“His heart toward us does not change.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 17, 2024
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Sometimes we are so familiar with spectacular, we’ve heard the Bible stories repeatedly but they hit hardened heart ground. They don’t move us as they should. As John Piper writes in The Depth of Christ’s Love: It’s Cost, “We have to look at something lesser, be amazed, and then look back to really feel the wonder of the original.”
The compassion and love of Christ is deeper, wider, and more unsearchable than we can ever know. Scripture says that now we know in part but then we will fully know. This must encourage us to understand that we can seek to know Jesus more deeply than we do.
However, here on earth, through the Holy Spirit and Scripture we can experience glimpses and moving encounters of Christ’s love. But those experiences come and go and we have to hold onto them as our anchors to stay steady when times are hard. We must keep account of the way Jesus came to us and who He is: Love and compassion.
For example, when we read Scripture, such as in Matthew 14:13-21 that talks about Jesus’ compassion and love on those with a physical need, we need to ponder that Christ’s heart does not change. He is the one constant in our lives. We must ask ourselves since this is true and He does not play favorites–that He didn’t just have love and compassion on those with a physical need, but has it for us too.
When we have a spiritual encounter with Him and He causes us to feel a deep knowing in part and a wonder of His presence, we need to hold onto that memory and remember that His heart toward us does not change. Just because we don’t feel His love and compassion at a later time does not mean that His love and compassion has changed.
In John 11, Jesus is moved by the sorrow of Mary and Martha after the death of their brother Lazarus. When He saw Mary weeping, He was greatly troubled, and He wept with her (John 11:33-35). Even though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, He was still moved to tears by the pain of those He loved. This account reveals a God who is not distant or detached but One who enters into our pain and grieves alongside us. Jesus’ tears show us that it’s okay to grieve, and we can find comfort in knowing that He is with us in our sorrow.
His heart does not change. The depth of His heart does not change. The kind of love and compassion for Mary and Martha that He had for them in their grief, He has for me too – and He has for you. Ponder that.
When you are in the middle of the grief, remember who Jesus is. Just because you don’t feel Him, don’t think that He doesn’t love you. Just because you can’t sense Him in your darkest moments doesn’t mean He isn’t near.
Remember to press into the heart of how Jesus’ love and compassion are revealed in His healing, grieving, forgiving, hearing our prayers, and who He is. He is love and compassion.
Now, we know in part but then we shall fully know as we are fully known.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
Prayer
Lord, how I praise you for your matchless compassion. You are available for my deepest need. You are available to hear my need, just like you were in Bible times. Your heart does not change. You are my faithful and kind God.
Application
How do you need to feel God’s compassion today? Ask Him to reveal His compassion to you today. Amen.
Related Reading
Mark 6:34; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:34
Worship Resource
Peter Mathis – Bethel Music: How He Loves
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