Paul told us to “run in such a way as to get the prize”. The prize he spoke of is intimacy with God and the character of Christ. The prize is knowing ”what would Jesus do” and then doing it.
Here is a glimpse of that character:
Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, with a great crowd following him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The boy who had died was the only son of a widow, and many mourners from the village were with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk to those around him! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. – Luke 7:11-15
What character qualities did Jesus display in this passage?
- He was where the need was.
- He noticed the need.
- His heart ”overflowed with compassion” about the need.
- He acted to meet the need.
If He had missed any of the four, the need would have gone unmet. If He had been protecting Himself from the world, the need would have gone unmet. If He had been all wrapped up in His own little world, the need would have gone unmet. If He just plain didn’t care, the need would have gone unmet. If He had been there, noticed and felt compassion, but failed to act…the need would have gone unmet.
How about you? Which aspect of Jesus’ character do you need to reflect to the hurting world around you?
