Read Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26, Ps. 147:1-6, Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8
“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. 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)
In today’s Gospel passage, Matthew tells us: “When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd.” To have compassion is to suffer (passion) with someone. God feels it when we are harassed and dejected.
The God we serve is a God who once took our human flesh; so He perfectly understands our situation. Would you see a person you love crying and not feel pained? How much more God who loves you beyond anyone can ever love you. Trust me, even when it seems as if things are really bad as if your enemies are succeeding, God is working out things for your good.
In Isaiah 49:15-16, God asks: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have graven you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”
When Jesus felt the plight of the people, the next thing He did was to commission His disciples to go and preach giving them power and authority over unclean spirits and every infirmity. Jesus intended to bless the whole multitude he saw and to do that, He used human instruments; his disciples.
Even to this day, God is looking for people who will be willing instruments of His blessings to people. The joy, healing, liberation, and happiness you seek from God will not come in a vacuum, it will come through people. The question is whether you are also willing to become an instrument of God’s healing power and mercies to others. As the saying goes, the way to be happy is to make someone happy.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I trust you. May nothing ever shake my confidence in you. Even when I pass through the valley of the shadow of darkness, may I feel you holding my hands and leading me safely.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 1st week of Advent. Bible Study: Isaiah 30:19-21,23-26, Ps. 147:1-6, Matthew 9:35-10:1,5,6-8).