April 22, 2012 – Pastor Tim – “Is He Willing?” – Click to download
In the study of the Lord’s compassion, we must have, in my mind, a complete revelation of the Lord’s willingness to heal and set us free. During Jesus’ earthly ministry He was everywhere moved with compassion, and healed all “who where oppressed by the devil.” This same Jesus, is now seated at the right hand of God, “that He might be a merciful (compassionate) and faithful High Priest” for us.
To have compassion is to love tenderly, to pity, to show mercy, to be full of eager yearning.
God is not anything so much as He is Love. The most conspicuous statements in the Scriptures about our heavenly Father are the declarations concerning His love, His mercy, His compassion.
There is no note that can be sounded concerning God’s character that will so inspire faith as the expression of His love and compassion for us.
It is not what God can do, but what we know He yearns to do, that inspires faith.
Benevolence is the great attribute of God; therefore, if you want to please Him remove the obstacles out of the way of the exercise of His benevolence. God is infinitely Good, and God lives in a state of dedication to pour blessings on His creatures whenever they make it possible, which all of us can do (by the blood of Jesus).
Not only is God able, but He is also willing to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” It seems to me that God would rather we should doubt His ability than His willingness.
He is so “full of compassion” that he cannot be “a Respecter of persons” in the giving of His mercies. When we understand His compassion, mercy, grace, and love for us we will experience His power!
This week’s scripture references (all verses quoted in New King James Version unless noted):
– Psalm 145:8-9
– Hebrews 4:15-16
– Matthew 8:2-3
– Micah 7:18
– 2 Chronicles 16:9
– Acts 10:33b
– Acts 10:44-46a