Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

Compassion that Leads to the Experience of the Kingdom of God Ezekiel 34:15-24 V. 15.  I will feed My sheep, and give them rest,” says the Lord God The world we live in is a complex one. On the one hand we see people with access to advancements in technology and improved standards of living. On the other, we find millions whose lives are broken by pandemic, wars, criminality, inequality, corruption, exploitation, poverty and lack of access to some of the most basic human needs. A good shepherd tends to his flock and leads them to a safe place. In the book of  Ezekiel, “shepherd” refers to rulers, church leaders and people of church or Christians who are meant to protect the “sheep” which refers to those lost and helpless towards God. In Ezekiel’s book, we see that God speaks through the prophet to show how shepherds have failed to keep the responsibility entrusted to them. Through Ezekiel, God asks “Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the water with your feet?" God, as always, has provided plenty for all so that all may prosper. However, the fat and the strong have not only put themselves at the head of the line, but have also been gluttons. Like pigs, they consume far more than their fair share, far more than they could possibly need or use. They leave behind a mess that could have meant something to the weak, lost, and broken others among them. They don’t care. They’re indifferent to others whose needs don’t even register. This is not what God wants or expects. They were looking after their own interests, not the interests of the sheep.  Mark 6: 34 says that when Jesus saw the large crowd waiting for him to disembark from his boat, “his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd” This is because Jesus knew he was the only Shepherd – the ultimate Shepherd – who could really look after them properly. When Jesus was moved to compassion, the source of all life trembled, the ground of all love burst open, and the abyss of God’s immense, inexhaustible, and unfathomable tenderness revealed itself. Where do we see such a compassion today? Well, I believe we see it in the people doing it – doing works of compassion. Many healthcare workers who put others life in front of theirs’s during this pandemic to care for those in need. As members of the body of Christ, we have a share in this mission. We not only recognize God’s compassion for us but are called to a like compassion for others, so that those lost and helpless could be led to the love of God.

PRAYER God help us to see things the way you see them rather than judging people and situations. God soften our hearts and stretch your heart of compassion so we can help those who are hurting and lead them to you. Thought for the day Let us then be compassionate to others just as Christ is compassionate to us.

Smitha Annie Mathew The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island