Scripture: Matthew 9:36
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Thought for the Day: I really ache a lot these days. Ache, understood as that gut-wrenching, stomach-knotted empathy for someone in pain or difficulty kind of feeling. For some reason, it has seemed a bit more often lately. Not only have I known a number of people experiencing grief and brokenness as of late, I have been watching situations around the globe a little more closely. There are children who are experiencing poverty, violence and disease, yet so much of it is rooted in the selfishness of a small group of people…a selfishness that we see in our own backyard. When Jesus had compassion, it wasn’t about feeling sorry for someone or thinking to himself, “That’s a bummer!” I believe the heart of Jesus was broken, and that brokenness found healing only when he responded in a tangible and transformative way. Whatever breaks your heart today, I pray that it sticks with you long enough to push you to act…to act in a way that is tangible and transformative.
Prayer: Give me a heart that feels with the same depth of Jesus. Give this to me, O Compassionate God, who desires for all Jesus-followers to live with true compassion. Amen.
Blessing of the Backpacks
THIS SUNDAY
AT BOTH SERVICES
