Example
Posted by Karah
Pause
Concentrate for a moment on the presence of pain and suffering in the world. What troubles you most? Lift these troubles to God, trusting that He is already at work in those situations. Ask Him to prepare your heart for how He might use you to fight injustice.
Parents often tell their kids to be a good example. Think back over your life. Who has been a good example to you over the years? How?
As a Christian, you don’t have to search for an example of how to live your life. Through His actions, His Word, and Jesus’ earthly example, God has told us how to live. He is our example. As you think about this concept, read Deuteronomy 10:17-19 in your Bible. Where do you see God being an example to us?
“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. You also must love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” —Deuteronomy 10:18-19
• The words “fatherless” and “widow” point to people who have no one to defend them. Who are those people in your life?
• A foreigner is a stranger, someone who doesn’t fit in, a wanderer, an alien. Who are the people in your life who just don’t fit in?
• Verse 19 is a directive to follow God’s example in our dealings with the defenseless, homeless, and different. Does your attitude toward these people reflect God’s? Why or why not?
Respond
Look over the names you listed earlier. Pray over them, asking God how He would have you reach out to the fatherless, widows, and foreigners in your life. Record any actions He brings to mind. Circle one that you will take this week.
Behind the Story
Moses first spoke the words recorded in Deuteronomy 10 to the Israelites. Now 40 years after their exodus from Egypt, they were poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses took the opportunity to remind the people of their covenant with God and how He expected them to live their lives. Moses did all of this knowing that he would not lead his people to their destination. For more on that, read Numbers 20.
The Point
God calls His children to follow His example. Because He fights injustice and stands up for the defenseless, homeless, and overlooked, we should, too.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions