Harassed and helpless
Day 439, Friday, Oct. 24
Matthew Chapters 8 – 9
As a writer I appreciate a good phrase or a good sentence that captures a truth in a few well chosen words. In this light I especially appreciate 9:36, which says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly had the experience of feeling harassed and helpless, when it seems that demands from every side are overwhelming me.
It’s interesting that this sentence, which seems to call for a response of love and compassion, is followed by two verses we usually equate with witnessing and evangelism: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Perhaps the two thoughts aren’t as disconnected as we may thing them to be.
Jesus points to people who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, then immediately says that the harvest is plentiful.
What if witnessing and evangelism are done by exercising love and compassion?
What if evangelism is less about convincing people and more about loving people? What if we bring people into God’s church through love rather than persuasion?

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Friday meditation

Psalms 17:1-9
Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed. Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Prayer focus
God, we are surrounded by the harassed and helpless. Let us, and them, see that peace and help are found when we come into the community of your love.