He Seeks Us 3

Matthew 15:31-32

Years ago many of the churches in Hamilton, Ohio, organized a system to help the homeless in that town. Churches took turns providing homeless families and individuals with shelter and a meal. That ministry quickly grew into something more comprehensive. Instead of simply a bed and a meal the churches soon offered a bed, activities to occupy their time, and not just one meal, but three meals. Their compassion could not stop at the bare essentials.

In a familiar story Jesus is preaching when he is surrounded by a massive crowd of thousands of people. What has already happened among the people? What does Jesus want to do for them?

Not only has Jesus provided these thousands of listeners with powerful teaching and instruction, he has clearly performed miracles among them. He has given voice to the mute and restored the lame and crippled. His mercy and compassion are so great that the crowd is praising God for all of His love.

But Jesus is not done yet. He has taught them and healed them, and now he wants to feed them. His compassion knows no bounds.

And the same is true of us. Jesus has given himself completely for our salvation. He suffered and died on a cross so that we might be freed from the chains of our own sins.

He also continues to be a presence in our lives, a source of comfort and guidance and wisdom. He is the rock of hope that we can rely on in difficult times. But he doesn’t stop there.

Jesus constantly seeks us out with his love. No matter what we do in our lives, no matter what mistakes we make, no matter how we might disregard and ignore God, still Jesus seeks us so that we might have a relationship of love with him.

Even if Jesus has already taught you and healed you, he still wants to feed you with his compassion and mercy. Jesus still seeks you to provide you with life-giving sustenance in your walk of faith.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to receive the food Jesus will give you?