Today I read Matthew 14 and 15. Jesus finds out that His cousin has just been killed, and He wants to be alone. Thousands of people follow Him anyway, and rather than turning them away, in His grief He still has compassion on them, healing them and miraculously providing food for them. I can understand the desire to be alone, or at least resting, in times of grief, but if that solitude or rest is disturbed do I get annoyed or bothered, or do I show compassion? That's definitely something I need to grow in if I want to be more godly.
God, may my heart be compassionate at all times, not just when I'm feeling strong enough to help, but when I feel weak as well. May I rely on Your strength in those times, and give the compassion that others need. Amen.
That same evening, Jesus walked out on the surface of the lake to His disciples, who were in a boat. Peter had the faith to get out of the boat in the middle of the lake, and begin to follow Jesus' example, walking on the water to reach Jesus. Yet there was a little fear, a little doubt, and he began to sink. Even then, he knew where to turn for help. Jesus saved him, and asked him why he doubted. Whatever troubles we face may seem insurmountable in the natural, but our Lord is supernatural, and He is both faithful and able to do what He promises, whatever the circumstances.
In chapter 15, Jesus sets the record straight for some Pharisees - God's Word trumps man's rules and traditions. I don't want to just give God lip service and then follow mere man-made traditions - I want to know Him, and have my heart close to His, and follow His Word, and His will for my life.
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