"The Compassionate Man"

 

“The Compassionate Man”

 

Years ago I had just arrived at a hotel for a conference and was in the lobby waiting for a friend when a couple stepped up to the check-in desk. The clerk informed them that even though they had a reservation there was no room available. The husband politely but firmly asked to speak to the manager to rectify the situation but I never heard what the outcome was.

About twenty centuries before a young couple named Joseph and Mary had arrived at an inn in Bethlehem after a grueling journey from Nazareth, made even more difficult by Mary’s advanced pregnancy. The manager told them all the rooms were taken but had compassion and offered the only shelter available: a stable (or cave) where animals were kept and in which Jesus was born. The innkeeper didn’t have much to give but (in the adapted words of Jesus), “(He) did what he could.” (Mark 14:8).

One Christmas season I read an article entitled “Missing Christmas” in which the writer cited three examples of those who did: Herod, the religious leaders and this unknown innkeeper. (I heard a preacher deliver a message on this theme shortly after the essay was published—guess he read it too!) But did he miss Christmas? This “Motel 6—Bethlehem” host had no way of knowing his property would be recognized world-wide as the birthplace of Israel’s promised Messiah—he simply sought to meet a need in the best way he could. Wouldn’t it be interesting to know if he ever found this out? I once wrote a Christmas drama, “Benjamin of Bethlehem Thirty Years Later”, describing a possible scenario once he learned the identity of his guests.

What can we learn from this unknown but not unimportant man?

*God often uses unknown people in extraordinary ways (“God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all…so that no one can boast in the presence of God.”—1 Corinthians 1:28-29, NLT).

*God expects us to do the best we can with the resources He’s entrusted to us (“You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” (Matthew 25:21,23).

*God wants us to have compassion for others’ needs (“If anyone has material possessions and sees {someone} in need but has no pity on {that person}, how can the love of God be in {that person}?”—1 John 3:17).

To whom might you and I show compassion during this season of giving?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan