Jesus Cares
1. He Cares For You
I try to sit at my computer and type my devotionals early in the evening for the next day. One day last week I had been so busy it was late when I finally found my way to my desk. After I finished my devotions I decided to look over Facebook for just a few minutes before going to bed. Someone had shared the verse, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:7) I was weary, and my day had seemed so long, and my wonderful Lord knew I needed that verse at that moment. It blessed me that He reminded me that He cares for me. During hard times we may be tempted to think that nobody cares, but Jesus cares. Whenever you feel like your burden in too great to carry, remember that Jesus cares, and you can cast all your care upon Him.
2. When Nobody Cares
When I took Michael for his first doctor visit after we came home I pulled him up to the door, got the walker out of the back of the car, and helped him get inside before I went to park the car. When I walked back from the parking lot, a man was wheeling his wheelchair in front of me and entered the building just before I did. The man checking us in (I think of them as the Covid guards) looked at him and then at me, and I pointed to Michael and said, "I'm with him." He asked the other man, "Is anybody with you?" The man said, "No. Nobody is with me. I don't need anybody." Then he said something that I can't get out of my mind. He said that even if he did need somebody, he didn't have anybody. He finished his "entrance exam" and rolled down the hall. The Covid guard took my temperature, asked me the questions to see if I was sick or had been around anyone who was sick, and gave me my sticker which told others I had passed the test to be in the building. As I started walking towards Michael I looked up and the man in the wheelchair had disappeared behind one of the doors or into the elevator. I keep thinking about that man who said that he had nobody. I keep praying that someone will tell him that Jesus cares and he doesn't have to go through life feeling like nobody cares. One of the saddest verses in the Bible is Psalms 142:4. "I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul." Many people are isolated now and alone, and it is easy to feel like nobody cares. Let me remind you today that Jesus cares! If you don't know Jesus as your Savior please call out to Him and ask Him to save you. He really does care for your soul!
3. He Comforts Me
As we begin these devotionals on "Jesus Cares" I thought about what I would say if someone asked me how I know He cares. We can tell someone that we know He cares because the Bible tells us of His great compassion, and we may look at that later. We surely know He cares because He gave His life on a cruel cross to pay for our sin debt. But, what about those who don't know to believe the Bible, what can we tell them? The first thing I think of is that He comforts me. The first mention of the word, "comforter" in the Bible is from the Old Testament and it describes my life before I asked Jesus to save me. "So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter." (Ecclesiastes 4:1) There are many today who have tears of oppression, but they have no comforter. Then, I looked into the New Testament and Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:16-18) I know Jesus cares because I have a Comforter who is always with me. When oppression comes I can go to the Lord in prayer and He gives me comfort. Sometimes at night when I am stressed and can't sleep, I start thinking of all the Lord has done for me and I start praising Him, and He lifts my heart and eases my troubled mind and gives me comfort. How do I know that Jesus cares? Because He comforts me in the time of trouble.
4. He Forgives Me
Some people believe that Christians think they are better than everyone else, and it turns them away from wanting to be saved. I have been saved for many years, but I still have faults and failures and I would never claim to be perfect. Many times I say the wrong thing and afterwards I realize that I hurt someone with my words. I could go on and tell you other ways that I fall short in my daily walk with the Lord, but it will help you more to think of something in your own life that hinders you from serving the Lord. The Apostle Paul tells us, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) But, Jesus forgives us when we call on Him. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) He forgives me when others don't. He even forgives me when I have a hard time forgiving myself. This shows me His great love and shows me that He cares. And because He forgives me, He expects me to forgive others. "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25-26) You may say, "But, you don't know what she did to me." We have a Bible verse for that, too. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." (Luke 23:34) Even while Jesus was in such great agony on the cross, He prayed for God to forgive others. Jesus cares, and Jesus forgives!
