PENTECOST • 10

Only a daily and weekly basis we experience all sorts of emotions at work (Grief, fear, sorrow and anguish). How do we learn to approach God and wrestle with him from the depths of our souls to find rest?

SONGS FOR PRAYER

reading for: Tuesday Night, 1 AUGUST

Matthew 14:13-21

A Deep Compassion while Grieving

  • READ

    Are you able to have compassion and emphasise with others at work?

    How about when you are extremely down or discouraged yourself, are you still able to have compassion for others?

    This week's reading is a well known account of the feeding of 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. Its the only miracle to be recorded in all 4 gospels.

    But looking closely and focusing on Jesus, we actually see the Son of Man's capacity to have compassion (v. 14).

    Jesus didn't just cure the sick out of his compassion for them, he didn't just have compassion and feed 5 thousand men excluding women and children in a remote area, he did all this while grieving for his cousin John who had just been brutally murdered (v. 1-12).

    In fact, He was so grieved that he had initially planned to retreat to a remote island to be alone (v. 13). Quite likely to wrestle and work out his anguish and sorrow before the Father. Yet, on seeing the crowds, he was immediately filled with compassion for them. (v. 14).

    This word “compassion” is to be filled with sympathy for another person, to feel as they are feeling. In this case, their feeling of sickness that quite likely also led to isolation. Jesus didn’t just heal those who were sick to showcase the power of God over the powers of this world. He healed them because he felt deeply for their plight and pain. He fed them because he felt their hunger and lack of food in the desert. And the pain the women and children would have needed to endure before a meal.

  • REFLECT

Its important to remember the side of Jesus that Matthew wants us to see in his gospel - Jesus is a man, an ordinary human being who has come from the lineage of David and Abraham (1:1). Yet this man who is in deep sorrow because his murdered cousin John, is still able to be filled with compassion for others and care for them. He was willing to put aside his own plans and desire to take up the Father’s plans and desires.

This immense display of “superhuman” compassion might seem outrageous, but is actually Matthew showing us the true capacity we can have as human beings. Each of us, by the power and help of God, through the Holy Spirit, is able to have such compassion and empathy to understand others even in times of sorrow.

Many of us in our workplaces are often overwhelmed with work and pressures. And quite often we might receive a “nasty email” or “remark/response” from someone. In those times, are we able to still have the capacity to emphatise with others? Are we able to be filled with compassion for others even when we are feeling down and out?

reading for: Wednesday Night, 2 AUGUST

Genesis 32:22-31

Wrestling for an Answer in Our Fears

  • READ

    When we bring our burdens and concerns to God, do we wrestle and persevere for an answer with Him? Or do we just make a simple request and rush off without waiting?

    The important context for this passage is that Jacob was about to meet his elder brother Esau. His elder brother whom he stole his birthright from (Genesis 27). And he is feeling deeply fearful and distressed (32:7 and 11). Fearful not just for himself but his wives and children. In fact, he’s so fearful that he sends convoys of gifts ahead of him (v. 13-21).

    Its in such a situation that Jacob wrestled with God alone that night (v. 24). Jacob was feeling deeply fearful for himself and his family. He was fearful of the built up anger and frustration being unleashed after the betrayal so many years ago.

    Deep down, Jacob knew who His God was, the God of grandfather and Father (32:9). He knew and remembered the promise to be treated kindly and for his descendants to abound.

    Yet, he was fearful. Jacob had to wrestle with the God whom He knew and with the promises He had made. He had to wrestle with it until his fears were removed. He had to wrestle until he knew his family would be safe.

    That's the significance of Jacob's change of name. From Jacob to Israel. From the one who follows behind to the One who perseveres and prevails. For he wrestled with God and with men and won.

  • REFLECT

    No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

    Romans 8:37 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isa.40:31 ESV. God through His son has fought and won the battle for us and all who wait on Him, all who wrestle with Him and persevere will find their answer. Will you find time to wrestle and persevere with God today until you hear His answer to you?

reading for: Thursday Night, 4 AUGUST

Romans 9:1-5

Feeling Anguish and Sorrow out of Love

  • READ

    Are you able to feel a deep sense of anguish and sorrow in the midst of love?

    These are the feelings that Paul had for his people. Despite being an apostle to the Gentiles, he hadn't forgotten or lost heart for his own people.

    By the time we reach Romans 9, Paul has elaborated and expounded on what God has done and is doing through His son Jesus.

    Most recently he's caught a picture of God's love that nothing can separate us from. Not death nor life, angels nor rulers, things present or future, not powers, not height or depth or any thing created.

    It's in this overwhelming sense of God's amazing love that he now feels deep anguish and sorrow for his own people.

    The very people who have been adopted, who have seen God's glory, whom God had made covenant with, gave the law, worshipped God and received His promises (v.4).

    Paul's love for them is so huge that he's even willing to give up his own relationship with Christ! (v. 3)

  • REFLECT

    Love is often defined as romantic or "lovey dovey" in our times today. Anguish and sorrow are emotions that are far from our thoughts when we think about love.

    Yet this is what love looked liked for Paul towards his people. This is what it looked liked for him to love his neighbour. This came from realising how much Israel had from God yet how far they still were from Him.

    Does a deeper awareness of God's love lead us to feeling sorrow for our neighbours or colleagues or friends? Are we pained and anguished that they don't know God's love?

    Would you start by praying for them today to cultivate that heart of love? 

reading for: FRIDAY Night, 5 AUGUST

Psalm 17:1-7, 15

Confidence to Approach God

  • READ

    What is your posture, heart and attitude when you approach God? Is there a sense of confidence in Him and yourself as you bring your requests?

    David in this moment of Psalm 17 is rather childlike. Just like a child, he's boldly approaching God and is asking to be heard. At the same time, David is clear in his conscience and is able to stand confident before God (v. 3-5). He is able to do that because God is the one who has tested him and he is confident of his standing before God.

    Out of this confidence of God and with God, David now makes his requests to God. And he is confident that God will answer him (v. 6). He is confident that God will show his unfailing love and grant to him refuge (v. 7).

    Confident then of God and his standing with God, he is now confident in the outcome - he will see God and will be satisfied (v. 15)

  • REFLECT

    Through Jesus we have become children of God and can approach God with boldness and confidence (Eph 3:12). We can come to him in our anguish, sorrow or fears. We can also come to him and be filled with compassion and love for others.

    How are you feeling today as your end the week? Will you bring however you are feeling and approach Your Father boldly and confidently ask of Him?

Season of PentecostCNL