April 5

Write On

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9.35, 36).

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Song: “Lead Me to the Cross”

In the seventh grade I had a fantastic English teacher who was clever,  innovative, and encouraged me to write, despite the fact   I would spell every third word wrong. He would smile and say, “don’t fret about the mess, that’s what editors are for.” He looked at the content and creativity of my work, and overlooked the mess on the page.

Jesus loved to teach. He was clever, innovative, and encouraging. He looked out over the crowds and instead of focusing on the mess that they were, He looked inside at their content, if you will. He knew they were each unique, made by His Father in His image. He saw them and had compassion on them. He has compassion on us.

This is a huge encouragement to us. Jesus is compassionate. He sees us and wants to not only cure our sickness and diseases, but the other messes we carry around; our guilt, pain, fear, and un- forgiveness. He is our good shepherd who gently, patiently, and protectively leads us to the Father. Know that when He looks at you, He smiles and says, “don’t fret about the mess, that’s what I am here for.”

Thank You, Jesus for being compassionate. Thank You for loving me in spite of all my mess. Lead me to the Father. In Your name, amen.