Compassion is the Master's Way

Compassion is the Master’s way.

Heart-aching, gut-wrenching benevolence.

He sees.

He feels.

He touches.

Blind men.

Bleeding women.

Lame, paralyzed, shriveled folk.

And things happen…

Dead live.

Crippled walk.

Deaf hear.

He smiles.

He leaps.

He dances for joy.

Mind boggling, heart-twisting benevolence.

Compassion is the Master’s way.

December 31, 2009

Matthew 20:29-34

Two Jericho-an blind men boisterously coveted Jesus' help. The master stopped on his way out of the city to probe their hearts. All they wanted is to be able to see. Jesus was moved with compassion and touched their eyes. Instantly, each one could see, and they became followers of Jesus.

O that I would have compassion on people who are in need - and not treat them as distractions. O that your power would change their lives!

December 30, 2009

Matthew 20:17-28

Jesus is prophesying his suffering and death to his disciples,... and they are concerned about personal greatness! How insensitive! How moronic! How could they?!

Wait! Don't I do the same thing? Christ reveals his plan to me; Christ reveals himself to me. And I desire being the center of attention. I want to be known. I secretly covet what is rightfully his - pre-eminence. Supremacy. First place. Christ must be my delight. Christ must be despot. In God's kingdom, greatness is achieved by slavery and service. Do I do his will? Or do I want his place?

Nazareth poem

Nazareth

Anything good out of Nazareth?

The prophet.

Not accepted.

Not received.

Not recognized.

Because of his Nazareth connection?

He was a Bethlehem-ite.

Born, but not raised.

David’s great-great-great…

But who knew?

Known as a Nazarene.

Raised, but not born.

One of the bad ones?

The good One.

Reputation is everything.

Nazareth.

Small village.

Questionable town.

Ordinary man.

Ordinary man?

God’s man.

From Nazareth

James R Snyder

©SnydeRemarks Works December 2009

Domination

The world is all about domination - politically, commercially, and religiously. Socialism. Monopoly. Islam. It all spells singular control by one or a small group. Isn't it interesting that after the Church is out of the picture, the people of the earth are under the singular control of the antichrist whose political, economic, and religious structures enslave the unsuspecting.

Herod was attempting to dominate politically. The Pharisees were attempting to dominate religiously. The Roman government, through their system of taxation, was attempting to dominate economically. Then, the Prophet, Priest, and King of an alien kingdom entered the stage and captivated the hearts of those who had been waiting for him. Everything was turned upside down! This 'new' kingdom was based on love, servanthood, and benevolence.

Personally, "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" are the soul's way toward domination. I want. I want. I own. There is no end to the 'more, more' cry. Only death to self and being made alive to God in the power of Christ's resurrection can interrupt the world's dominating influence at the very core. [Read James 4:1-10; 1 John 2:15-17; et al.]

Thanksgiving poem

We Give Thanks

‘Neath the turbulence of our moral uncertainty

lies the foundation of Eternal Truth

Through the crushed infrastructure of our greed

rises the uncanny Hope of redemption

‘Midst the ominous threat of international conflict

stands the humble symbol of Peace…

the cross of Jesus Christ

For Him we give thanks.

Monday 11/16/09

"My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught at the voice of my enemy" (Psalm 55:2-3). Being right with God has not silenced the voice of the enemy in my head. He has tried to deceive me into thinking I am trapped - there is no way out of lust and pride (see 1 John 2:15-17). The Lord reminded me this morning that my guilt is taken away and my sin atoned for (Isaiah 6:7). Now I see how eager God is to use me again (Isaiah 6:8). The moment Isaiah confessed his sin, forgiveness was granted and guilt no longer remained. Immediately following the cleansing was "the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?'" Like Isaiah, I respond this morning: 'Here am I; send me!'