The inhabitants of Jerusalem charged God with forsaking and forgetting them; therefore, He responded to them with a question: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have COMPASSION on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet will I not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands”, Isaiah chapter 49 verses 15-16. We know that even the COMPASSIONS of a nursing mother can fade and fail. What a contrast God’s compassion is to that which is displayed in the world!

The prophet Jeremiah declared, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His COMPASSIONS, fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness”, Lamentations chapter 3 verses 22-23.

The psalmist, David, wrote, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of COMPASSION, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth”, Psalm 86 verse 15.

When we reach the New Testament, we see this COMPASSION personified in a Person, the Lord Jesus. A leper, a demoniac, two blind men and a widow were among the many who experienced His compassion. When the disciples were faced on one occasion with the physical needs of a vast multitude, their response was “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. SEND THEM AWAY”, Mark chapter 6 verses 35-36. It was as well for the people that Jesus was present and saw their need, He was moved with COMPASSION for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. When He sent them away, they were full and satisfied!

It is comforting to know that He remains the say. In Him we have a High Priest, who is “touched (has compassion) with the feeling of our infirmities” Hebrews chapter 4 verse 15.

 

‘Jesus, Thou art all COMPASSION; pure, unbounded love Thou art’.

(Charles Wesley)