Compassion
Reporters have come up with a new term to describe the lack of reaction to disasters. They call it compassion fatigue. We are constantly inundated with stories of human distress: famine, genocide, and earthquakes. Some say that since we cannot help them all, we sometimes tune out such news. Certainly no one can accuse Americans of not caring. Eight out of ten Americans give something to charity every year. But we can see how modern news gathering and reporting does overwhelm us with stories of disasters and we do often feel helpless to assist even when we'd like to. Thankfully, our God never has compassion fatigue. He is pained by all the suffering of those made in His image. He is gracious and forgiving to those who disappoint Him. He is, as the Bible says, "full of compassion" and "His mercy endures forever."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Compassion 2 { we all need somebody ]
We all need someone to stand by us some time. Television and print reports told the story of thirteen-year-old Natalie Gilbert. Natalie was asked to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" before a full house at a NBA playoff game. As sometimes happens, Natalie forgot the words. She closed her eyes and appeared to be on the verge of tears. Maurice Cheeks, head coach of the Portland Trailblazers, walked out on center court, placed his arm around Natalie and began singing with her. He then asked the crowd to join them. What could have been enormously embarrassing turned into a great moment.
We all need someone to stand with us in our frailties and help us become better. People might sometimes help, but Jesus always will. By the way, Natalie has been asked to sing again next year.
We all need someone to stand with us in our frailties and help us become better. People might sometimes help, but Jesus always will. By the way, Natalie has been asked to sing again next year.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
compassion
Psalm 103:13
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Thoughts on today's verse
Compassion. Not pity, not anger, not shame, not impatience, not intolerance, not rejection, but compassion is what God, my Father, gives to me. He cares for my pain enough to enter into my world and share it in Jesus.
Prayer:
Father of Mercies and God of all Compassion, thank you for not only knowing and caring about my struggles and problems but sending me help in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. By one I know your love and mercy and by the other I know your might and power. May your Spirit of compassion be found in my relationships. Through the grace of Jesus I pray. Amen.'
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Thoughts on today's verse
Compassion. Not pity, not anger, not shame, not impatience, not intolerance, not rejection, but compassion is what God, my Father, gives to me. He cares for my pain enough to enter into my world and share it in Jesus.
Prayer:
Father of Mercies and God of all Compassion, thank you for not only knowing and caring about my struggles and problems but sending me help in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. By one I know your love and mercy and by the other I know your might and power. May your Spirit of compassion be found in my relationships. Through the grace of Jesus I pray. Amen.'
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas: When Your Heart Grows Three Sizes
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26
In Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes! This heart change makes a big difference in his life.
I’m not sure what Dr. Seuss’ intentions were when he wrote the story back in 1957, but it certainly comes across as a Christian parable to me that parallels the change that takes place in a person’s life when he or she comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who was born to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns upon the heart of a person, God replaces the old heart of stone, with a new, fleshy heart – and a new person emerges. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“Welcome Christmas – While we stand – Heart to heart – And hand in hand.”[1] It might just make all the difference in the world.
Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in;
Be born in us today!
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
(from O Little Town of Bethlehem)
We celebrate Christmas because of the power Jesus brought to change our hearts.
Going Deeper:
Give an example of a time when you changed your mind about something.
How did the words or actions of others influence your change of heart?
Towards the end of the story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” what happened that caused the Grinch to change his mind about Christmas? What lessons might we learn from the story?
How has understanding the true meaning of Christmas made a difference in your life?
Family Time: Gather your family together and watch the classic half-hour Christmas cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Then, using the content above, lead your family in a discussion about how Jesus has the power to change our hearts.
In Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes! This heart change makes a big difference in his life.
I’m not sure what Dr. Seuss’ intentions were when he wrote the story back in 1957, but it certainly comes across as a Christian parable to me that parallels the change that takes place in a person’s life when he or she comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who was born to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns upon the heart of a person, God replaces the old heart of stone, with a new, fleshy heart – and a new person emerges. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“Welcome Christmas – While we stand – Heart to heart – And hand in hand.”[1] It might just make all the difference in the world.
Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in;
Be born in us today!
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
(from O Little Town of Bethlehem)
We celebrate Christmas because of the power Jesus brought to change our hearts.
Going Deeper:
Give an example of a time when you changed your mind about something.
How did the words or actions of others influence your change of heart?
Towards the end of the story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” what happened that caused the Grinch to change his mind about Christmas? What lessons might we learn from the story?
How has understanding the true meaning of Christmas made a difference in your life?
Family Time: Gather your family together and watch the classic half-hour Christmas cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Then, using the content above, lead your family in a discussion about how Jesus has the power to change our hearts.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Jesus is concerned to give assurance to those of us who would read the Gospel of John in the 21st century.
For example, he prays for us in John 17:20, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” In other words, Jesus foresaw that after his departure everyone who would become a Christian would do so not by seeing his physical body but through “the word” of the eyewitnesses. This is possible because an eyewitness like John wrote the Gospel of John.
