Compassion Nonetheless

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Mt 5:44-45 AV)

I was reminded recently how difficult is it getting to love the unlovely.  Things have changed.  The closer we progress to the coming of Christ, the more flagrantly rebellious mankind is becoming.  But I am reminded of something Christ and Stephen uttered upon their death.  “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.”  The compassion shown by our Savior and emulated by the church’s first martyr is something we need to get a hold of today.  The closer we arrive to the rapture, the more violently anti-Christian the world will be come.  Their rebellion will not be hiding in a closet.  It will be in full display as a dare to the God of heaven.  Let me explain.

About twenty something years ago, my wife and I lived in a small New England town.  Nestled on the Fingerlakes region of New York, at the end of our block was a Pizzeria.  The manager of this pizzeria was a homosexual.  He was not militant.  He was not adversarial.  He was friendly and would engage in discussion about spiritual things.  This gave us many opportunities to witness to him even though he understood the Bible condemned his lifestyle.  We were amiable.  Almost two decades ago, we had the opportunity to deal with a Senior High School student who was exploring and considering committing to the same-sex lifestyle.  He, too, was amiable to discussing spiritual matters and by the grace of God, he chose not to pursue it.  Only one time, in the far past, have I ever experienced hatred from this group of people.  We would amiably disagree.  But there was no animosity.  Fast forward to today!  Believers are assaulted for believing what they have always believed.  Militancy has replaced respect.  No longer can a believer profess his faith in any and all circumstances and feel safe.  The attacks are growing more and more frequent.  Which brings us to our point.

When the LORD Jesus Christ hung on that cross, He did so with compassion on the ones who mocked and scourged Him.  He loved them in spite of the persecution, cruelty, and violent rebellion.  He saw them as they were.  Not as they wanted to be seen.  No matter how obstinately rebellious a person may be, they are still in need of God’s grace.  There is still hope for that soul as long as he or she is alive.  When we stop having compassion on the human soul because of our righteous indignation, then we have lost our effectiveness for the kingdom of Christ.

For the Glory of God

“But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name’s sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.” (Ps 109:21 AV)

Herein is the purest of motive for any prayer request.  The context truly adds additional depth to the understanding of this truth.  David is seeking justice for those who had terribly persecuted him and his family.  The things they had done are almost unmentionable.  David went so far as to request those who did the wrong be cursed to the next generation.  He asked their prodigy not continue.  If this is Absalom, the prayer was answered, for Absalom had no children.  Yet, let us remember what the Spirit has illuminated this morning.  No matter what the request, specially of justice, it should not be for our own vindication.  Justice, or any other prayer request, should be for the glory of the name of God, first.

When we look at the vast majority of request we make of God, they tend to be in our own interests first.  Sure, most of them are not selfish in nature to the degree of peevish consumerism.  We want God to heal a sick loved one because they are important to us.  We desire our lost love ones to come to Christ because we cannot bear the thought of their eternal damnation.  We pray for an increase in numbers for our church because it would excite our soul and build our faith in the LORD.  We ask for a promotion or a better employment situation that we might be more faithful at church and with our family.  There is nothing wrong with those motives.  They are decent and good motives.  However, where is the glory of God in all of this? Where is His reputation in all this?  Let me give you and example from many decades ago.

The first church that I ever attended was very unique.  They were genuinely and sincerely soul-conscience.  Their entire reason for existence was to get the gospel out by any means.  Even if those means had a personal cost.  It was rare to hear of a personal prayer request that did not have an aspect of soul-winning attached.  “Pray for my surgery tomorrow that Gods’ power will be seen and that we get an opportunity to share the gospel with the staff.”  “Pray that the LORD would give me a new job because I have exhausted all opportunities to witness in the place I am now.”  “Pray for the funeral for my loved one because there will be many lost souls there.”  There was one such occurrence that really spoke to me.  This faithful family had two young children who were cousins.  They went missing.  They were found face down in a body of water.  Rushed to the hospital to try and revive them, the prayer chain went out with the request (from these young parents) that they receive opportunity to witness to the medical staff.  They wanted prayer for their children.  But they equally wanted the name of God to be glorified.

Perhaps we would see more prayer answered if we seek the glory of God first.  Not that these other motives cannot also be a factor.  But if the glory of God is first, then no matter the outcome, God’s will is accomplished.  We are not to manipulate an outcome by promising faithfulness to the LORD.  He knows better.  Rather, this must be genuine.  No matter the outcome, let the glory of God shine.

