"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." —Matthew 9:36
When the world judges others by political stances, cultural barriers, or xenophobic sentiments, Christians are called to have eyes that "go beyond appearances." The Qing Dynasty's xenophobia, seen as foolish by the world, is, from a salvational perspective, the struggle and defense of "sheep without a shepherd." When faced with rejection, indifference, or even hostility, do we choose to stand on moral high ground and "contempt," or do we bow down and "have compassion"? John Morrison's quote, "If I do not labor for them, who will labor for them?" reflects a sacred sense of uniqueness—not only repaying the debt to the gospel, but also the ultimate responsibility for the talents and positions God has given us. True service begins with seeing through the thorns of others and acknowledging their suffering.
Dear Savior Christ, thank You for traveling to every city and village, and for coming to the cross out of compassion for these suffering and displaced people. Lord, grant me a heart as keen and gentle as John Marshall's, so that when faced with the coldness and alienation of those around me, I may not despise you, but rather feel compassion. Remove the narrow-minded prejudices from my heart, and let me see the thirst for truth deep within my soul. Lord, send me, so that I may not despise the small task You have entrusted to me. When the door of the Gospel seems closed, grant me the responsibility and courage to say, "If I do not labor, for whom will I labor?" May I be the guiding light in Your hand, living out Your love and true light in this land. May Your mercy flow through my life until all nations hear the name of the Savior. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.