The Daily Devotional
Friday, February 23, 2024
Embraced in Strangers' Land
Friday, February 23, 2024
Embraced in Strangers' Land
You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.
Ephesians 2:19
Introduction
Today's devotional is inspired by Ephesians 2:19, which reads, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God." This verse resonates deeply with the journey described in Daniel Nayeri's book, Everything Sad Is Untrue, where a family's search for a home leads them to unexpected places of refuge and kindness.
Reflection
In Nayeri's narrative, we witness the profound struggles of a family uprooted, fleeing persecution, and seeking safety in a foreign land. Their journey, fraught with uncertainty and hardship, mirrors the spiritual journey many of us undertake in seeking our place in God's kingdom.
In his book, Daniel Nayeri recounts the daunting journey he undertook with his mother and sister, escaping persecution and passing through a refugee camp before finding refuge in the United States. They were sponsored by an elderly couple who had never met them, a gesture of kindness that still astonishes Daniel years later. He reflects on their act: “Can you believe that? Totally blind, they did that. They’d never even met us. And if we turned out to be villains, they’d have to pay for it. That’s almost as brave, kind, and reckless as I can think of anybody being.”
Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that in God's eyes, we are never strangers. We are part of His grand family, a household built on the foundation of faith, love, and grace. Just as Daniel's family found unexpected welcome and compassion in the arms of strangers, we too are called to find our identity and belonging in the family of God.
God calls us to deeply care for others, as He instructed the Israelites to treat foreigners with kindness. This is echoed in Leviticus 19:34, where He says, “Love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” He also reminds non-Jewish believers in Jesus—which includes many—of their past as outsiders: “at that time without Christ … and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Thus, He urges all who were once foreigners, both Jews and non-Jews, to “show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).
The book beautifully illustrates the power of hospitality and kindness. The selfless actions of those who welcomed Daniel and his family serve as a living example of the Gospel's call to love and serve others, especially those who are strangers among us. In doing so, we not only provide shelter and comfort but also reflect the love of Christ, who welcomed us all into His eternal family.
Conclusion
Reflecting on Daniel's heartfelt gratitude towards Jim and Jean Dawson for their exemplary Christian compassion in welcoming him and his family into their home, as depicted in Everything Sad Is Untrue, we are reminded of the powerful message in Ephesians 2:19. This story and scripture together inspire us to open our hearts and homes to those in need, reinforcing the idea that in God's family, there are no strangers, only brethren united in love. Let this example guide us to embrace others with the same kindness and acceptance that we have received from God, extending His love and hospitality to all, particularly to those seeking refuge and a place to belong.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach us to see Your face in every stranger, to extend Your love to those who feel alone and lost. Help us to remember that we too were once strangers, welcomed into Your family through Your grace. May our actions reflect Your love and compassion, breaking down the walls that divide us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Closing Thought
God embraces the stranger and encourages us to do the same.
-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
Today's devotional is inspired by Ephesians 2:19, which reads, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God." This verse resonates deeply with the journey described in Daniel Nayeri's book, Everything Sad Is Untrue, where a family's search for a home leads them to unexpected places of refuge and kindness.
Reflection
In Nayeri's narrative, we witness the profound struggles of a family uprooted, fleeing persecution, and seeking safety in a foreign land. Their journey, fraught with uncertainty and hardship, mirrors the spiritual journey many of us undertake in seeking our place in God's kingdom.
In his book, Daniel Nayeri recounts the daunting journey he undertook with his mother and sister, escaping persecution and passing through a refugee camp before finding refuge in the United States. They were sponsored by an elderly couple who had never met them, a gesture of kindness that still astonishes Daniel years later. He reflects on their act: “Can you believe that? Totally blind, they did that. They’d never even met us. And if we turned out to be villains, they’d have to pay for it. That’s almost as brave, kind, and reckless as I can think of anybody being.”
Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that in God's eyes, we are never strangers. We are part of His grand family, a household built on the foundation of faith, love, and grace. Just as Daniel's family found unexpected welcome and compassion in the arms of strangers, we too are called to find our identity and belonging in the family of God.
God calls us to deeply care for others, as He instructed the Israelites to treat foreigners with kindness. This is echoed in Leviticus 19:34, where He says, “Love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” He also reminds non-Jewish believers in Jesus—which includes many—of their past as outsiders: “at that time without Christ … and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Thus, He urges all who were once foreigners, both Jews and non-Jews, to “show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).
The book beautifully illustrates the power of hospitality and kindness. The selfless actions of those who welcomed Daniel and his family serve as a living example of the Gospel's call to love and serve others, especially those who are strangers among us. In doing so, we not only provide shelter and comfort but also reflect the love of Christ, who welcomed us all into His eternal family.
Conclusion
Reflecting on Daniel's heartfelt gratitude towards Jim and Jean Dawson for their exemplary Christian compassion in welcoming him and his family into their home, as depicted in Everything Sad Is Untrue, we are reminded of the powerful message in Ephesians 2:19. This story and scripture together inspire us to open our hearts and homes to those in need, reinforcing the idea that in God's family, there are no strangers, only brethren united in love. Let this example guide us to embrace others with the same kindness and acceptance that we have received from God, extending His love and hospitality to all, particularly to those seeking refuge and a place to belong.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach us to see Your face in every stranger, to extend Your love to those who feel alone and lost. Help us to remember that we too were once strangers, welcomed into Your family through Your grace. May our actions reflect Your love and compassion, breaking down the walls that divide us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Closing Thought
God embraces the stranger and encourages us to do the same.
-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
No comments:
Post a Comment