Strength and Compassion

Psalm 10 is a prayer for deliverance,

The psalmist recognizes two things.

God will hear the meek that call out to Him.

God will also strengthen them.

Psalm 10:17 (NRSVue) - O Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

Luke 19 begins with the account of Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus was a tax official, and people disliked him for that.

He also knew he was not tall enough to see Jesus when He passed.

So, Zacchaeus climbs up a sycamore tree to afford himself a better view.

He was in for the surprise of his life.

Luke 19:5-6 (NRSVue) - When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.

Although disliked by many, Jesus had compassion for this tax collector.

Jesus not only spoke with him, but Jesus would also be a willing guest in his home.

The Lord has compassion for all.

He wants us to show that same compassion to all God’s children.

You may be saying to yourself that this is impossible.

In one of life’s great ironies, those who need love the most seem the hardest to love.

Compassion for everyone is impossible if we rely on our strength alone.

But if we humble ourselves like the psalmist, the Lord will allow us to rely on His strength.

With His strength, all things are possible.

This includes an all-embracing love.

Philippians 4:13 (NRSVue) - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com on Friday, October 10, 2025.

I will be back here on Friday, October 17, 2025