As soon as the news spread that Jesus could heal those who were sick great crowds of people gathered to find Jesus. They either wanted Jesus to heal them, or to heal someone they loved. This was a time in history when there was very little anyone could do for the sick. The news of someone could help gave the people some hope. So they came in large numbers. Matthew recorded in his Gospel Jesus’ reaction to the multitude of people. He wrote . . . “WHEN HE SAW THE CROWDS, HE HAD COMPASSION ON THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE CONFUSED AND HELPLESS, LIKE SHEEP WITHOUT A SHEPHERD. HE SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, ‘THE HARVEST IS GREAT, BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW.’” (Matthew 9:36-37 NLT) We need to see people through Jesus’ eyes. It is not easy to do. Below is a prayer that I have saved some time ago. I do not remember who wrote it. Therefore, I cannot give proper credit. I call it “The Best Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time.” Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who cant make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester. Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares. Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together. Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 10:13:59 +0000
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