should never send people away to get spiritual help elsewhere. As Believers, we
know where to find eternal life. We should be filled
with a sense of joy that we have the privilege of telling others about the God
of Compassion and the hope that He offers them through salvation and a
relationship with Him!
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