July 21, 2026
I Have Compassion - Part 2
Mark 8:1-3
07/21/2026
1 In those days, when again a great crowd had
gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called
his disciples to him and said to them,
2 ``I have compassion on the crowd, because they
have been with me now three days and have nothing
to eat.
3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes,
they will faint on the way. And some of them have
come from far away.'' (ESV)
In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered,
and they had nothing to eat, [Jesus] called his
disciples to him and said to them, ``I have compassion
on the crowd, because they have been with me now three
days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away
hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And
some of them have come from far away.''
In faith we pray, ``give us this day our daily bread,''
knowing that God provides all we need for this life. In faith we
understand that God works through means, through the diligent
work of people who produce, ship, and sell the food, clothing,
and shelter which keeps us warm and fed. God provides us with
the intelligence to set aside and preserve the bounty of creation
for those years of drought, for those times when our resources
are stretched thin. Even then, He provides because of His love
and compassion.
Jesus saw the hungry crowd and had compassion. As the crowd
desired to learn more about the kingdom of God than to leave so
they could go home to eat and sleep, they stayed and trusted in
God to provide. This is ``seek first the kingdom of God'' in
action, trusting in our Lord's provision as we give Him honor, as
we desire to be in His presence. We confess and trust in God's
compassion as we pray:
O God, whose never-failing providence orders all things
both in heaven and earth, we humbly implore You to put
away from us all hurtful things and to give us those
things that are profitable for us.
May our Lord grant that we recognize His love and mercy as
He gives us that which we need to support this life. Amen.