Living 4 Him

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Many camping trips and travels across the country bring beautiful sights to my eyes. And sometimes, very unique sights appear. One of the unique images I experienced did not appear suddenly in grandeur, but snuck in quietly during my early morning yoga session outdoors while camping in Western Colorado. As I held each position, I noticed faint threads of spider webs reaching clear across the top of the grass, from one edge of the park to the other.  Not just one, but many single strands stretching across the green blades.  I was curious . . . Was this the work of one spider or many spiders?  How far did these strands actually reach?  And did these webs accomplish their purpose for the spiders? 

When I researched spider webs, my curiosity turned to amazement. Scientists have determined that a single strand of a spider web is actually produced with nearly 20 strands of silk protein from the spider’s body.  When compared with the density of steel, the ratio of the silk strands mean that the webs are actually stronger than steel.   Spider webs are highly elastic and flexible, so they can reach into many places.  While spinning the final strand in a web, spiders secrete a sticky substance so prey can be caught.

With this information spinning its own web in my mind, I grasped how God’s love and compassion cover this earth like a web.

The intensity of God’s love is a power that never breaks.

With great elasticity, God’s love reaches, pulls, surrounds and fills every place it goes.

We are caught in a web of God’s love and compassion that originates with God, but the web he shares can reach others through us. 

As this grand science lesson unfolds, let’s follow Jesus for awhile and see how this web of compassion reaches and connects others.

The story of a bleeding woman, recorded in Mark 5 (also Matthew 9 and Luke 8) shows the amazing energy Jesus (through his Father) possessed.  Suffering for 12 years, she reaches for Jesus, who is not yet aware of her presence, and the healing power goes out of him.  He didn’t even see her, yet his powerful might, present at all times, was activated by God’s compassion for the woman.  God’s web of love is strong. Always available.  Always working.  Always reaching where it needs to be.  

God’s web of love stretches itself into every place, and Jesus used many opportunities to “catch and hold” others to his heart.  While teaching in the temple, church leaders bring in a woman caught in the act of adultery.  The leaders tell him that the law of Moses requires them to stone her. They want his opinion.  In great mercy and compassion, he draws a line and suggests that the one who is without sin should throw the first stone.  One by one, each accuser leaves with a valuable lesson pulling them toward the web of God’s love. (John 8:1-11)

Jesus stays within the law of Moses, while surfacing the powerful truth that all of us are in need of God’s mercy and compassion.   The compassionate redemption God displays is not just a one-way offering from him, but a network of reconciliation that connects all of us.

Jesus’ disciples, witnessing his every act of love, received his commandment of compassion in their last evening with him.  John 13:34 “A new command I give you.  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so must you love one another.” The web of love shared with them, would now be spread through them. 

This passage from Acts 2: 44-47 shows evidence of Jesus’ lesson in compassion as we hear of the first believers, influenced by the apostles, sharing with one another.  ^“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.  They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity,  all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people.”

What great joy to know that this web of love, shared so long ago, grows stronger and longer each day as we share God’s love, reaching beyond where our eyes can see . . . into the fullness of God’s heavenly hopes for us.

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul): Read the full Bible stories of the bleeding woman (Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48) or the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) or both, and feel the full impact of Jesus’ power.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world): Make this your prayer each day:

A Prayer for Loving Others by Joyce Meyer

Father, as I am going through my day, I pray that you show me ways that I can encourage people. Thank you for opportunities you give me to make a difference in the lives of others.  I want to seize every opportunity that you give me. Amen.