Another example is the way Jesus responded to Thomas who needed to see Jesus’ wounds in order to believe he was really raised from the dead. Jesus had us in mind when he said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
The point of these two examples of Jesus’ concern for us is not that we don’t see anything. The point is that though we can’t see his physical person, the kind of seeing needed to believe is still possible. It happens through the words of the eyewitnesses.
Jesus’ point is that those who have not seen him physically are not at a disadvantage in seeing him the way we need to see him in order to believe in him and have eternal life. Many saw Jesus physically and did not believe. Some saw the amazing miracles and wanted to kill him because of them (John 11:47-48). They did not see the glory of God. They only saw a threat to their power and their way of life.
Even the disciples were slow to see with the eyes of the heart what they were seeing with the eyes of the head. For example, Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The divine glory of Jesus broke in on the disciples in different ways and at different times.
So it is with us who see Jesus now. Though we do not see him physically, nevertheless we see him through the witness that John bore to Jesus. The Gospel of John (and the other Gospels) are portraits where we look and see Jesus. So we can have the same mixed reaction that the people did in Jesus’ day. Of some it was said, “seeing they do not see” (Matthew 13:13). So some of us see the portrait of Jesus in the gospel and do not see the compelling, divine glory of the Son of God full of grace and truth. Others do.
Another example is the way Jesus responded to Thomas who needed to see Jesus’ wounds in order to believe he was really raised from the dead. Jesus had us in mind when he said to Thomas, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
The point of these two examples of Jesus’ concern for us is not that we don’t see anything. The point is that though we can’t see his physical person, the kind of seeing needed to believe is still possible. It happens through the words of the eyewitnesses.
Jesus’ point is that those who have not seen him physically are not at a disadvantage in seeing him the way we need to see him in order to believe in him and have eternal life. Many saw Jesus physically and did not believe. Some saw the amazing miracles and wanted to kill him because of them (John 11:47-48). They did not see the glory of God. They only saw a threat to their power and their way of life.
Even the disciples were slow to see with the eyes of the heart what they were seeing with the eyes of the head. For example, Jesus said to Philip, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). The divine glory of Jesus broke in on the disciples in different ways and at different times.
So it is with us who see Jesus now. Though we do not see him physically, nevertheless we see him through the witness that John bore to Jesus. The Gospel of John (and the other Gospels) are portraits where we look and see Jesus. So we can have the same mixed reaction that the people did in Jesus’ day. Of some it was said, “seeing they do not see” (Matthew 13:13). So some of us see the portrait of Jesus in the gospel and do not see the compelling, divine glory of the Son of God full of grace and truth. Others do.
Monday, December 15, 2008
What did Jesus mean ?
What Did Jesus Mean?
Certainly the young man meant well. And although the medical staff in the emergency room questioned his sanity, his commitment and sacrifice were undeniable. He arrived at the hospital with a bloody stump where his hand had been. In response to questions he explained that he was following the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, . . .”(Matt. 5:30).[1]
The man with the severed hand knew the words of Jesus. But did he know their meaning? Sincere Christians may be at risk today because they want to follow the teachings of Jesus but are confused about their intended meaning. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matt. 10:38)? What is the lesson behind His words, “Do not throw your pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:6)? Was Jesus offering Christians instant gratification when He said, “Ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).
Some of Jesus’ words and teachings seem puzzling, at best, and nearly impossible for us to obey. Yet he came to reveal the truth (John 8:32). And we know that He wanted to be understood and followed. God gave us the Bible so that we would understand spiritual truth and apply it to our lives (Psalm 119:130, 1 Timothy 3:15).
The biblical writers clearly assumed that their readers would understand what they had written. This is the basis for the doctrine of “the clarity of Scripture.” Christians believe that “the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help and willing to follow it.”[2]
Yet Peter himself acknowledged that there are some things in Scripture that are “hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16). So how can we go about making those “hard” sayings more readily understandable? Here are some practical suggestions:
1. Identify the problem. Is it textual, theological, ethical or practical? It is sometimes helpful to put the problem in the form of a question. For example, “Did Jesus endorse an attitude of self-depreciation when He announced, “Many who are first will be last” (Matthew 19:30). “Should we denigrate ourselves on earth to gain honor in heaven?”
2. Carefully examine the text. Sometimes a problem can be resolved by a closer reading of the text, as in the case of the supposed execution of Achan’s children (Joshua 7:22-26). The Hebrew text indicates that they stoned Achan (“him”) and then apparently burned the stolen goods (“them”).
3. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Many difficulties can be resolved when we consider the clearer and more direct teachings of other biblical texts. Does God punish children for the sins of their parents? Reading Exodus 20:5 may lead to this conclusion unless you compare the statement in Jeremiah 31:29-30 where such a viewpoint is strongly refuted. Comparing the two texts suggests that Exodus 20:5 refers to the natural consequences of a parent’s sinful actions rather than divine punishment falling on children.
4. Consult the authorities. Often a commentary can assist in clarifying the problem and offering and reasonable solution.
