MOVED BY COMPASSION
20th Dec 2017
Jesus’ life was motivated by His love and obedience to the Father and compassion for the lost. He saw the condition of those around Him and described them as sheep without a shepherd, as children that cannot be satisfied, wanting this and that, but never happy. It was compassion that resulted in prayer to the Father and led Him to take action both with words and deeds. A recurring theme in the Gospels is, “Jesus, moved by compassion.”
Whilst reading the story of Esther, I have been greatly challenged by my own lack of compassion. Once in the palace, installed in her royal role, she seemed to be unaware of the challenges that her own people were facing. Her needs were met, she was living in a gilded cage, seemingly oblivious of the death threat to the Jews. Mordecai, her uncle enlightens her with chilling words -
“Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:12-14)
I am challenged - we as believers enjoy a king’s palace environment; we have access on a permanent basis to the King of Kings. Outside are millions of individuals with no knowledge of God, others with a very inaccurate picture, and still others hurting wounded and facing many challenges of their own.
It’s possible to be untouched, to pass judgement rather then give mercy. However, most of us can feel sad when we see and hear of profound needs - but compassion moves us towards involvement and motivates us to seek God with the needs with which we are confronted.
Compassion creates a tender heart, passionate prayer and a determination that says, like Jacob at Jabbok, I will not let go unless you bless me; unless you instruct me; unless you release your power into this situation.
Mordecai challenged Esther that she had “come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” As believers we are uniquely placed to reach out with love, care and compassion, at “such a time as this.” Let this be our resolve and action this Christmas season.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
