And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matt. 9:35-36 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, there are so many reasons to love you. Today we’re particularly thankful for your compassion, greatly convicted by it, and long to show more of it to others. When you looked at crowds of harassed and helpless people, you didn’t ignore them; they didn’t irritate you; you made time for them. Sympathy beat within your breast; kindness overflowed. We see this everywhere in the four gospels. Help us know this is what you feel for us, early in our day.
Jesus, at times our theology outstrips our experience—our doctrine being more certain than our delight. But we long for the Spirit to convince us afresh that as you look upon us right now, it’s mercy you feel. We’re not necessarily “harassed or helpless,” but we want to be certain of your compassion in our current stories of confusion, loss, and disconnect. We know you’ll never leave us or forsake us. We know it and really believe it; but would you come and shepherd our hearts today?
Jesus, it really is enough to know that you suffered for us on the cross. We stake our lives and death on this glorious gospel. But it’s also comforting to know that you share in our sufferings right now as well. No one understands like you. No one is closer and kinder. You suffered for us, once and for all, and you suffer with us in our sojourning. We are so very, very thankful. So very Amen we pray, in your holy and loving name.