A Wish That Changes the World

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Ps 107:31 AV)

Discontentment is a plague that covers our world.  Nothing but riots and malcontent.  People of all nations and creeds are rising up because they do not think life is fair.  With cloths on their backs, a warm bed in which to lie down, and sufficient nourishment for the day, somehow, we feel ill-treated.  All the while we ignore the law of God and live like animals.  We suffer consequences for our choices; which are clearly declared beforehand; and feel as though life (and God) has been less than just.  We think that if we get all things that we want, we will be happy.  The truth of the matter is, happiness is not found in gratification, but rather, gratitude.  God is good.  It all depends on what pair of glasses we happen to be looking through at the time.

At issue is not God’s goodness.  At issue is blame for man’s condition.  The evil in the world was introduced by Adam.  God did not cause it.  He gave Adam and Eve the option to obey or disobey.  It was Adam’s choice that brought all the suffering of which we see.  When we do see God’s goodness, it is in spite of man’s wickedness.  God does not owe us anything.  We exist and are cared fore merely from His kindness, benevolence, mercy, and grace.  If all this wickedness were to be our reality, yet without the goodness of God, imagine what creation would truly be like.  There, more than likely, be no human race.

The desire of the writer of this Psalm is that mankind would meditate upon just how good God is.  Yes, there will be suffering.  But it is not because God desires it to be so.  In the midst of our suffering, God is still there.  Waiting for those who will walk humbly with Him to call out in dependence and faith that He might show Himself gracious to them.  This wish of the writer goes further than personal contentment.  If all the world would stop, meditate, and live in gratitude for the goodness of God, the vast majority of our wickedness would be resolved.  Lust would cease because we are grateful for what God provides.  This wish of the writer is a wish that would bring glory to God and peace to mankind.

Infinite Compassion and Faithfulness

“Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry: And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.” (Ps 106:44-45 AV)

The context is the events recorded in the book of Judges.  Israel repeatedly backslid, falling into the dominion of a heathen neighbor, only to cry out, seeking the mercy of the LORD.  God heard their cries each and every time, rescuing them from their oppressors when revival came to their hearts.  There were two guiding attributes which stirred the hand of God.  God’s compassion on the people of His creation and the fact He made a covenant with them that could not be broken.  God’s compassion and faithfulness is that which keeps us from God’s wrath.

Lately, the Spirit has reminded me just how compassionate and patient our God is to us.  We may not be Israel, but we have some covenants, too.  We are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ, and nothing can ever change that.  He has promised to be our Father for all of eternity, and not matter what we fail to do, He will never forsake us.  This covenant is what guarantees God’s involvement in every aspect of our lives.  He will not allow us to go down the road of foolishness without intervening on our behalf.  We have been very fortunate with the sons of which God has blessed us.  They have never rebelled against us nor against he LORD.  One observation which I find precious is the compassion a godly parent has on a severely erring child.  It is remarkable how that parent can love a child that is in serious rebellion against God and eventually win them back to the LORD.  Sometimes it is to a fault and results in just the opposite.  There has to be a balance between compassion and authority.  All compassion will not result in true repentance.  All authority will drive them away.  But when I observe a parent who can keep that balance, encouraging their son or daughter to repent, it is a beautiful thing to watch. 

This is exactly what the LORD does.  He will allow us to suffer the consequences of choices, but when we cry out in repentance, He will regard our situation.  What is most amazing about this truth is there are no limits.  At least from God’s point of view.  The only factor that would limit the compassion of God is our lack of repentance.  As long as we realize and admit our fault, God is ready to forgive and restore.  It could happen several times, or it could happen countless times.  To the LORD who has infinite mercy, He is always ready to hear the cries of the truly repentant, seeking to restore the contrite to a place of mercy, grace, and love.

Happy Thoughts

“My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” (Ps 104:34 AV)

What we choose to dwell on is generally what defines our demeanor.  The understanding of meditation is not mere passing thoughts.  It is the deliberate exercise of the mind.  The difference is like throwing a ball for a few minutes, verses a regimen of resistance training.  Meditation takes discipline.  To meditate means thoughts not aligned with the objective are not allowed.  Blocking out thoughts that would run contrary to the main idea is a discipline.  Note the Psalmist states emphatically the meditation of God will be sweet.  Therefore, there are certain truths that can be implied.

The meditation of the Psalmist upon the LORD does not regard the justice of God.  At least as it applies to his own transgressions.  The only way he could be free from these meditations is confession of, and forgiveness from, sin has already been acquired.  The meditation of the Psalmist does not include any aspect of God’s character that is unsavory because he is right with God.  Therefore, the meditation of the heart of the Psalmist is sweet because he communion with God is sweet.  The Psalmist also chooses define all other thoughts in the context of the sweetness of God.  If there are troubles or trials of life, he chooses to block those thoughts that would question the goodness of God.  This is the objective of the Psalmist.

