Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:05:34 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Aug. 16); BP: Heb. 5:1-4; RBTTY: Rom. 15:14-33; Ps. 94-96
August 16 “His Condescending 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
How wonderful to know His compassion is for “whosoever” (Rom. 10:9-10,
13).
Of all the Manna sent from Heaven, none is more encouraging to
struggling Pilgrims than this one. Why is that? Simply because it talks of
how our merciful Lord shows “compassion on the ignorant and on them that are
out of the way.” Hallelujah!!
Who of us doesn’t fit into one or both of these categories: “Ignorant”
(Grk. “agnoeo”—“to ignore, not understand, be oblivious to, to not
comprehend or heed, etc.”) and “out of the way” (Grk. “planao”—“to roam from
safety, truth or virtue, to stray, be wayward, be deceived, seduced, err,
wander, etc.”)?
We know the answer, don’t we?
None of us!
Oh sure, there are some who resent being labeled in such a way—for they
view themselves as always “in the know” and almost always “towing the mark.”
But, pride has a way of always blinding us to the truth about ourselves
and our need of a merciful and faithful High Priest, doesn’t it?
Yes, by nature we are “Dufus Disciples,” who too often specialize in
shooting ourselves in the foot. We suffer from the human form of
“Hoof-and-Mouth Disease” and, like, stupid, straying sheep, too often we
find ourselves far from the fold or about to plunge to certain
self-destruction by our incorrigible ways.
But, thanks be to the Seeking Savior/Shepherd, Who specializes in
looking for and rescuing lost sheep! Glory!! When He finds us, He doesn’t
beat us with His rod; instead, like a loving earthly shepherd, He gives us a
sharp rap on the rump or ear and directs us back into the
“strait-and-narrow.”
We should also be thankful that the Greek word for “compassion” here
(“metriopatheo”) means more than showing sympathy or pity; instead, it means
“to be moderate in passion, gentle, to treat indulgently, etc.” Thus, our
all-knowing Savior. . . instead of “throwing the book” at us. . .and
enacting the “letter of the Law”. . .operates in its “spirit,” which gives
“life and liberty” (II Cor. 3:5-6, 17). Hallelujah!!
Why does the Lord Jesus love us so, Pilgrim? Why is He so patient and
loving with us? Why is His compassion so encompassing and His grace so
sufficient? That’s the “Question of the Ages,” isn’t it?
May the Holy Spirit help us today to live with great “grace-gratitude”
in our hearts. And, may we demonstrate this same compassion toward others,
knowing that we, too, are “encompassed with great weakness.” Oh for “grace,
grace. . .God’s grace.”
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