A Biased GodSample

Jesus floated through the town of Galilee, delivering profound teachings, gathering a flock of followers. 

These people were hungry. They were hungry for the message of a loving Father, and they longed for a meal. After all, they’d spent three days at the feet of this unconventional rabbi, and despite having nothing to eat, they clung to him, watching as he touched their sick and performed miracles of healing. 

Jesus knew they couldn’t go on that way. He was worried they would collapse from fatigue. That’s when we see Jesus’ radical concern demonstrated through a magnificent miracle. 

He looked around at the crowd. Four thousand men, women and children. That’s no small number. 

“Feed them,” he said to his disciples. They took their measly seven loaves of bread, and between confused glances, began to break it and pass it out. To their astonishment, the bread didn’t run out. They kept at it, until every single person was fed and satisfied. 

Heaven came near that day. 

And it all started with compassion. Compassion moves the heart of the Father. When we open our hearts to the plight of others, when we show genuine care and concern, when we make sacrifices for others, it stirs our Father’s heart. And blessings from heaven are released. 

The Bible tells us that Jesus cared for the poor and acted on their behalf. If we know and love God, we are going to demonstrate it by caring for those he cares about. As the late Bishop David Sheppard reminded us, “God has a bias to the poor.”

Prayer

Father, you are a good Father, full of compassion. Open my eyes to the needs of people around me and give me opportunities today to show love and care to others. Amen.