5. Christ Gives Me Peace
If there is anybody asking, "How do you know He forgives you?" then I will tell you... "He gives me peace!" When I was a young girl my Grandfather Beasley was preaching on the rich man and Lazarus from Luke chapter 16, and the Holy Spirit showed me that I was lost and I started crying. I was sitting with my Grandmother and she talked to me and told me how to be saved. As soon as I asked Jesus to save me I can remember all the feelings of guilt and fear were gone. God gave me peace in my heart immediately. I know Jesus cares for me because of the peace I have in my heart and mind. I don't know how anyone lives in these troubled times without the peace of God. They are searching for peace of mind through alcohol, money, drugs, and many other ways, but real peace only comes from the Lord. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) When the storms of life are raging all around, look to Jesus and He can give you peace. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
6. Jesus Gives Me Joy
My Christmas tree is still standing in the living room. And even though Micah and Maggie didn't get to fill them this year, the stockings still hang on the shelves. And this past week, we celebrated a little Christmas. I hope that we will be able to have the rest of our family over soon and have some Christmas joy with them, too. So far, all of the ways we see that Jesus cares point to salvation. And today we look at when He came, to bring us salvation. "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) When I was younger I used to wonder why it said, "good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" when not everyone had joy when Jesus came... King Herod, for instance. But, one day I was thinking what I would do if Jesus had not come and opened up the way of salvation to all people. In the Old Testament, the Jews were God's chosen people. I am not Jewish. I realized that if Jesus had not offered me salvation, I would have no hope. I would be afraid to die because that would mean an eternity in torment. I saw that the joy the angels proclaimed, the joy of Jesus' birth, the joy of salvation, was offered to "whosoever believeth on Him" when He died on the cross and gave His life for me. Jesus saved me and gave me joy! And even though the weariness of the day may hide my smile, I still have joy. Deep, down in my heart, everlasting joy, all because Christ the Lord was born in the little town of Bethlehem to come give me salvation. And with my salvation came joy!
7. The Lord Gives Me Hope
There are different levels of hope. Seven weeks ago some people said, "I hope Mike's surgery goes well." The morning after his second surgery the surgeon said, "He looks a lot better this time." That gave me a deeper hope. We can hope for something, and even have a reason for our hope, but that does not compare to the hope we have in Christ. Our hope in Christ is sure. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;" (Hebrews 6:19) Our hope in the Lord is not just wishful thinking. It is a promise, and our Lord always fulfills His promises.
We have the hope of salvation.
"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." (I Thessalonians 5:8)
We have hope of eternal life.
"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;" (Titus 1:2)
We have a blessed hope.
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" (Titus 2:13)
We have a lively hope.
"3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5)
8. He Gives Us Love
Jesus showed His love for us in giving His life on the cross. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17) "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) Not only does Jesus show us He cares by His love, but we have the love of other Christians. I am still amazed at the outpouring of love Michael and I have received over the past seven weeks. We immediately received texts and messages from people who were praying for Michael's recovery. We are still receiving cards, phone calls, and gifts of love from our Christian friends to show their love for us. We are so thankful for each expression of love towards us. Michael had a visit with his heart doctor on Monday and he is doing well. He still has a way to go with his recovery, but I praise the Lord for each small step in this long journey.
9. Jesus Has The Compassion Of A Good Shepherd
I have talked about several ways in my life that I know Jesus cares. Now, I want to look at some of the scriptures that speak of His compassion, which shows He cares. "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34) Also, in Matthew 9:36 we read, "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." There are many people in our society today who have no shepherd. They are following the wrong ideas and the wrong people and are going down the path of destruction. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He died for the lost sheep and His sheep are safe in His hand. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him and follow Him. I know Jesus cares because He knows me and takes care of me.