5. Rely upon the Spirit. As believers, we rely upon the ministry of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text (John 16:13, 1 John 2:27). Our reliance upon the Spirit is expressed through an attitude of love, obedience and submission. God’s Spirit will clarify God’s truth to those who are ready and willing to obey (John 14:23).
6. Select a solution. The best solutions are those that reflect a straight forward interpretation of the text. But don’t close your mind to further study. You never know when you will discover an additional insight that will shed new light on the “hard” saying.
Certainly the young man meant well. And although the medical staff in the emergency room questioned his sanity, his commitment and sacrifice were undeniable. He arrived at the hospital with a bloody stump where his hand had been. In response to questions he explained that he was following the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, “And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, . . .”(Matt. 5:30).[1]
The man with the severed hand knew the words of Jesus. But did he know their meaning? Sincere Christians may be at risk today because they want to follow the teachings of Jesus but are confused about their intended meaning. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow me” (Matt. 10:38)? What is the lesson behind His words, “Do not throw your pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:6)? Was Jesus offering Christians instant gratification when He said, “Ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).
Some of Jesus’ words and teachings seem puzzling, at best, and nearly impossible for us to obey. Yet he came to reveal the truth (John 8:32). And we know that He wanted to be understood and followed. God gave us the Bible so that we would understand spiritual truth and apply it to our lives (Psalm 119:130, 1 Timothy 3:15).
The biblical writers clearly assumed that their readers would understand what they had written. This is the basis for the doctrine of “the clarity of Scripture.” Christians believe that “the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help and willing to follow it.”[2]
Yet Peter himself acknowledged that there are some things in Scripture that are “hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16). So how can we go about making those “hard” sayings more readily understandable? Here are some practical suggestions:
1. Identify the problem. Is it textual, theological, ethical or practical? It is sometimes helpful to put the problem in the form of a question. For example, “Did Jesus endorse an attitude of self-depreciation when He announced, “Many who are first will be last” (Matthew 19:30). “Should we denigrate ourselves on earth to gain honor in heaven?”
2. Carefully examine the text. Sometimes a problem can be resolved by a closer reading of the text, as in the case of the supposed execution of Achan’s children (Joshua 7:22-26). The Hebrew text indicates that they stoned Achan (“him”) and then apparently burned the stolen goods (“them”).
3. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Many difficulties can be resolved when we consider the clearer and more direct teachings of other biblical texts. Does God punish children for the sins of their parents? Reading Exodus 20:5 may lead to this conclusion unless you compare the statement in Jeremiah 31:29-30 where such a viewpoint is strongly refuted. Comparing the two texts suggests that Exodus 20:5 refers to the natural consequences of a parent’s sinful actions rather than divine punishment falling on children.
4. Consult the authorities. Often a commentary can assist in clarifying the problem and offering and reasonable solution.
5. Rely upon the Spirit. As believers, we rely upon the ministry of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text (John 16:13, 1 John 2:27). Our reliance upon the Spirit is expressed through an attitude of love, obedience and submission. God’s Spirit will clarify God’s truth to those who are ready and willing to obey (John 14:23).
6. Select a solution. The best solutions are those that reflect a straight forward interpretation of the text. But don’t close your mind to further study. You never know when you will discover an additional insight that will shed new light on the “hard” saying.
DECEMBER TWENTY-FIFTH
• Christmas Day.
• Sir Isaac Newton born 1642.
• William Collins born 1721.
• Father Taylor born 1794.
________________________________________
This is the month, and this is the happy morn,
Wherein the Son of heaven's eternal King,
Of wedded maid, and virgin mother born,
Our great redemption from above did bring.
—John Milton.
________________________________________
Christmas is here;
Winds whistle shrill,
Icy and chill,
Little care we;
Little we fear
Weather without,
Shelter'd about
The Mahogany tree.
—William M. Thackeray.
________________________________________
And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
—Luke 2. 10, 11.
________________________________________
Almighty God, I give honor and praise to express my joy for thy great love in the gift of thy Son, Jesus Christ. With a glad heart I wish all mankind "A merry Christmas," and may I ever remember, where the angels sang, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." Amen.
• Sir Isaac Newton born 1642.
• William Collins born 1721.
• Father Taylor born 1794.
________________________________________
This is the month, and this is the happy morn,
Wherein the Son of heaven's eternal King,
Of wedded maid, and virgin mother born,
Our great redemption from above did bring.
—John Milton.
________________________________________
Christmas is here;
Winds whistle shrill,
Icy and chill,
Little care we;
Little we fear
Weather without,
Shelter'd about
The Mahogany tree.
—William M. Thackeray.
________________________________________
And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
—Luke 2. 10, 11.
________________________________________
Almighty God, I give honor and praise to express my joy for thy great love in the gift of thy Son, Jesus Christ. With a glad heart I wish all mankind "A merry Christmas," and may I ever remember, where the angels sang, "Peace on earth, good will toward men." Amen.
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