Dear Ones:
The bond between John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus was an uncommon one. Not only were they the children of Elizabeth and Mary, who were cousins, but they were both filled with the Spirit, with a passion to do the will of God. To say the least, they were of a kindred spirit that was unique because they were both dominated by the presence and power of the Spirit of God. What a blow it was to the Lord Jesus to learn that John had been killed in prison by Herod. Not only was there most certainly the tremendous sense of loss, and the pain associated with it, but also, there was in that act by Herod the pulling back of the curtain once again to see the utter depravity of man, and what he is capable of. It has been said that Christ was crucified in his spirit long before he was crucified on the cross. Such is what happens at times when the blatant reality of the true nature of man is revealed.
What was the reaction of Jesus to the news of John’s death? Scripture tells us that, “When He heard of it (the news of John’s death), He departed thence by ship into a desert place apart.” (Matt. 14:13) This would be a normal, natural reaction of one who had suffered great loss. But then something occurred which reveals to us the heart of God, and the dominant motivation of Christ. A multitude of people followed Jesus to that “desert” place. They had followed Him on foot out of the cities. It was, as Jesus looked upon the approaching multitudes, that Scripture says: “…Jesus…was moved with compassion, toward them and He healed their sick.” (v.14) He would certainly speak to them of the kingdom of God, and afterwards, feed them all…”…about five thousand men, beside women and children.” (v.21) If there is a clear lesson here of what determines one’s usefulness, it is the “measure of one’s compassion.” Here was Jesus, certainly greatly hurting from the loss of John, and yet, his compassion for the multitudes would enable Him to rise above His pain, to reach out to those in need. He was dominated by compassion.
So, today, may we ask the Lord Jesus, and trust Him, for His compassion to dominate us. We shall all suffer loss in this life. It is the nature of this world. But there is a power that is stronger than death, and it is love. One specific expression of that love is compassion, being moved to reach out and minister to those in need. Dear Lord, give us THY compassion, and this in such measure, that we too will overcome every obstacle within and without to love and serve others in Thy will, in Thy way, for Thy glory. Amen.
Love, Dad