1/22/21

"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14)
On His worst day, Jesus was still better than any circumstance that we may encounter!
Matthew 14:1-12 records that John the Baptist was executed during a birthday celebration for Herod the tetrarch. Herod and his guests were enjoying a drunken, gala birthday celebration, when Salome, his step daughter, performed a seductive and erotic dance number.
Herod was drunk, and enamored by Salome. When she completed her dance number, he foolishly promised to give her anything she wanted, up to half of his kingdom! (That sounds like a marriage proposal, to me.)
Instead of getting Salome, he was made a fool of. She asked not for his hand in marriage, but for John the Baptist's head on a platter!
Herod had to comply, even though he was afraid of what might happen. He was drunk, and he was a fool, and he was afraid that God might kill him for killing John the Baptist. But to save face before his guests, he executed John.
"When Jesus heard of it,..." (v. 13) Our lovely Savior heard the news that a faithful servant had died a violent death. Jesus did not give Herod what he deserved, He boarded a ship, and went apart to pray.
Jesus could have crushed Herod like an ant, but He did not.
The poor, humble people found Jesus. Instead of jumping to His feet, and sending them away, so that He could mourn John's death, He "...was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." (v. 14)
He spent the entire day with them, and then He fed them! (v. 15-21) Jesus took five loaves of bread, and two fishes, and fed a multitude of 5,000 men, besides the women and children. After the feast, the disciples collected twelve baskets full of leftovers! Wow!
Later that night, He came to His lowly disciples, walking upon the stormy seas. (v. 22-36) Peter even walked on the water to Jesus! (v. 29) He was doing fine, until he took his eyes off from Jesus, and looked at the raging sea about him. (Always keep your eyes on Jesus!)
Our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ! On His worst day, He is still more than any thing that could possibly trouble us! He is compassionate, and medicine for our souls. He is a provider, and bigger than any storm of life! He is God Almighty!
Walk with Him, this day.
From my heart to your heart.