06 August 2011
Josef Vissarionvich Djugashvili, also known as Stalin, once said: ‘The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions a statistic’.
When we look at the sheer number of those affected by the famine in East Africa it is easy to be overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. To feel swamped. To feel useless.
Yet even though 12 million East Africans are facing desperate food shortages, each person who goes to make up that 12 million is an individual.
A son, a daughter. A father, mother, brother or sister. A husband or a wife. A grandparent, friend, pastor or fellow believer.
How do we respond in the face of such suffering? With compassion, like Jesus.
Unlike Stalin, who viewed the death of millions as a necessary – and at times desirable – evil, God knows and numbers the very hairs on our head. He cares, as the Scriptures below remind us. He has compassion.
Rather than be overwhelmed by statistics, let’s pray, and look to One who provided manna in the desert to meet East Africa’s needs.
Today’s Prayer
Loving Father, I know it is your desire that none should perish. You are a God of compassion, mercy and love.
Please move powerfully in this time of great anguish. Provide help. Provide sustenance. Provide aid.
As you had compassion on the sick, the hungry, the dying and the dead during your time here on earth, have compassion on the helpless multitude suffering in East Africa.
Provide help where help is needed. Strengthen the hands of those bringing in supplies, and assist those doing all they can to alleviate distress.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen
Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’
Matthew 14:13-14
When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
(See also Matthew 15:31-33; 20:33-34; Mark 6:33-35; 8:1-3.)