February 14th, 2008
Compassion
“I have compassion for these people…”
Mark 8:2
Let’s set up the story: Jesus was in Gentile territory, and the crowds kept following him. He taught; he healed; he amazed. Three days into his journey, Jesus calls his friends around him and says, “I have compassion for these people” Who? The 4,000 men (plus women and children). Why? They hadn’t eaten for three days because they wanted to stay close to Jesus. Most of us have read this story before, but think about this for a moment.
These people were with Jesus for three days before he ever offers to feed them. And now, he has compassion on them and doesn’t want to send them home because they may faint from hunger on their way. Now, we could think about their devotion to follow Jesus without truly eating for three days. However, I want to think about Jesus. This is amazing – he fed 4,000 people with just a few loaves of bread and a few fish. We have to admit he can provide. We have to bow before the one who controls even baked goods. That’s what I have heard taught. Now, let’s look a little deeper.
What did he feed them? Bread and fish. When did he feed them? Three days after they began following him. He could have fed them before this. He could have supplied 3 meals a day for three days. However, he didn’t. He also could have given them cheese, fresh fruit and dessert. However he didn’t. No cheddar, No kiwi, no chocolate layer torte. He gave them bread and fish. That is a miracle.
I point those things out not because I want to minimize Jesus’ provision or miracle. Yes, this was a HUGE miracle showing us that Jesus provides for Gentiles as well as Jews. It shows his love and compassion for the crowds. However, it also shows us that he doesn’t always do things in our timing and to our specifications.
How many times have I approached God in prayer asking for things and listing my desires? How many times have I overlooked the provision he gives because I wanted something else or had figured out a better solution? How often have I been impatient with God’s provision, and when he doesn’t provide when I think he should then I begin questioning his goodness, his power, his love. This is not easy, and I am not saying that we should not ask God for things or tell him of our desires. However, I believe it is all in the attitude.
Jesus moved because of compassion. No, he didn’t do meal-based miracles for all three days. Yes, he allowed these people to get so hungry they may faint if they go much farther. However, when he did move it was out of compassion, not out of the demands of the people or to reward them for their goodness. What did I think about this morning? Perhaps I approach God with too much pride or arrogance. Perhaps I need to take time to focus on being thankful for the blessings he has given into my life. I need to be satisfied to wait and be thankful.
February 27th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
No cheddar, no kiwi, no chocolate layer torte? What a great line!
Jesus gives us what we need, not what we want, and we should be thankful? What a great teaching.
Reminds me of much of what Henri Nouwen wrote — or what Phil Vischer says in “Me, Myself, and Bob” — we come to God with our list of ideas of what would be good for the Kingdom and expect Him to have to give it to us because we’re asking for Kingdom-benefiting stuff (in our humble opinion). But His Kingdom-benefiting stuff and ours are not always (or even usually) the same. And we should just get over it, and trust Him. His way most always leads to what we admit is best — and even when it doesn’t, it’s probably just because we can’t see far enough down the road to know that it does.
No chocolate layer torte? I betcha in the wedding feast of the Lamb, there will be torte galore!
Can’t wait to meet you this Saturday. Thanks for living like you do, and writing sharply.