Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the LORD — and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.
—Psalm 68:4-5
Thoughts on Today’s Verse…
I can’t help but think of what James, Jesus’ brother, said: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27).Jesus demonstrated the Father’s heart for the marginalized in his ministry by making time to love, serve, heal, welcome, and bless widows (Luke 21:1-4), lepers (Mark 1:40-45), children (Matthew 19:13-15), the afflicted (John 5:3-8), and the oppressed (Matthew 4:24). Now it is up to us, his people, his disciples, to continue the work of Jesus as his people, his bodily presence in our world today.
My Prayer…
Father, may our lives, our compassion, and our ministries reflect your heart for those who need care, protection, and love. Give us eyes to see these needs more clearly and hearts that respond more certainly so that we can demonstrate your love to people more fully. We pray that as we respond, the Spirit will lead us to do things that bless others, and we ask that you give us wisdom to know how best to demonstrate your love to all people. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
