Compassion

Pastor Mark Jeske

If this were reality TV, here's how the story would continue. "But while he was still a long way off, his father's security guards spotted him and relayed the message. The father gave strict orders that his wastrel offspring was never to set foot on the family estate again, and if he tried, the dogs should be set on him."

Here's how the Bible describes the father, your Father: "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20).

There is hardly a more beautiful description in the entire Bible of grace, which is God's decision to love unlovable people because of Jesus' willing death on Calvary. Jesus wants you to know that you can always count on the Father's mercy, because it is not based on your performance.

Compassion means that the father felt his son's shame and pain. And get this: he didn't make his son crawl. The father ran to embrace his prodigal bonehead. Wouldn't you like to be in your heavenly Father's embrace right now?  


Today's Grace Moment is based on the following story: 

The Two Sons

When Jesus first told this parable, his proper hearers must have popped a vein. Jesus seems at first to be advocating criminal behavior. Actually he is doing nothing of the sort. Once you get his point, you will never forget it. The outrageous analogy between a crooked manager and the Christian life is a great illustration of how to invest God's money knowing that time is short.

http://www.timeofgrace.org/

Dear Pastor Jeske

I just read last month’s mail. What a blast! I feel like I stepped off a Tilt-a-Whirl. It is amazing to me how willing people are to open up their hearts and minds and unload whatever is in there—praises, suggestions, criticisms, and dire warnings that I am a false prophet. There are heart-rending stories of personal suffering, appeals for prayer support (always conveyed immediately to Pastor Plath, our prayer warrior, and his prayer team), and personal stories of the many ways that Time of Grace materials have proven helpful to people’s walk with Jesus.

May I share a few nuggets with you this week? I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Dear Pastor Jeske,

I’m going to follow you from now on on WCJF in Spring Hill. Florida is a wonderful state, but we need God more.
–T.M. Spring Hill, FL

I was channel surfing. I kept going until I found your program. Being a little cautious I listened the next week also and I couldn’t find anything wrong with your message.
–L.Z. Whitewater, WI

I really appreciate the daily Grace Moments that I love to read during my daily commute. I would like to pass along a gentle reminder, however, that not all your readers are American.
–M.N. Canada

I like the way the program switches from the sermon to Pastor Jeske speaking in the office and then back again. I think that keeps the attention of viewers who cannot sit still for an entire sermon (myself NOT included).
–D.M. Seaford, NY

I hate the way the program bounces back and forth between the church and the office. It drives me crazy. Please just show us the straight church message–it’s easier to follow.
–B.W. Bloomington, MN

My reason for writing is that I can’t figure out exactly what classification your show would be? It isn’t a straight worship service. It isn’t a Bible study class that has discussion. It seems to be more like a college lecture class. How would you describe it?
–B.L.O. Salome, AZ

I’ve been listening to your program. Thank you for not dissing the Jews. It’s hard to find Christians that believe in us.
–G.G. via e-mail

Today I felt as if God was talking to me through you. I am 87 and my husband is 93. When we were at the Mayo Clinic for my husband’s checkup, there was a beautiful grand piano in the Atrium, which we couldn’t resist. We played a duet, and someone took a video of it and put it on YouTube. We are closing in on 9 million hits. To find it type “Mayo Piano Duet.”
–F.C. Ankeny, IA

I admit to having only watched you a few times as I am typically in church when your program is on. However, I have always felt you were doing a good job and in line with God’s Word. Today, however, I was severely disappointed in your “fairyland” teaching from Revelation. You missed the mark on so many points that I’m not sure you can recover. I pray you will again take a look at Revelation and allow God’s spirit to teach you, then repent of the nonsense you “preached” today and tell the people the truth. Remember, you are responsible for all who heard. You really sounded like you were WAY out there today!
–J.O. Newton, IA, via email.

I am struggling to make a decision; I have had intense pain in my life for the past five years. . . . I record your broadcast every week to view as a form of worship along with my own church worship. My autistic daughter also listens to you faithfully every week. She came to me and told me to turn on Pastor Jeske. “His message will help you stop crying.”
–C. via e-mail

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