"11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:10-14 & 27-29)
10. The Lord Has Compassion And Feeds Me
Covid has brought about many challenges and changes, but one thing that has helped us amidst all the changes is the grocery pick-up. Before Michael's surgery we were to isolate so that we would not come in contact with anyone who might have Covid. During his hospital stay the only people I came near were people in the hospital. And since we have come home we have only been around a few from our family. My children, and our Moms were getting groceries for me and picking up little things we needed and it has been a great help. For the last two weeks I have been able to order our groceries online and Michael was happy to ride with me to pick them up. I am thankful that the Lord is providing our needs and still letting us keep our distance from others. I know so many who have suffered through this terrible sickness and I will be so glad when we can once again spend time with one another.
Jesus cares for us and has compassion on the hungry. "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way." (Matthew 15:32) He is providing our physical needs, and He also provides our spiritual nourishment. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) Jesus cares and provides my needs. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
11. Jesus Has Compassion And Heals The Sick
Our next verse of our Lord's compassion is Matthew 14:14. "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." There are beautiful stories in the New Testament of how Jesus had compassion on the sick and healed them. Jesus had compassion on the blind and opened their eyes so that they could see. "So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him." (Matthew 20:34) The poor leper who was declared unclean, and outcast, and couldn't be touched, Jesus reached out and touched him and made him clean again.
"40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed." (Mark 1:40-42)
That is what Jesus did for me. He opened my eyes that were blinded by sin and showed me the way of salvation. He put forth His hands on the cross and paid for my sin so that I could be cleansed and made whole. And there have been many times when I was sick in my physical body and Jesus heard and answered my prayers and healed me. There are so many who are sick and hurting today and my prayer list seems to grow everyday. But, each day I hear of those who are recovering from their sickness. I praise the Lord for His compassion and healing power.
12. Jesus Has Compassion When Our Loved Ones Die
Yesterday we saw that Jesus has compassion and heals the sick. But, everyone does not receive complete healing in this life, for there comes a time when we all will die. Our Lord has compassion when our loved ones die. "Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not." (Luke 7:12-13) He raised the young man from the dead. When Jesus saw Mary weeping over the death of her brother, Lazarus, we read that "Jesus wept." (John 11:35) I was reading this morning in the book of Numbers where God took Moses to the top of the mountain to see the Promised Land. "And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered." (Numbers 27:13) I thought that was a wonderful way to look at death. It reminded me of Malachi 3:17, "And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels;..." Jesus is gathering His children, just like gathering jewels. Isn't that a lovely thought? Jesus has compassion when our loved ones die.
13. God Has Compassion When Our Burden Is Too Heavy To Bear
Do you ever feel like your burden is too heavy to bear? If you do, then you are not alone. Many times we get weary and feel like we can't go on. Moses felt like his burden was too heavy.
"And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness." (Numbers 11:11, 14 & 15)
I don't think Moses really wanted to die at this point in his life, but he was so burdened under his load he felt like he couldn't go on living. God had compassion on Moses and told him to take 70 elders of the people and "they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone." (vs. 17) There were days during those first two weeks in the hospital that I felt like I could not bear my burden alone. Sometimes we need a shoulder to lean on or a hug, but with Covid restrictions, I was trying to isolate myself to keep from possibly passing germs to Michael. But, my loving God had compassion and I didn't just have 70 elders, I had people of all ages, from all parts of my life, reaching out to help me bear my burden. Family and friends sent me texts, and messages, and soon they started sending cards in the mail. I read the messages and cards to Michael and I can tell you with assurance today that Jesus Cares! He wants us to help bear each others burdens. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2) Reach out to others and let them know you care, and you can help them bear their burdens.
