Compassion – A love like His!

This summer we picked cherries at a farm in Washington State near my sister’s home.  The trees were loaded down with cherries.  The fruit was ripe for the picking.  We noticed several trees where the fruit had not been picked quickly enough and the fruit had shriveled on the vine.  It was a sad sight – one not soon forgotten.  The message of those trees really spoke to my heart.  The fruit was ready, but for some reason, these trees had been neglected.

It reminded me of what Jesus said, “the harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”   When Jesus made this statement, He had been traveling throughout the country of Israel, healing the sick, teaching about the Kingdom of God, and preaching to the masses.  He looked at the multitudes and was filled with compassion.

Jesus saw the people as they were – sheep without a shepherd, weary and scattered.  Sheep are interesting creatures.  They have a tendency to stray away from the protection and guidance they need to survive.  The Bible refers to people as sheep many times.  Isaiah 53:6a reads, “All we like sheep have gone astray;  we have turned, every one, to his own way; …” (NKJV).  Sheep don’t always see the danger lurking around them.  They have one thought – find more food.  They will wander around looking for better pastures – each one going it’s own way.  But, when one strays away from the flock too far, it is a prime candidate to be snatched by a predator.

Like those sheep, people are searching, not for food, but for what’s missing in life.  The “do your own thing” mentality has permeated our culture.  If it feels right or seems right, then it is okay to do.  Right and wrong standards of behavior are reduced to what seems right to a person.  Instead of being compared to a righteous and Holy God, they compare themselves to other people.  But when compared to God’s standards, all fall way short of the mark.  The Bible says that we all fall short – we are all sinners.  Sin is anything that breaks God’s law.  Think about the Ten Commandments – which one are you able to keep completely?  Have you ever broken just one?  Then according to Scripture, you are guilty of all of them.

When Jesus looked at the crowd gathered around him, He had great compassion.  He realized their need. These people needed a Savior just like you need a Savior -- Someone to take the penalty of sin.  The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 NKJV)  This death is more than just death of a physical body, it includes being separated from God forever in a place of punishment.  Isaiah 53:6b reads, “And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”  Because Jesus never broke God’s law, He was perfect, sinless.  He could take the punishment for every person.

Jesus’ deep awareness of your need and strong desire to relieve the penalty of sin led Him straight to the cross.  He was crucified for the sins of the world – for your sins.  He was buried and three days later came back to life – rising victoriously from the grave -- showing power over sin and death.  Romans 6:23b goes on to read, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  He offers you this gift of eternal life – all that is required for you is to have faith.  Admit that you are a sinner in need of being saved.  Believe that Jesus died for your sin and rose again the third day.  Then choose Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.  It is your choice.

If you know Jesus as your Savior already, He calls you to bring in His harvest.  As He looked over the crowd of people, He had compassion for them.  He wanted them to be part of God’s kingdom.  He told His followers that the fields were ready to harvest, but there were just a few workers.  He calls you to be one of those workers.  You can tell your neighbor, your friends, your co-workers and those you meet along your way about how Jesus saved you from your sin.  Ask Him to send someone for you to tell.