Today’s Devotion
Topic: Godly Compassion: Makes Us Go The Extra Mile
Text: Matt 14: 16
Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Amen
Once, Jesus withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
As evening approached, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” He said. And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketful of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matt 14: 13- 21)
Precious One, godly compassion moved and defined the ministry of Jesus in several ways. It is that one virtue that compels us to reach out to others and do everything possible to get them to be where God wants them to be. The process may demand more than we usually would give, but it’s always worth it.
Jesus was going to a solitary place for private reflections. He did so by boat but the crowd walked all the while on foot to meet Him. When He saw the large crowd, He had compassion for them and healed their sick. By evening, the disciples worried about the people since it was getting late, and they were still far from town. The best decision was to disperse them early so they can make it to the towns for food. But Jesus rather went the extra mile and miraculously fed them.
Meditate on this, Child of God. You know that it’s true that godly compassion compels and moves us to evangelise. It’s the bedrock of intercession too. Actually, godly compassion also informs our generosity, hospitality and seed sowing. It remains the heartbeat of all who claim a “calling on their lives”, and the most important virtue that helps us deny ourselves for Christ.
Scan through your heart, therefore, and assess your mind too. Do you see so much compassion for others as Jesus would? Do you feel a strong passion to empty hell and bring all men to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus? If not, begin to pray for a heart like that of Christ. One which is responsive and sensitive both to the things of God and the plight of others. People need the Lord and people need other people to help them know the Lord. Be filled with godly compassion to go the extra mile for our Lord!
NB: The Y-OUTREACH NETWORK presents the sensational “FOR JESUS BAND (4JBAND)” in another powerful worship concert next month. Watch this space for more.
(www.yonghana.org; Like our Facebook page: Y OUTREACH NETWORK).
