Christ's Compassion in Our Pain
Sermon September 8, 2024: Christ's Compassion in Our Pain.
Psalm 125; Mark 7:24-37
Pastor Fred Okello
This week, I spent long periods in prayer, interceding for our loved ones suffering from physical ailments. Some have gone to the hospital for help, while others are still on our prayer list, their names neatly written on the yellow sheet of paper in our bulletin. These are not simply names; they represent people we care strongly about, people going through difficult times that we may not entirely comprehend but deeply feel.
I was attracted to the words of Psalm 125 and the moving stories in Mark 7:24-37 as I held that list and began to pray. These verses provided a lens through which I could see God's heart for those in need and a reminder of our Lord, Jesus Christ's unwavering compassion.
Psalm 125 is a psalm of confidence, expressing the firm belief that those who rely on God are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken and will last forever. The psalmist reminds us that, just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so does the Lord surround His people, now and forever. Amid our anguish and suffering, it is common to feel lonely, as if the world has closed on us. However, this psalm informs us that God's presence surrounds us, providing a solid foundation beneath our feet.
As I prayed over the names on our list, this reality brought me much consolation. Even when our bodies are fragile, and our spirits are weary, God's protection remains constant. We are safely kept in His love, regardless of the circumstances. This is more than a hazy desire; it is a promise from God.
We see Jesus in two profound healing stories in Mark's Gospel. First, we witness Him respond to a Gentile woman—a mother who is yearning for her daughter's cure after being possessed by an unclean spirit. This woman's perseverance and faith were admirable, especially given the cultural and religious challenges she encountered. She was a Gentile, an outcast in the eyes of the Jewish people, but she courageously approached Jesus, appealing for her daughter's release.
Jesus' original response may appear harsh, yet it was not a rejection. Instead, it was an invitation for the woman to share the depth of her faith. Moreover, she did—she acknowledged her position while simultaneously appreciating the fullness of Jesus' grace. Jesus, moved by her faith, granted her prayer and healed her daughter. This narrative serves as a reminder of Jesus' limitless compassion. It crosses cultural, racial, and religious boundaries, embracing all who come to Him in faith.
The second tale in Mark 7 is equally poignant. Jesus meets a man with a double tragedy- a deaf man with a speech problem. What struck me about this narrative is Jesus' particular attention to this man. He pulls him aside, away from the mob, and heals him in an intimate yet meaningful way. Jesus could have healed him with a single word, but He touched the man's ears and tongue instead, revealing His genuine love and concern. He enters the man's world of quiet and brokenness, offering physical and spiritual healing.
These stories are more than just historical events; they illustrate the true nature of Jesus. His compassion is not passive but active, deliberate, and transformational. He does more than feel for suffering individuals; he acts on their behalf. This is the same Jesus with us now, who recognizes the names on our prayer list, understands each person's hardships, and is moved to compassion for every need.
Meditating on these verses, I realized that Jesus' compassion is not bound by time or space. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same Jesus who healed the Syrophoenician woman's daughter and the deaf man is still with us today, ready to provide healing and compassion to all who suffer.
As we pray for our loved ones, remember that we appeal to a caring God. He is not aloof or uncaring; He is near to the brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit. Let us approach Him with the same confidence and perseverance as the woman in the Gospel, believing His love will triumph over our suffering.
Furthermore, we can be encouraged by Jesus' example to show compassion to those around us. We are supposed to be His hands and feet in the world, to reach out to those in need, to offer a kind word, a helpful hand, and a heart of compassion. In doing so, we mirror Christ's love and bring His light to the darkest corners of our world.
As we continue to worship today, let us remember the promise of Psalm 125 and the example of our compassionate Savior in Mark 7. May we find strength in His unwavering love and be messengers of His healing grace in the lives of others.
Prayer: God, thank You for giving us time to ponder on Your Word and Jesus' compassion. We ask that these realities penetrate our hearts. We pray for healing, comfort, and strength for those suffering. Help us take Christ's compassion into our daily lives by demonstrating love and care. Lead us with Your Spirit, infusing us with serenity and equipping us to be lights in the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.