"HE'S A TENDER LORD
Studying the life of our Lord reveals several things, one of which is His methods or tactics in ministry. Pardon me, but they're unbelievable: from spitting in somebody's eye to putting His finger in someone's ear. Let's just say they're bizarre, to say the least.
The miracle described in Mark 7:31-37 is wonderful to consider. It reveals more than a method of ministry; it expresses the heart of God toward those who are hurt. Some people picture God as one with long flowing robes, a lightening bolt held firmly in one hand, eyes of fire, and an eager desire to rule with judgment alone, excluding love and mercy. In this passage we see our Lord moved with great compassion. Being the perfect, flawless, sinless Son of God, He is still moved with our hurts (Hebrews 4:16-16). Several things characteristic of our Lord surface in this section of Scripture:
1. He's a tolerant Lord - Verse 34. It says He sighed. For us, that's usually a sign of tolerance or frustration. Maybe He was thinking, 'Father, at what point will these people stop bugging me?' He's not being intolerant of a man's sickness, a daughter's demon-possession, or a crowd in need of food. The sigh is more of a compassionate hurt than a feeling of being inconvenienced. He must be saying, 'Father, here is another one who is not experiencing everything we had in mind for him.'
2. He's a tender Lord - Verse 33. Because of the crowd and the potential for embarrassment, Jesus took the man aside to deal with Him. Only Jesus could have that kind of tolerance, yet still be tender enough to consider the man's own comfort and convenience. The Lord is tough, but tender and fair.
3. He's a tenacious Lord - Verse 37. Jesus has time to meet everyone's need. One thing I've learned about our Savior... He's not a quitter. Tenacity doesn't condemn, but it does confront. Condemnation has to do with guilt. Confrontation has to do with forgiveness.
Why should people feel so confident (bold) in coming to the Lord in time of need? The scriptures give three reasons in Hebrews 4 for us to approach Him boldly: (1) It's a throne of grace, verse 16; (2) Jesus is a pathfinder... He's been there, verse 14; (3) He's a high priest and is touched by our hurts, verse 15.
You see, your concept of God influences totally your conduct and personality. If you don't believe He's moved with compassion, you probably won't go to Him. But remember, if you don't got to Him, He'll probably come to you.
Ron Mehl"