Compassion in Action

A. I believe it would be safe to say that God has been very good to Israel. In our text this morning, the Psalmist numbers God’s blessings to Israel.

1. Israel was delivered from slavery.

2. The Red Sea opened to save them from Pharoah’s army.

3. they were led by a cloud during the day and a fire at night.

4. Water flowed from a rock in the desert to quench their thirst.

5. Manna fell from heaven to provide them with the food of angels.

B. God’s people failed in spit of God’s faithfulness.

1. Their faith was small in spite of God’s giving His all. (v. 32)

Psalm 78:32 NKJV

32 In spite of this they still sinned, And did not believe in His wondrous works.

2. They said good things about God but didn’t walk their talk (v. 36)

Psalm 78:36 NKJV

36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, And they lied to Him with their tongue;

3. Their hearts weren’t right, and they disobeyed God’s word. (v. 37)

Psalm 78:37 NKJV

37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him, Nor were they faithful in His covenant.

4. They deserved chastening but received compassion. (vs. 38)

Psalm 78:38 NKJV

38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath;

C. As we think about God’s compassion, we might ask, what flows from compassion? Well, first...

Forgiveness Flows from Compassion (v. 38)

1. “But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity”.

2. Consider the compassion of Christ.

a. Jesus had compassion on a hungry multitude and fed them. ()

Matthew 15:32 NKJV

32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.”

b. Jesus had compassion on two blind men and restored their sight. ()

Matthew 20:34 NKJV

34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

c. Jesus had compassion on a widow and resurrected her son. ()

Luke 7:13–14 NKJV

13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”

3. Remember the compassionate Christ on the cross.

a. He forgave those who cursed and crucified Him. ()

Luke 23:34 NKJV

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

b. He forgave a repentant thief during his last moments ()

Luke 23:43 NKJV

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

4. Christlike people are compassionate. How compassionate are you?

Grace Flows from Compassion (v. 38)

1.

Psalm 78:38 NKJV

38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath;

1. The Lord didn’t destroy His people.

a. Grace was extended to the undeserving.

b. This applies to our salvation ()

eph

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

2. The Lord turned away His anger.

a. This happened repeatedly.

b. Grace is available to you and me.

3. Our compassionate Lord extends grace to all.

Understanding Flows from Compassion (v. 39)

Psalm 78:39 NKJV

39 For He remembered that they were but flesh, A breath that passes away and does not come again.

1. “He remembered that they were but flesh”.

a. God understands our weakness.

b. Compassion makes redemption possible.

2. Compassion takes the brevity of life into account.

3. We’re like a wind that passes away.

Conclusion:

A. God’s Compassion brings hope to you and me.

B. How compassionate are we?