14. God Has Compassion When We Get Discouraged
We saw how Moses told the Lord to just let him die when his burden was too heavy to bear. Today we see the great Prophet Elijah and how he told God to let him die when he was discouraged. "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (I Kings 19:4) Elijah called on the people to make a choice between God and Baal. "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." (I Kings 18:21) No one would take a stand with him, and in I Kings 19:3 he even left his servant and went on alone. It is better not to be alone in our times of discouragement. Elijah had a great victory over the false prophets on Mount Carmel when the fire of God fell on his sacrifice. Often we find ourselves sinking low, after a great mountain top experience. He outran King Ahab's chariot when the rain came, after the three and a half years of famine. Being physically tired can also bring us down emotionally. Elijah was at an all-time low, and he told the Lord to take away his life. But God had compassion! He let him rest, and sent an angel to prepare him something to eat, and gave him fresh water to drink. When we get discouraged or depressed we need to make sure we are getting enough rest, and also eating and drinking. After he had rested and was nourished the Lord gave him another job to do which took his mind off his discouragement. We don't see the Lord rebuking Elijah, but instead speaking to him in a still, small voice. And in the end, God showed Elijah that he was not alone. "Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." (I Kings 19:18) Elijah didn't die here, alone under the juniper tree. No, Elijah went to heaven in a chariot of fire. "And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." (II Kings 2:11)
"2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.
4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.
7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee." (I Kings 19:2-7)
15. God Has Compassion When Life Doesn't Go As We Hoped
Moses and Elijah were great men of God and they both came to a point where they asked the Lord to let them die. There is another example in the Old Testament when a prophet said, "It is better for me to die than to live." He came to this point after God forgave his enemies. Do you know this prophet? "Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live." (Jonah 4:3) Jonah was so angry at God for not destroying his enemies he asked the Lord to take his life. Nineveh was the wicked capital of Assyria. Several years ago when we were doing a study through the Bible for our youth at church, I did some research about Nineveh and I was amazed at the wickedness and horrendous acts of violence in their quest to conquer. In all my years of hearing about Jonah, I finally understood why he didn't want to go to Nineveh. But, after his experience in the belly of the whale he went and preached to his enemies. "And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them." (Jonah 3:4-5) I know of no other time when an entire city repented and turned to God from the message of one man. "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." (Jonah 3:10) Jonah was angry when God did not destroy the city. God showed the prophet His compassion. "And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?" (Jonah 4:11) God had compassion on these 120,000 people who didn't know left from right, maybe children, and on the cattle.
In our world today we see the enemies of God rising above, to exalted positions, and sometimes it causes us to be angry. We lift up those in prayer who are seeking to lead in the right direction and we don't understand when life doesn't go as we hoped. We must not lose focus of the truth that our God is good and He is still in control. He is not surprised by what happens in this world, even when we feel like things have knocked us for a loop. God tells us in His word, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 55:8) We can't understand the things that happen when the wicked prevail, but we can be sure that He sees their wickedness. "For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes." (Jeremiah 16:17) In Psalm 73:3 Asaph said, "For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." But, as we continue in the Psalm, we see their end.
"17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors." (Psalm 73:17-19)
16. Compassion At The Death Of His Child
We have seen several examples of how the Lord has compassion at the death of His children, and I want to move on, but first, let's go to the New Testament. Moses, Elijah, and Jonah saw death as an escape from their problems, but the Apostle Paul saw death as being with Christ.
"21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." (Philippians 1:21-24)
Stephen is another example. As he was stoned, he saw the heavens opened and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:55, 56, 59 & 60)
Other scriptures tell us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1)
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;" (Hebrews 10:12)
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
This shows us that Jesus cares during the death of His children. He stood up to greet Stephen and welcome him into heaven. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15)
17. If God Be For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?
I often hear someone ask, "Why is everything against me?", or "Why does everything happen to me?" God cares for us and the Bible assures us that all these "everythings", big or small, are working together for our good. People often quote Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." God is in control and He has a purpose for our lives. I know that the sinfulness of this world may cause much of the "bad" that happens, but God is God, and God is good, and God can work all things for our good. And that's good to know! It shows us that He cares! Now, let's move on to the next few verses...
"29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
When you feel like something or someone is working against you, or maybe some days you feel like the whole world is against you, then remember Romans 8:31, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" And we can't stop here... look at the next verse. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" If God was willing to give His Son to die, and He was, and He did, why would He not give us what was best for us? God cares for you!
