Matt. 9:35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Who are the harassed and helpless of Wilmington? There's a homeless man at Monkey Junction, and everyday he holds a sign. Many of my friends have helped him. Some have wondered (harassed?) why doesn't he just get a job? I've helped him. But real help? If it was what he needed, he wouldn't be on the corner. We all wonder about the homeless, the poor. And rightly so. Jesus said we will always have the poor with us. Poor is a relative term here in the exuberant wealth of these United States. But what is the remedy?
It's twofold, according to the above verses. God, and me. Along with God sending the help, with the labor, comes the telling of the greatest story. The Good news. I feel embarrassed, that I've shared money and food with the gentleman at Monkey Junction, but never the gospel. Great intentions were there. Great motives. But yet, the excuses creep in. Too busy, can't stop, there's a car behind me! Some may say the good news is sometimes shared without words. That's true, but I believe that both go hand in hand. I promise not to just do good to this gentleman, but to share the gospel in word and deed. Tomorrow, I will make good on this promise.
Many more are harassed and helpless and are within my reach. God's placed everyone of them there. How long will they be helpless, like sheep without a shepherd to guide them? I must lead them to the Good Shepherd, and he will guide them. That is the greatest good.
This is not a get out and help the homeless post. It's my heart's desire to see through the eyes of Jesus. He had tremendous compassion for all, because they did not have hope or direction. Does my heart burn for the one who doesn't have a relationship with Christ? Or am I consumed with other things that take away my attention. (Distract?) It boggles my mind how many people God has placed in my path, and I have been shortsighted. Not that every person I meet I must share the gospel with right then. No, that's brow beating. But does anybody know the name of the homeless gentleman at Monkey Junction? Has anybody asked? See my point?
Biblical compassion is more than just good deeds, it's knowing the person's name, intentionally wanting to engage them, because they are made in the image of God, and because you have the same image stamped on you! From that compassion, a desire to show more and more hope, that yes! Jesus does have compassion! Jesus is the remedy to a sin sick world! Jesus allows us to have the greatest life possible, and to give that life away to others who are harassed, hopeless...
4 comments:
great entry. very challenging & heart-touching/gut-wrenching a bit too.
you're right - we don't have to browbeat but maybe just to start how about showing them we care about THEM - not caring that they get off the street --- but care about their name, their life, their story. They are valuable and Jesus offers them unconditional love acceptance and approval despite whatever their story is.
Thank you for this!
Amen...Francis might have been a bit off when he said "preach the gospel at all times, and if needed use words."
Many will come to me saying...but Lord didn't we....in your name?...what about that?
The gospel isn't deeds, its the saving grace of Christ Jesus and works come forth from this grace.
SDG
Remember the words of James: Faith without works is dead. Difficult to determine the exact balance.
Don't know that we have to "earn" the right to share the gospel, but in situations such as this I'm pretty sure that meeting a physical need should precede anything else.
I agree Sterling. The message of the Gospel stands on it's own, without condition or apology. In fact, we know many will take offense to it.
Romans 9:33:
as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
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