The Arkansas Traveler

In Mark chapter 6 we read about Jesus sending out his apostles 2 by 2
to minister. When they returned they were excited to report to him the
things that had happened. Jesus suggested they go to a private place
away from the crowds for some report and rest time. But when they got
there, the crowds were there ahead of them. In verse 34 we read: "When
Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because
they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many
things."
Did you notice? They are trying to get away from the crowds, but the
crowds follow them. Instead of complaining, he looked on them with
compassion and ministered to them. First teaching them, and later
feeding them!
From this passage we can learn some things about what I call our
"Ministry of Compassion". As we let God use us in such a ministry,
sometimes our plans will be interrupted. Thats ok, the God will provide.
Sometimes we will be called on to minister to needs that we think we
cannot do anything about. Jesus told the apostles to feed this crowd.
They could not but He could, and did. In our ministry we must depend on Him.
A third thing about this ministry of compassion. We run the risk of
someone taking advantage of us. Thats ok too. If we try to weed out
such, we will miss out on much ministry to many people who need us and God.
To summarize, our Ministry of Compassion:
May interrupt our plans.
May require resources we do not have.
May be taken advantage of.
God will provide for us and provided needed resources as we minister
in His name. He is Lord. He is Protector. He is Provider.
It is all to be done to His glory!