June 7 | James 2:1-5

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DAILY READING

James 2:1-5

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REFLECTION

Heaven's Economy

by Judy Webb

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love Him?"(James 2:5)

Years ago, when my daughter and husband were youth directors, they held a special event with the kids to teach the message that God does not play favorites. (James 2:5)

It was set up as game night, so the teens were expecting something different and fun. My husband Dave and I were enlisted to play a role in the evening. They had him play the part of a rich man—a high roller, and I was a homeless woman who just invaded the building looking for food and a place to rest. They had a make-up artist transform us to look our parts. The intent was to watch how the youth reacted to each character.

You can imagine how it might have gone down. The man with the flashy clothes and big personality gleaned lots of attention, especially from the teen boys. They followed him around and laughed at all his jokes and enjoyed his flamboyant personality. The homeless woman, on the other hand, was all but ignored. The kids seemed embarrassed that she was in the building and really didn’t know what to make of it. They were kind, especially the girls, but at a loss for how to interact with the woman.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

There are two kinds of poor: There are those who are poor economically, their earthly wealth is little, but they are still happy and often content. The early church was mostly made up of the poor.

“He raises the poor from up out of the dust, the needy from the trash heap.”  (1 Samuel 2:8 Voice)

The other kind of poor is spiritually poor. The rich are often poor in faith as they trust in their riches instead of the Lord. God connects with them during the times of need, when they need more than wealth. That is when many are open to turning to God to help. God blesses those who willingly recognize their spiritual bankruptcy.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7)

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

Teach us to see everyone as you do. Help us to look beyond the nice clothing and fancy automobiles and see a real person. Show us the beauty in the plain, unassuming individual and give us wisdom to respect rich and poor alike. Amen.

June 6 | 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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DAILY READING

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

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REFLECTION

Making All Things New

by Judy Webb

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

Because of the Ministry of Reconciliation, we are a new creation. Because of the Message of Reconciliation, we are forgiven, and we receive the invitation to eternity. We become the righteous of God; our sins are forgiven and forgotten. The distance between God and us is annulled.

What Good News is this? In a time when we are bombarded with overwhelmingly bad news on all sides, we have a different encouraging headline each day. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us...” (verse 21a) Our sins were placed on Him, not in Him.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)

Sometimes, after having been sick for a week or so, we wake one morning and find we feel so much better. Our stomach isn't doing flip-flops or that painful ankle seems to be functioning perfectly once again. We feel new and fresh. It always feels great to feel good once again. Can you relate? Have you ever experienced this renewed feeling?

There is a similar feeling, only even more powerful, when we accept Christ into our lives. There is an Easter morning feel to things. There is joy, a new outlook on life. There is freedom and clarity and a sense of "I'm not alone." And all this is true. Recognizing Jesus is our Savior awakens a new life, a guilt free way to live. Do you know this feeling?

Do you feel like a new creation? Do you act like it? Walking away from our old ways and embracing all that is good, shaking off bad habits and practicing a new life, is refreshing. It isn’t easy to change, to turn totally around and reject things of yesterday. A new day is here, a new creation is your life now that you know Jesus and accept His salvation and practice your faith every day.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, what a wonderful thing, to be a new creation. Thank you that we can confess to you and know we are forgiven. We can feel like each day is new and You are with us always. Being a new creation instills hope and love and joy into our lives. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

June 5 | Jeremiah 31:12-14

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DAILY READING

Jeremiah 31:12-14

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REFLECTION

Looking Forward

by Katie Borden

A couple of weeks ago, my family and I gathered on Long Island from all over the eastern half of the US for my cousin’s wedding. The whole affair was beautiful, from the lush greenery in the state park to the reconnections with family from all over the country. We gathered from far-off places to celebrate, eat, drink, sing, and dance together. Later, my cousin’s wife mentioned to me that the day was everything she had hoped it would be–mainly, that all of their people would enjoy each other and be filled with joy and love.

I think about that wedding celebration as I read today’s text. We, who were not even "in exile," rejoiced at the opportunity to gather and celebrate the growing love which was aptly reflected in the blooming coastal New York spring. How much more will we and our heavenly Father rejoice when we are gathered into paradise, into his very presence, from far-off places where we have been isolated and languishing!

This text in Jeremiah is such a beautiful vision that gives me great anticipation for the wedding feast of the Lamb. We who were once far-off will be gathered up by our loving God, given all that we need for life and flourishing in the presence of our good and loving God as his bride. All the sin and sorrow that we know will be redeemed, and our mourning will be turned into rejoicing. This is a far cry from what we see in this world, where sin and rot reign. When left to its own devices, our world devolves into decay and death. But our God brings good from bad; he brings healing from brokenness; he brings life even from death. 

This is such good news for us who are languishing and longing for relief. All who feel the weight of the sin in this world (both our own and that which affects us) say: Come soon, Lord Jesus! Gather us up that we may feast with you in all goodness and joy forever! Amen.

PRAYER

God, we thank you that you are even now beginning to make all things new. We look forward to the day when you gather us together as your bride for the glorious wedding feast that will never end. By your Holy Spirit, grant us the faith to look forward to that day, so that even on this day we might live in light of the hope that is to come. Amen.