Day 8: The Compassion of Christ
John 1:12, “But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who in His name.”
When cows come onto the land for the first time, they become new residents and part of the herd. Like with most recent additions to any junior high class, it may take a while, but they’re eventually accept- ed, or at least tolerated. They learn the rhythm and flow by observing the others. The ranch’s pastures provide grass, and well-worn trails, carved from generations of Angus, that lace the western slope and lead to water. The coyote den rests in the southwest corner and is best avoided. Red-tail hawks roost
in the high places, but only pose a threat to ground squirrels, cotton-tails, and slow snakes. The open area near the stone cross is the perfect place to scurry under the low-hanging branches for a fine back- scratch. The rumble of the club car means cattle cubes or hay is out and they better run to grab their share. It’s a pleasant life for the Angus population.
Like the older cows showing the new ones the way around the ranch, God meets us personally and His light reveals the way out of darkness. Out of compassion God feels with us. With divine intention, God demonstrates His love and care, and sent His Son, Jesus. The Holy became flesh, filled with grace and truth. He brings life, present and eternal. We accept His compassion and become His children, residents of His heavenly kingdom, by grace through faith. We not only receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, believ- ing the truth of His life, death, burial, and rising from the dead, but declare to the world God is real and trustworthy. Jesus possesses ultimate power over any and all forces, and conquers any spiritual and physical darkness we face in life: sufferings, illness, financial problems, heartache, disappointment, job loss, death.
Sending Jesus and John the Baptist, a witness and human agent who points to Jesus, are not random acts of a chaotic, unnamed force or the ebb and flow of an aimless universe. They are deliberate acts of a compassionate God. If we reject Him, we remain in darkness, our hearts grow hard, and we miss out on being called His children. With great compassion, He desires all to come into the light of Jesus where fresh grace, blessing after blessing, is always available. He shows us the truth of Himself and the way to access that truth through creation and through His Word.
By intentional design, a compassionate God created you and me. He feels what we feel and offers con- tinual blessings. When we receive Jesus we enter a new life now and forever, and are eternally known as His children. If we reject Him, we remain in everlasting darkness.
Will you receive God’s compassion through the Lord Jesus Christ, and who will you tell?
Compassionate Father, thank You for giving me the right to be called Your child. Forgive my daily deci- sions that move me away from You. Help me flourish through the marvelous life of Jesus and share Your compassion with all. Amen.
