Monday Devo

Read Luke 7:11-17. This story is amazing for the fact that it is one of the few times Jesus healed someone without asking their permission. So much of healing is spoken of today in regard to faith. The faith of the individual is what brings the power to heal. Well in this case - the lady didn't even ask! She didn't have a chance to have faith for Jesus to heal her son.

Christians today should read this story and know there is a God in heaven who knows our needs before we ask. He "heart goes out to us" even when we feel unworthy of him reaching down and helping us. If we have ever thought Jesus doesn't see - he does care and sees.

For some of us the lesson hear needs to be to see others like Jesus. Imagine Jesus' potential point of view. He knows everyone's sin. He knows everything wrong this guy and his mother have done. He knows that some in the crowd will use this story for their own gain or use it like the pharisees to misrepresent Jesus. He knows that life here is short and heaven is way better than being raised. Why does he heal? Because he's human now too. He's left heaven - he's entered our world and understands our fear of death. Though to him personal the fear of death is silly - he himself knows for a fact heaven is better. He doesn't base he actions on his reality. He sees a hurting mother - enters her world emotionally and understands her pain. Hebrews 4:14-16.

Can we set aside some of the stuff we "know" about people - the excuses we use to avoid them? Can we love with this kind of heart - even when we know the worst things about people and we can see their pain is not as serious as they perceive?

questions

1) What is something you have wondered if God really knew and cared about in your life?

2) How does this story impact your view of God's love for you?

3) Think of the person you know God wants you to love more - what excuses do you make that keep you from loving more. (they don't deserve it, they're too selfish, they won't appreciate it, look at all they've done, they'll turn it against me, they'll expect it all the time etc)

prayer

Father - thank you for your amazing love and grace. It has saved us and changes us. Thank you for your patience with us as we learn to be more like you. Teach us Lord how to love like you love, see what you see, hurt where you hurt. Remove fear from our hearts - let your spirit of power, love and sound mind permeate our lives.