Compassion begins with the word ‘notice’

Joseph was serving a prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, which makes it remarkable that he had the time and energy to care about anybody else. ‘Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker offended their royal master… and he put them in prison where Joseph was… Joseph… noticed that they both looked upset. “Why do you look so worried today?” he asked them. And they replied, “We both had dreams last night, but no one can tell us what they mean.”’ (Genesis 40:1, 3, 6–8 NLT) Joseph interpreted their dreams, and as a result, the cupbearer got his job back in Pharaoh’s palace.

When Pharaoh had a dream no one could interpret, the cupbearer introduced him to Joseph, who interpreted his dream. As a result, Joseph became prime minister of Egypt and was positioned to save his family from extinction. But there is more to the story. From the family Joseph saved came the Redeemer of the world who saved you. This amazing chain of events begins with two words, ‘Joseph noticed.’

Remember the dying man on the Jericho Road? ‘Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side… But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So, he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.’ (Luke 10:31, 33–34 NKJV) Jesus ends His parable with these words: ‘Go and do likewise.’ (Luke 10:37 NKJV) So, ask God to help you ‘notice’ and for the grace to respond.