All in Compassion
Roses have always had a special spot in my heart. Their beauty can brighten any day.
How can something so beautiful have a thick stem of thorns, and petals so delicate they
fall off easily? I realized what my grandmother meant. Our Savior went to the cross with
a thorn crown, forgave our sins like petals on a rose falling off, and He came back more
beautiful than ever, bringing with Him the most precious gift to us – eternal life.
The underlying message resounded clearly. Do I matter to anyone? Does anyone care enough to stick with me? Will I ever be loved? What is wrong with me?
Jesus’ focus from the beginning of His ministry was that direct. The people were loving the healing miracles; whereas, telling as many as He could the good news of the kingdom was why He was sent.
There is no doubt in my mind that Jonah had a greater than passing acquaintance with the LORD. After all, he was a prophet with whom God shared His mind. The Hebrew for know is “yada: to know by experience”.