This year has been a difficult one for me.  My mother passed away in March.  It will be the first Christmas that I cannot call her and reminisce about all the memories she painstakingly labored in that we might have a blessed Christmas.  The cookies, the cranberry and popcorn stringers, and baby Jesus wrapped in tinfoil until Christmas morning.  I had to say goodbye to a church family in which I fell in love.  Wonderful people who I had to privilege to pastor for almost a decade.  I had to say goodbye to my son, his wife, and our three of our grandchildren as the went off to the mission field.  It has been a difficult 2018.  But through it all, my wife and I determined to tell ourselves to remember the blessings of what we had are greater then that which we have lost.  God is good.  All the time.  To quote David once again, “For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.” (Ps 21:6 AV)

Expectations

“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Ps 103:14 AV)

Knowing the limits of those for whom you are charged is important.  There is no greater act of compassion than to not ask something of someone which they cannot do.  God does not expect us to be more than human.  It is impossible.  He remembers what our frailties are and is patient with His creation.  He does not expect us to be or do more than we can without His help.  The indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables us to do more than we would normally be able, but the infinite God indwelling finite man is still limited by the creature.  We cannot fly.  We cannot instantaneously appear.  We cannot create.  There are limits.  He has chosen to use us in our limited frame for His glory and honor.  The comfort in knowing that God understands we can do or be only so much is comforting, to say the least.  It is also very comforting to know that God understands when we fail.

One of the joys the LORD bestowed upon me was the privilege to educate my boys at home.  For the first few years of their young lives, we met in my study for lessons.  We learned reading, spelling, arithmetic, a little science, and specially, Bible.  As a parent and teacher, one learns quickly when a student is struggling as opposed to faking it because he is lazy.  I cannot remember which son it was, but one was particularly frustrated at one of our classes.  I cannot remember which it was.  I seemed to remember reading or spelling being the issue.  Anyway, this particular son was also the one who could find other things to do when there was a chore.  Unloading groceries from the car seemed to be one sided.  Falling on the arms of Dad instead of the boys.  When it came this class, it was obvious to me that his reactions to the work were not laziness.  He was struggling.  Slamming down the pencil, banging the book, and kicking in his desk were part of routine.  Instead of punishing him, wisdom told me this frustration was real.  We backed off and took the time necessary for him to understand the difficulties of the English language.  Rather than pushing him beyond that of which he was capable, reinforcing the lesson and helping him see the principles from a different perspective was the key.

God is no different.  He has the patience of a loving and caring parent.  Sometimes, we put more expectation on ourselves than God does.  That was certainly the case with my son.  The bar he was trying to achieve was higher than he could and it was my job to lower that bar and take it at a pace in which he could eventually reach that bar.  The LORD does the same for us.  We put ourselves on a hook for things we cannot accomplish.  The feel guilt when we fail.  The LORD didn’t put us there.  We put ourselves there.  God knows what we can and cannot do and will not expect any more than we can accomplish by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Watch What One Watches

“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” (Ps 101:3 AV)

It is getting increasingly harder to accomplish this feat in such a wicked world.  All one has to do is open his eyes and he is confronted with wickedness all around.  He doesn’t have to venture outside to struggle with such a thing.  Turning on the TV or reading news on the internet brings one face to face with things the eyes shouldn’t have to behold.  It seems the only choice we have it to live in a cave with not modern comforts of any kind and never venture out of this cave lest he gaze upon something that he should not view.  But note here exactly what it is the Psalmist says.  He will set no wicked thing before his eyes.  It speaks of deliberate choices of looking upon things that one should not look upon.  It means to deliberately go to places for the purpose of viewing what one should not view.  He is referring to knowingly taking in evil through the eye gate for the purpose of pleasure.  This can be accomplished no matter how evil our world is.

We have learned by experience there are certain places which we should not venture.  Going to a pool side or beach is not a good idea.  Going to a mall on a hot summer day probably is not a good idea.  Going to a secular concert is probably not a good idea.  Going to a civic function, even if well intended, that celebrates drinking as part of the events is probably not a good idea.  There are places which we should not go, and to do so, knowing that avoiding the intake of wickedness is unavoidable, is unwise.  There are other forms of wickedness which we knowingly allow.  We may even choose to actively participate.  One of the habits I tried to work hard at was to anticipate a story line before we began to watch the show.  If I knew homosexuality, immorality, vice, or any other wickedness would be tolerated or encouraged, we didn’t even bother starting the entertainment.  That went so far as atheistic political leanings as a main theme as well.  Off the TV went.  This doesn’t end with Netflix.  There are very few programs that have any redeeming value.  The movie or show will eventually contain some scene of immorality.

Of what our Psalmist is speaking is not the necessary trips into the world like the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or work where we must come face to face with temptation.  Of what he is speaking is setting things before our eyes as a calculated plan to tantalize the flesh.  This is what he chooses to reject.  No planned viewing of any and all wickedness that will enter the mind and eventually work itself out in the flesh.