The Daily Devotional
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Shelter in the Storm
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? (Isaiah 58:7)
Introduction
Isaiah 58:7 commands us: “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?” This powerful verse calls us to a radical hospitality and compassion, which transcends mere benevolence and reaches into the core of our humanity. Today, let's reflect on this verse through the lens of one of the world's largest refugee camps, Kakuma in Kenya.
Reflection
Imagine the arid, sprawling landscapes of Kakuma Refugee Camp, home to over 150,000 souls from different nations, all converging in a single plot of survival. Each individual and family has faced unimaginable hardships—war, persecution, famine—yet in this place of desolation, there exists a powerful testimony of human resilience and community.
Consider the story of Esther, a refugee and a widow, who despite having meager resources, regularly shares her food rations with her neighbors, many of whom are children and the elderly. Esther's small shelter made of tarp and sticks becomes a sanctuary for many, echoing the hospitality called for in Isaiah 58:7. Her actions may seem like a drop in the ocean, but to those she helps, it is a deluge of hope and compassion.
Application
We are called to follow Esther's example by not turning away from those in need. This means actively seeking to share what we have—our resources, our time, our home—even when it’s inconvenient. In our communities, there are always opportunities to extend hospitality to the less fortunate, the marginalized, or those simply needing a friendly presence. Whether it is volunteering at a local shelter, donating to refugee support organizations, or simply inviting someone in need into our lives for a meal, we are called to act.
Conclusion
Isaiah 58:7 isn’t just about charity; it's about transformation—both of the giver and the receiver. By opening our hearts and homes, we not only provide shelter and sustenance, but we also break down barriers of indifference, creating a community that mirrors the Kingdom of God. In this way, we make the global struggles of places like Kakuma our own, and in the process, we find our shared humanity.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You teach us to share our bread with the hungry and invite the homeless into our homes. Give us the strength and courage to live out Your commandments, especially when it requires us to step beyond our comfort zones. Help us to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet, particularly those who suffer like the residents of Kakuma. Inspire us to act in love and hospitality, that we might truly be Your hands and feet in this world. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the 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.
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