Pastor Stephen Dedman

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”
‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭19‬

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many people started following Jesus. In response, the Pharisees were frustrated because of the increasing popularity of Jesus. They said, “the world has gone after Him.” This statement, though made by the Pharisees with a sense of alarm, holds a profound truth about the impact of Jesus on the world.

This truth reminds us of the powerful draw that Jesus has. His teachings of love, grace, and salvation have an appeal that goes beyond cultural, geographical, and societal boundaries. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are drawn to His transformative power and message of hope.

What is your response to Jesus? Are you drawn to His teachings, recognizing that He is the answer to our deepest longings? Do you follow Him and share His love with the world around us? 

Jesus’s influence continues to be felt across the globe, and we are called to be part of the world that follows Him.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the profound impact You have on the world. Help me to draw closer to You and share the wonderful message of love and hope with others. Empower me to live out Your example of love and grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭14‬

In the compassion of Jesus, we find the source of comfort, healing, and restoration. The Gospels are filled with instances where Jesus’s compassion touched and changed lives. It’s the compassion of Christ that draws us close to Him. 

Jesus encountered a large crowd and instead of turning them away, He had compassion on them. This compassion was an abiding concern for the well-being of those before Him. It moved Him to action, and in this case, to heal their sickness.

The compassion of Christ is a theme throughout the Gospels. We see it when He weeps for the mourning, when He feeds the hungry, and when He heals the diseased. His compassion is not limited by circumstance, social status, or past mistakes. It is given to all who come to Him.

Consider the leper who approached Jesus, the woman caught in adultery, or the blind Bartimaeus crying out for mercy. In each instance, Jesus responded with compassion. He didn’t merely address their physical needs but reached into the depths of their souls, offering forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As recipients of Christ’s compassion, we find peace in His understanding of our struggles, pains, and fears. His compassion is cure for our wounded hearts, a light in our moments of darkness, and a promise of hope in our times of despair.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the compassion You demonstrated during Your earthly ministry. In moments of weakness, pain, and uncertainty, help me turn to you, knowing that Your compassionate heart understands my every need. Teach me to love as You love, to see with Your eyes, and to reach out with Your hands of mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

But man dies and is laid away; Indeed he breathes his last And where is he?
‭‭Job‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬

We are born into this world with a limited time on earth, and eventually, each one of us will face the reality of death. Job’s observation reminds us that our days are numbered and that life is both precious and fragile.

Job’s testimony is one of hope and restoration. Through his suffering, he learned valuable lessons about trusting God and the unwavering faithfulness of God. Job clung to the belief that his Redeemer lived and that he would one day see God face to face (Job 19:25-27).

We have an even greater hope. In the New Testament, we find hope in the glorious truth that Jesus Christ conquered death through His resurrection. He gives us eternal life and the assurance that death is not the end but a transition into an everlasting existence in His presence.

Job’s words serve as a call to reflect upon the brevity of our time on earth and to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Rather than being fearful of our mortality, we can embrace it as a reminder to live fully for God’s glory and to invest in the things that truly matter.

Let’s remember the words of Job and deepen our relationship with God. We find comfort in knowing that our Redeemer lives and that in Him, we are given hope and assurance of everlasting life in heaven. Face today with gratitude and certainty, knowing you were created for more than this mortal life on earth. 

Pray

Lord, thank You for reminding me that life is short and fragile. Help me to embrace each day with urgency and purpose. Give me strength today to face my trials and suffering with joy. Thank You for the victory that I have through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.