Just for the Needy

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

SUNDAY, February 25
John 7:37-39

I need to belong. Too much of today’s living excludes. To be a whole person is to belong. The late David Swenson, a professor at the University of Minnesota, in his autobiography, The Faith of a Scholar, wrote, “There are two kinds of religion, one for good people and one for bad people. I need the one for bad people, full of grace and redemption.”

The words of Jesus call the needy one to him. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (v. 37, ESV). To thirst is to need water; to have thirst quenched is a wonderful thing. My deep need, however, is not to have physical thirst quenched; it is to have the thirst of my soul satisfied. That thirst may be many things. It may be the need for hope, for peace within, for confidence in facing tomorrow, or for assistance in meeting the demands of today. Above all, I believe that thirst is quenched by a faith that is full of grace and redemption. Jesus alone can do that.

Lord Jesus, I need you today. Quench the thirst of my soul. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: HOPE FOR THE POOR IN SPIRIT

A Temple of God

MONDAY, February 26
Ephesians 2:17-22

Travel is a broadening experience. It is certainly an interesting and enjoyable diversion most of the time. Last year my wife, daughter, and I traveled in England. Although much there was familiar, there were subtle differences that made me realize I was a visitor. I was not at home. I did not belong.

One need not be in another country to feel out of place. It can happen in any gathering or in any place. Wherever it happens you feel alienated or “far off.”

Alienation comes from separation. Just at that point Paul reminds us that through Jesus Christ we have “access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (vv. 18-19, NRSV).

Through the unifying power of Jesus Christ we are brought together and made into his temple, and the holy temple of God.

God, I do not want to be a stranger today, I want to be at home. AMEN.

We Are One in the Spirit

TUESDAY, February 27
1 Corinthians 12:4-13

For a number of years we had a little dog. He was a great friend. One day, to help someone out, we agreed to take another dog into the family. The result of this action amazed me. Each time the new dog came near us to be treated affectionately, our dog would strategically place himself between the newcomer and us. He was feeling threatened and trying as best he could to retain our affection.

We are not so different. Each of us has something to give, something to do, some talent to share. But how easy it is to see others and their talents as threats. So we struggle to be number one. We compete in all areas to achieve recognition, approval, and position, and we are never really satisfied.

Our older dog never accepted the younger and finally one had to go. What a tragedy when we cannot or will not accept one another. It is our Father’s intention that we not only accept each other, but that through him we experience oneness.

Lord, help me today to know oneness with your children. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: WISDOM FOR PEACEMAKERS

The Body Is What Counts

WEDNESDAY, February 28
1 Corinthians 12:27-31

To have a goal is essential if we are to arrive at anything. It may be enjoyable to take a ride aimlessly in the country, but it leads us nowhere. In order to arrive we must determine where we are going.

We are fast approaching the celebration of our beginning as a denomination. To know who we are we need to know where we come from. More than that, however, we need to consider where we are going.

Today’s text “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (v. 27) points out the goal of our endeavor. We are not meant to be only individuals or groups, striving to be seen, important, and influential. Unique as our individual contribution may be, we are more than individuals. We are the body of Christ, and it is the body that counts. So all we do, think, and say either elevates or debases the body. Is not our goal then to make the body paramount? And this is done, says Paul, by love.

Lord, help me to love the body that is the Church. AMEN.

Awaiting Deliverance

THURSDAY, February 29
Romans 8:18-25

Several years ago our family drove to Alaska. Much of the time we drove in valleys bordered by high mountains. One evening as we drove, the valley grew darker and darker. Suddenly, I noticed that the mountain tops were still brilliantly illuminated by the sun. As we drove along, I thought of some of the dark valleys I’ve seen in my life. And I remembered that even in those dark valleys there is still light on the tops of the mountains.

So when Paul reminds us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (v. 18), he is telling us to look to the sun of righteousness, Jesus Christ.

Our faith is not to be fooled. Life is a struggle. The whole creation groans to be free from bondage. But we have seen the sun on the mountains; we’ve been given a glimpse of his world, the world of reality. In that hope, we await our adoption as his children, and our redemption. Truly we await a glorious day.

Lord, help me live today in the joy of that hope. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: A HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

He Also Intercedes

FRIDAY, March 1
Romans 8:26-27

The week had been difficult. Problems, not all of my making, had piled up. I was not dealing with them very well. The phone rang, and I said to myself, “Not another problem!” The voice at the other end was familiar and the message given was very short. “Just called to tell you I’ve been praying for you.” What a difference that made. The problems didn’t go away, but now someone else was helping me to see them in a new light.

If there is encouragement in another’s concern and interest, how
much more wonderful and encouraging are these words of Paul. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words” (v. 26). Even more amazing is the assurance that “the Spirit intercedes . . . according to the will of God” (v. 27). No wonder Paul can give us the promise that “in all things we are more than conquerors through him” (v. 37).

God, I thank you for meeting my needs even when I do not understand them. AMEN.

Coming Soon

SATURDAY, March 2
Revelation 22:17-21

This week we have been reminded of God’s help to us, our inclusion in his fellowship, and his provision for our well-being. But there is one other promise, so great is its scope we can only wonder at it. “Surely, I am coming soon” (v. 20).

One day a gentleman confided to French statesman Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand his disappointment at the ill success he was having in bringing a new religion into vogue. Talleyrand, best known for his diplomacy at the Congress of Vienna, conceded that it was indeed difficult to found a new religion. “Still,” he said after a moment’s reflection, “there is one plan you might at least try. I would recommend you to be crucified and to rise on the third day.”

So our Lord Jesus was crucified and rose again and he promised to return.

Thank you, Lord, for this marvelous promise. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. AMEN.

PRAYER FOCUS: COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO MOURN