© 25 Colin Melbourne
Following The Compassion of Christ
And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Luke 10:25-37 KJV
The Touch Inside
Every genuine believer knows the thrill that the Samaritan experienced, of being halted in our tracks by divine compassion, and then diverting to follow God’s lead.
Christ abandoned a thriving carpentry business in Nazareth, led by compassion to bring the world precisely what it needs… Eternal Redemption and Salvation. Mtt. 9:35-38 KJV;
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
When we follow Father’s compassion we can be certain the LORD is going to finish what He’s begun, and as we obey He glorifies Himself through us.
Lose Your Life To Find It
I was busy fulfilling my life’s dream of starting a solo veterinary practice in the North of England, I’d be a Christian James Herriot, but Christ showed me He’d a far better use for my life.
It was the second-best decision I’ve ever made.
The first, of course, was repenting of unbelief in Christ, and receiving Him as my LORD.
Have you made that choice yet?
Once you’ve been born of God, you too can share His Joy today by simply attending to the Spirit of God in your heart during your daily routine.
Father’s plans are always superior to our own.
Keep your spiritual antennae tuned to the Holy Ghost, and you’ll see what I mean.
Jesus proved this works everywhere; alone in the desert and in the bustling market-place.
I wonder if it’ll work in your school, college, factory, office, shop, and perhaps even in your home?
Your Dream: Or His?
If it’s a while since you sensed the compassion of Christ nudging your heart, then know that He won’t scold you if you’re too busy to be distracted from your task: Raising a family, building a business, fulfilling your “bucket-list”, whatever.
God never forces His children to obey Him.
This honour is only for those who voluntarily deny their will, to follow Father’s will.
The results frequently go unnoticed on Earth, sometimes mocked, but Heaven records our acts of love in God’s Book of Remembrance.
Is that what you want?
It’s what we’re on Earth for, what we’re saved for, what we live for.
Just surrender all, asking Father for more heaven-sent opportunities and wisdom, then be busy for Christ every day.
Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
And he said, He that shewed mercy on him.
Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Christ’s Compassion and The Gift of Faith
A Christian couple visiting a Muslim nation to renew visas were sightseeing the Indian quarter of the capital.
Close by a gaudy Hindu temple a young lad was running errands for local prostitutes, and on spotting the foreigners, approached and silently begged alms of them.
He was a mute Indian Hindu lad, about ten years old
The Christians pointed him to the nearest food-stall, and sat down together to eat.
The Holy Ghost poured the compassion of Christ into their hearts, along with the Gift of Faith sufficient to lead him to Christ and restore his voice. 1 Cor. 12:9-11 KJV;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
This faith is given by God’s Spirit as He wills.
It wasn’t their faith, it was the Faith of God, and they knew what was about to happen.
The boy could hear well enough, so the Christians softly shared the Good News of The LORD Jesus Christ.
He listened attentively while eating a simple Indian meal.
When they sensed he understood and was ready to receive Christ as his LORD, they led him in a prayer of salvation, because he was unable to speak they asked him to repeat it in his heart .
Immediately after the Amen, they told him that the LORD didn’t merely die to take away his sins, but He also bore our sicknesses and infirmities so that we can be healed as we believe on Him.
They invited him to ask Jesus in prayer to restore his voice, nodding his approval, he closed his eyes and they cast out the evil spirits oppressing him.
As the man laid hands on the back of the boy he could feel a sensation like the creaking open of a heavy door that’d been sealed for an age.
Next, they told the young lad to say, “The Blood of Jesus has made me FREE!” which he repeated in English out loud, making heads turn in the busy restaurant, where he was well known.
These were the first words he’d spoken since his father deserted him.
They arranged to meet the boy next day to give him some new clothes and a Holy Bible.
With him came his Indian uncle, who was astonished at the transformation in his nephew, and explained that he’d been struck dumb, made mute from shock and heartbreak after his father left, and hadn’t uttered a single word until he came home last night saying Jesus had healed him.
That’s just one example of what can happen as you respond to the compassion of Christ, and share His Good News.
What Good News?
The good news that even while we were yet sinners, God came in Christ, and died for our sins, bore the guilt of us all, and went to Hell in our place.
Why?
Because God had said the one who sins must die, and be banished forever from His Presence.
So what?
So by taking our place, enduring the punishment we deserve, Our Creator can legally acquit us from every accusation, providing we repent from unbelief, and believe on Christ The LORD.
The good news that Christ rose from His tomb on the third day, just as He promised, and Holy Scripture foretold.
Why?
To prove that He is Almighty God in The Flesh, that He had no sin of His own, therefore all our sin has been dealt with once and for all.
So what?
So turn from religion, repent of your sin, and trust that The LORD Jesus Christ has paid for your guilt before Father God.
The good news that The Holy One thought you were good enough for Him to lay down His sinless life to bring you back into God’s ever-loving arms forever.
Why?
Because He created you, you are His idea, God loves you with the perfect love He designed you for, and wants the very best for you; God’s Peace, God’s Love, Righteousness and Eternal life.
So what?
So turn to God and thank Him that He thinks you are worth the life of His Only Begotten Son, and Receive Christ as your LORD and Saviour with all your heart.
© 25 Colin Melbourne
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