Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:58:09 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Aug. 15); BP: Heb. 5:1-4; RBTTY: Rom. 15:1-13; Ps. 91-93
August 15 “Spirit-Anointed Compassion”
“For every high priest taken from among me is ordained for men in things
pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sin—who
can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way. .
.for he, himself, also is compassed with infirmity.”
Hebrews 5:1-2
We’ll know we’re moving in the right direction when compassion springs
more readily from our hearts than criticism or condemnation.
The anonymous author of the Epistle to the Hebrews definitely knew the
Lord Jesus as his Savior and Lord. No one could have grasped the deep, rich
truths of Who He is and His Mission here on earth without an intimate
knowledge of Him (I Cor. 2:14). That’s why today’s Manna is such a moving
one—because it reminds us of Jesus’ deep love for us and how we’re to show
it to others.
Steeped in Jewish law and worship, the author reminded his readers (who
were undergoing tremendous persecution) of Jesus, their “great High Priest”
(Heb. 4:14-16). How wonderful to know that even now He’s “passed into the
Heavenly Holy of Holies” and “praying for us by name” (Heb. 7:24-25).
Likewise, our High Priest “was tempted (Grk. ‘peirazo’—‘to test, scrutinize,
examine, try, etc.’) in every way as we are, yet without sin” (v.15).
Hallelujah!!
We then read that the high priest’s purpose was to “offer both gifts
and sacrifices for sin.” Simply put, he was to help others “atone” for
their sins by guiding them in their offerings and sacrifices. And, in the
process he was to demonstrate great compassion “on the ignorant and on them
that are wayward—for he, himself, was also surrounded by his own weaknesses
and shortcomings.”
But, that’s not always the case, is it, Pilgrim?
Aren’t there times that we meet folks who are always stern. . .rigid. .
.dotting every “i” and crossing every “t”. . .and stressing the “letter of
the law” instead of its “spirit”? Yes, they’re everywhere; in fact, if
we’re not careful, we’ll be one of them.
How easy it is to live with a condescending attitude instead of a heart
of compassion. A critical, contemptuous, condemning attitude flourishes in
the carnal soil of pride. No wonder Jesus’ harshest words were for
Pharisees, not publicans or prostitutes. That’s why we’d do well to “humble
ourselves” before Him (II Chron. 7:14), knowing apart from His “mercy and
grace” none of us have any hope.
The Greek word “metriopatheo” is used in our Manna for “compassion” and
also means “to be moderate in passion, gentle, to treat indulgently, show
affection, for, etc.” And, in this context, it’s showing that we should
always be swift in showing mercy and slow in calling for justice.
Does that mean we should be “soft on sin”? A thousand times no!
However, it does mean we should forever remember, as someone said, “Except
for the grace of God, there go I.” May the Holy Spirit help us today to
show His compassion to those in need.
_________________________________________________________________
Now you can see trouble…before he arrives
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