Day 61: Compassion Ministry

Jesus said to then, 'They need not go away;
you give them something to eat." Matthew 14:16

Today's devotion comes to us from David Ramse, a missionary with the World Mission Prayer League, and a contributing commentator to "Christ In Our Home", a monthly devotional from the ELCA.

In our text, Jesus is inviting his disciples to partner with him in relief work. Thousands of people had followed Jesus from the surrounding towns to a deserted place, and many had received his healing touch. Now, it was evening, and the people were hungry. The disciples wanted to send the people away to the surrounding villages to buy food for themselves. Jesus gave a direct command: you give them something to eat."

This partnership continues today with God's people being called individually and corporately to compassion ministry. It may involve ministry to people of other cultures in other nations, or it might be a ministry of compassion to one's neighbor. It might mean a congregation raising resources for disaster response or sending a team for active involvement.

Jesus is concerned about the whole person, physically and spiritually. It is a privilege to be a coworker with Christ in meeting the needs to others.

Day 61. Dollar 61. Pound 61. Gracious God, may we allow Christ to use our hands and feet today to bring his love to others. In the process, we also will be filled. God of compassion, give me vision to see who needs your touch today. Amen.