“Even when the brunt of harsh criticism, Spirit-filled compassion is able to heal wounds with genuine care and comfort.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 6, 2022
Compassion and Comfort Just then some Pharisees came up and said, “Run for your life! Herod’s got your number. He’s out to kill you!” Jesus said, “Tell that fox that I’ve no time for him right now… Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killer of prophets, abuser of the messengers of God! How often I’ve longed to gather your children, gather your children like a hen, Her brood safe under her wings— but you refused and turned away! Luke 13:31-34, MSG
Our world is in a world of hurt. Our nation, our community, work colleagues, our friends and families are all hurting. The wounds vary from the rage of war to the whimper of a needy infant—all in pain. The enemy seeks to use pain to divide vulnerable hearts with his lies, while the compassion and comfort of the Spirit unifies hearts with truth. When overcome and overwhelmed by fear and distrust we tend to scatter rather than gather in love and mutual respect for one another. Even when the brunt of harsh criticism, Spirit-filled compassion is able to heal wounds with genuine care and comfort. Loves sees a scared little chick (angry and lost), needing a warm embrace. A wounded heart needs clarifying truth, but first the bleeding need bandaging. Compassion cauterizes the bleeding, so the application of clarifying truth can heal and free up.
Jesus full of the motherly protection, compassion and comfort of a hen who sees her chicks scattered, alone and fearful. He prays for their protection from the fox—the Roman leader Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great, who was threatened by Jesus at His birth)—who also beheaded John the Baptist. Jesus dismisses the political threat to His divine movement and focuses on the compassionate care and comfort of His followers who will soon champion in the power of the Spirit (after He ascends to heaven): His cross, resurrection and His way of life. Under the Spirit’s guidance, the spiritual solidarity as a community of believers would be God’s way to experience divine protection, compassion and care through the ever-present Christ Jesus in their lives.
“But as they came closer to Jerusalem and he saw the city ahead, he began to cry. “Eternal peace was within your reach and you turned it down,” he wept, “and now it is too late” (Luke 19:41-42, TLB).
Danger is real and will never stop being dangerous, and gratefully God is very real and will never stop loving, leading and protecting. Danger is not optional, but fear is a choice. So, to live our life as God intended, we recognize danger without allowing fear to grip our hearts. We stay engaged in a relationally healthy Christian community, while ever leaning into the love, compassion and comfort of our Savior Jesus. The foxes of fear, despair and depression are ever lurking in the shadows, but wisdom seeks instead the light of God’s Word, guidance from the Holy Spirit and the loving accountability of Jesus followers. Tell all foxes you are not available!
Some freeing words from Henri Nouwen, he describes how the Lord seeks to care for and comfort us: “You are my child. I am your God—the God of mercy and compassion, the God of pardon and love, the God of tenderness and care. Please do not say that I have given up on you, that I cannot stand you anymore, that there is no way back. It is not true. I so much want you to be with me. I so much want you to be close to me”. Rest in divine compassion with a Jesus hug!
“The watchmen found me as they kept watch on the silent city. “Have you seen my soul’s true love?” I asked. Not long after I left them, I found him—I found my soul’s true love. I pulled him to me and would not let him go” (Song of Songs 3:3-4, The Voice).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I seek the embrace of your comfort and care, draw me near to your kind heart, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What fear do I need to share with my community of Christ followers who I know love me, and who will offer me comfort and truth?
Related Reading
Isaiah 30:18, 63:7; Psalm 86:15; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Ephesians 4:32
Worship Resource
Matt Redman, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Keith & Kristyn Getty: Lovingkindness
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