Compassion

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, 'The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.'" Matthew 9:35-38

"Alright everybody, it's family house cleaning day!" I would say with as much positivity and enthusiasm as possible. My paternal proclamation would be met with groans and whines that communicated a deep despair that no words ever could. The set time to clean would arrive. Names and tasks would be linked in a way that recognized developmental capability complete with a sense of equality. Even still, we would be met at starting time with a deafening silence. No helpers to be seen. Just crickets...chirp, chirp.

Everywhere Jesus went, people were hurting and in crisis. Sickness, demonic oppression, poverty, injustice, spiritual bankruptcy just to name a few of the oft repeated travails he would encounter. He taught. He healed. He delivered. All this in the face of vicious opposition. And the crowds continued. Day after day he would be inundated with desperate need. Yet, he would maintain a posture of compassion. "Sheep without a shepherd." he said. "The harvest is great." he said. "Ask the Lord to send in more workers."

Why are the workers few? Are we all, generally speaking, oblivious to the desperation just outside our front doors? I doubt it. Sadly, there are some who really don't care. Some work hard to insulate their lives from it. Some are fully engaged bringing a cold cup of water to the thirsty in the name of Jesus. Some are overwhelmed. Some have no idea how to help. Some are simply too preoccupied. This world still needs Jesus...his forgiveness, his compassion. Who will bring the gospel message? Who will be his hands and feet of compassion? Perhaps it's time for you and me to become answers to Jesus' prayer.