[Jesus said,] "Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner — a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian."
—Luke 4:25-27 NLT
Key Thought
God didn't love Israel to love only Israel. God chose Abraham and his descendants through Isaac to bring his gracious blessings to all people. God loves all people — people of all races, all cultures, and all languages. So not only does he want us to minister to the broken and the outcast, but he also wants us to minister to the broken and outcast of even our enemies and those who do not share our faith (Matthew 5:43-48). Jesus reminds us of this charge with two startling examples — the widow of Zarephath and Naaman. Both of these people were non-Israelites, and one was the leader of an enemy — a stark reminder that loving our enemies and caring for those we may not perceive as redeemable is not a theory, but a passion for the God of all redemption.
Today's Prayer
Open my eyes, LORD, and open the eyes of all your people. While our world struggles with conflict and hatred, please use us to be your ambassadors of reconciliation and redemption. Give us the courage to share your grace in places and with people who need it regardless of their race, culture, or language. Use us to touch the nations with your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 4:25-27 NLT
Key Thought
God didn't love Israel to love only Israel. God chose Abraham and his descendants through Isaac to bring his gracious blessings to all people. God loves all people — people of all races, all cultures, and all languages. So not only does he want us to minister to the broken and the outcast, but he also wants us to minister to the broken and outcast of even our enemies and those who do not share our faith (Matthew 5:43-48). Jesus reminds us of this charge with two startling examples — the widow of Zarephath and Naaman. Both of these people were non-Israelites, and one was the leader of an enemy — a stark reminder that loving our enemies and caring for those we may not perceive as redeemable is not a theory, but a passion for the God of all redemption.
Today's Prayer
Open my eyes, LORD, and open the eyes of all your people. While our world struggles with conflict and hatred, please use us to be your ambassadors of reconciliation and redemption. Give us the courage to share your grace in places and with people who need it regardless of their race, culture, or language. Use us to touch the nations with your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2019 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...
Hello Sean, we stand with you in prayer! Remember, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:1-2). God protects you always! Let's keep lifting up our brothers and sisters together. Amen.
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