“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’” (Luke 7:13, NIV84)

Many often characterize God as being cold and distant. They see Him like some powerful wizard who watches us through a crystal ball and periodically does things to change the course of global history. Those who see God this way find it very difficult to picture a God who is personally and intimately involved in their daily lives. Christianity is unique among the religions of the world because it reveals a God who is intimate and compassionate. The verse we are looking at today is a perfect example. Jesus sees a woman who is distraught and grieving over the death of her son.  The verse says that Jesus’ “heart went out to her.”  The God of the universe who came to us in human form had compassion on the woman. He was touched by her pain and her loss. Jesus reaches out to her not just as the miracle worker who from a distance could raise her son from the dead. No! He personally touched her life and expressed true compassion, and then He performed the miracle of raising her son from the dead. All this to prove that He was who He claimed to be.

We tend to forget how close our Lord desires to be with us. He told us that He would be with us wherever we go. Like the woman in this account, we have a God who is very near us. He knows what we are thinking before we speak or act. He knows what our needs are before we even ask (Matthew 6:8). We have a God who is compassionate and gracious, forgiving and reconciling. Jesus’ heart goes out to us whenever we are in need or hurting. He promises to be with us as we travel through the “valley of the shadow of death.” There isn’t another religion on the planet that offers a God like ours.

Today, stretch out your hand and find His hand grabbing hold of it. Walk with the God of the universe today. Be comforted that He remains that close at all times.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church