Matthew 9:35-37…“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” vs. 36
Sometimes when we hear the stories of refugees and asylum seekers trying to enter our country we get angry. Some wonder why these people don’t just stay in their own countries. And we have even less patience for the homeless people squatting wherever they can in all of our major cities. Our primary concern seems to be to keep them out of sight.
Contrast our attitude with that of Jesus, who when he saw the crowds of harassed and helpless people, had only compassion for them. His heart hurt and there wasn’t an ounce of judgment. In fact he was overwhelmed by the numbers and he told his disciples to pray that God would send laborers into the harvest. He knew he couldn’t meet all those needs by himself; he needed help!
The world hasn’t changed that much. In fact the number of the harassed and helpless has only increased. Around the world roughly 100,000,000 people have been forced from their homes and are living in refugee and displaced persons camps. That’s a number that is almost beyond our comprehension.
The fields are indeed white unto the harvest, and Jesus still needs our help. Thank God for those who are recognizing the problem and reaching out to refugees and the hungry! As someone has said, “Our work isn’t over until the last hungry person is fed!” It’s time for all of us to get on board!
Thought for the Day: For whom do I have the most compassion?
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