Dave spoke about God's compassion through the bible.
Dave set out that our Fathers plan has always been to show compassion to mankind from Genesis to Revelation. I didn't quite make it to Revelation this time. Exodus 34 v 6 the Fathers declaration of who he is.
I used the examples of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jonah and Ruth to demonstrate how our Father shows his compassion out worked by humans.
The two I picked out the most were Moses and the burning bush where Yahweh says how he has heard the cry of his people. Are we living in times when the Father has heard the cry from people and is saying "let my people go"?
Jonah was told to go to Ninevah (the Ibiza culture). Jonah eventually and reluctantly preaches and the people turn to God and Jonah moans that he knew the Father would show mercy and compassion and Jonah wanted judgement.
Matthew 9 v 35-38
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
The Fathers strategy is
We pray and as we do so, we gain his heart and compassion for people.
Should leadership in our community
Practical Suggestions
In order to try and help us all to start to pray for the people around us, I suggested that groups cut out the following tasks and then pull them out and put them into practice for a week. The idea is not simply to do a random act of kindness but in doing so, pray and have insight into Jesus' compassion for people. It will also change the atmosphere around you.
Write a letter to an old friend or relative you have not been in touch with.
Write to a public servant who is under pressure thanking them for their work.
This could be a teacher, a nurse, doctor bin man etc.
Buy some flowers for a neighbour.
Write a note to a waitress or waiter thanking them for working hard.
If you have anymore ideas then feel free to add them to this list.
The idea is to pray first to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Questions
If you want questions to then ask:
1. Exodus 3 Moses and the burning bush. Do you think we live in times where people are crying out for freedom? Is the Father saying "let my people go".
2. Jonah. Ask people to compare how they feel about people in comparison to Jonah. Encourage people to be open and honest but pray for the Holy Spirit to help you all gain more compassion for people even if we view them as "scum" as it says in Matthew 9 v 11 New Living translation. How does the Father view people? What lengths will He go to to see people saved?
3. Prayer is critical for evangelism are you praying for the out reach in two weeks time when we go into the streets in Matlock taking the good news and the power of his word?
