All is Calm (Point to Christ-Day 4)
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, we are grateful that, in the midst of storms or confusion, you provide the calm. “Cast all your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall,” (Psalm 55:22, NIV)
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40, NIV
REFLECT:
My father-in-law knew no strangers. Anyone he would meet, he would instantly reach out to in a friendly manner, as if he had known them for ages. He also knew what an amazing work of redemption that Christ had done in his life, and he was always ready to tell others about it as well. The thing that set my father-in-law apart from the others who might just talk about Christ is that he demonstrated Christ in his life. He would stop the car on many occasions where he saw people in distress on the roadside and would help them. He did not have a great deal of money, but lived generously, sharing what he had with others on a regular basis. One Christmas, he took in a stranger in the middle of his family’s own celebration to share the love of Christ with them, as well. You might say that my father-in-law was the man Jesus referred to in Matthew 22:34-40.
Like my father-in-law, Jesus associated with the everyday man. He wasn’t interested in pleasing the religious hierarchy, but in reaching all social and ethnic levels. From the adulterous woman to the woman at the well, from Peter the fisherman to Zacchaeus, the tax collector, Jesus reached out to everyone, because we all need him! “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23, NIV). “We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all,” (Isaiah 53:6, NIV).
APPLY:
Are there groups who you are not comfortable conversing with? Do you steer away from certain people to avoid confrontation? Did Jesus come to give them life too, just like you? Of course, he did and he wants us to reach out to everyone so that none would perish! “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9, NIV). Jesus made clear to us that we are his hands and feet. Since Jesus loves everyone, we too need to learn to love like Jesus. Do you have any opportunities to grow in this area today?
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, remind us to let our lives shine for you today! “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light,” (Luke 8:16, NIV).
WORSHIP: