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With all of the troubles and turmoil in our world today, many have wondered where God has gone. They see the pain and suffering and question God’s compassion. When tough times come, many consider that God may have abandoned them.
The truth is that God sent His Son, Jesus, and named Him ‘Immanuel’ (Matthew 1.23), meaning ‘God is with us!’ You and I have an amazing reality as followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”
Evidences of His presence happen all throughout the days of our lives. Jesus’ compassion for those who ache and hurt, are dazed and wounded is abundant, as this passage shows us …
Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region. Luke 7:11-17 (NKJ)
We become like Jesus when …
o We give the bountiful compassion of Jesus to someone who is in the midst of their darkest hours!
Just like Jesus, we can come along side and offer the broken help. While we may not be able to raise the dead, we can offer all we have to care for and cover another person with the love of God.
As you walk through your day today, I encourage you to look for the hurting. Then, come to them and offer whatever is within your means to give. As you do, you will become more like Jesus than ever before!
© 2008 By Dr. Matthew Lee Smith
