Two Keys To Service!

It is good to spend time reading through the Gospels. It is needful for us to frequently take time to look closely at the life of Christ and the way He viewed others and connected with them. Why is that so important? Because we, as Christians, are to be like Him.

Matthew recorded…
“(35) 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. (36) When he saw the crowds, he had COMPASSION for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” ( Matthew 9:35-36 ESV)

From this passage there are two things which strike me as having been key to the mission of Jesus; two things which may be summed up in two very similar words: PASSION and COMPASSION. The fourth and fifth definitions for PASSION are given as “a keen interest in a particular subject or activity” and “the object of somebody’s intense interest or enthusiasm.” COMPASSION is defined as “sympathy for the suffering of others, often including a desire to help.” [Definitions from Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 2002. ©
1993-2001 Microsoft Corporation.] [Note also that “com” added to “passion”
literally refers to being “with” passion.]

From verse 35 of the text above we see the PASSION of Jesus in how He was unceasing in His teaching and touching of the lives of others. He went from city to city, village to village, synagogue to synagogue, continuing to proclaim the good news about the kingdom He came to establish and bring the saved into. He also continued to reveal His great power over every disease and affliction He encountered. He had a PASSION for pressing on with the purpose for which He came. He was keenly interested in fulfilling the mission of the Father. He would not be stopped!

In verse 36 we find a direct reference to our Lord’s COMPASSION for a people who were so much in need of loving help and guidance. Again and again the Gospel accounts reveal how His heart was touched at the sight of the multitudes who were not receiving from the “trained leaders” what they needed most. Jesus’ deeply felt COMPASSION drew Him to direct a very self-less loving interest toward those whose lives He touched.

Jesus had a powerful PASSION for His mission accompanied by a deep COMPASSION for those with whom His ministry brought Him into contact. As servants of Christ and commissioned by God ( Matthew 28:18-20) to share the message of salvation to a lost and dying world, is that not also our need as well? Perhaps we (I) struggle at times for lack of PASSION and COMPASSION in ministry. I am learning these two are key to keeping from becoming too weary -- perhaps even cynical -- and burning out. As we seek to press on in the Will of the Father, just like Jesus we must also aim to be unstoppable!

May we retain a keen and intense interested in carrying out the Will of God in our life. We ought to live and serve in a manner which reveals a great enthusiasm for Christ and the things of His concern. And we should also share His heart that was so easily and quickly touched by both the physical and spiritual needs of others. If we can come to share in the PASSION and COMPASSION of Christ, these two will make a world of difference in our own life of service to His cause.

Have a great day PASSIONATE REGARDING THE THINGS OF GOD!
Carl

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