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Pastor Bob's Two Minute Devotion
July 7, 2008
Even When . . .
Jesus may have had compassion for the multitude,
but even more remarkable, he loves each individual IN the multitude.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
Even more than how Jesus loves "MANKIND," Jesus cares for us and knows us personally - what we think, what we feel, what we long for, what we are going through.
But now, this is what the LORD says - he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have
summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
We tend to think that God loves us most when things are going well and we are experiencing good health and prosperity. That just isn't so. God loves you no matter what you are going through. Just as a parent cares tenderly for a sick child, God cares for us tenderly when we are struggling with illness or problems.
If sin had not entered the world while Adam and Eve were in the Garden, then no sin or destruction would have entered the world, and no sickness or evil would exist. God did not intend for us to have to experience the results of sin, but that changed after Satan convinced Eve to disobey God.
After sin entered the world, God provided the sacrifice that has pardoned us from eternal death, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has promised to be with us when we face the result of sin, even when we bring it on ourselves.
King David experienced both trouble and triumph and wrote about both in his journal we call The Psalms.
For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me. Psalms 40:12-13
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalms 40:1-3 We experience both good and bad things - the light of day and the darkness of night - and God loves us during both. We can trust Him to be with us always.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Trusting Him through good and bad days,
Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth
Media Fellowship International
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