Compassionate Service
Scripture – John 19:23-24: When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” So this is what the soldiers did.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) How many crucifixions had these soldiers been through? How did they deal with that kind of duty? Obviously they had to disconnect themselves from the people on the crosses. In this passage they’re just doing what was normal for them. The clothes and belongings of the victim were left to them to divide up any way they wanted. There’s an experience I’ve heard described as “compassion fatigue.” It simply means there are limits to my compassion. In this day and age there is so much suffering going on in the world – from my neighbors to the other side of the globe. I cannot muster compassion for all the people and their needs. The danger is, I’ll pull back and not actively care about anyone. That’s why it’s helpful to focus on one or just a few areas of service. That keeps me connected through compassionate work.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Of all the needs I see in the news and in this community, which ones will I focus on? For I realize I’m not focused anywhere in terms of compassionate service. I will make this a matter of prayer and commitment. I will seek Christ’s direction for me. I will become involved in some specific area of service beyond the local church.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Please begin speaking to me, Lord. Open my eyes and my heart. Show me where and how to serve you in this world in a practical way. Please lead me to that this week.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) How many crucifixions had these soldiers been through? How did they deal with that kind of duty? Obviously they had to disconnect themselves from the people on the crosses. In this passage they’re just doing what was normal for them. The clothes and belongings of the victim were left to them to divide up any way they wanted. There’s an experience I’ve heard described as “compassion fatigue.” It simply means there are limits to my compassion. In this day and age there is so much suffering going on in the world – from my neighbors to the other side of the globe. I cannot muster compassion for all the people and their needs. The danger is, I’ll pull back and not actively care about anyone. That’s why it’s helpful to focus on one or just a few areas of service. That keeps me connected through compassionate work.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Of all the needs I see in the news and in this community, which ones will I focus on? For I realize I’m not focused anywhere in terms of compassionate service. I will make this a matter of prayer and commitment. I will seek Christ’s direction for me. I will become involved in some specific area of service beyond the local church.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Please begin speaking to me, Lord. Open my eyes and my heart. Show me where and how to serve you in this world in a practical way. Please lead me to that this week.
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