What Jesus Did! 'God Cares for More Than Just Us!' — Luke 4:25-27

Monday, February 27, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner — a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian."
— Luke 4:25-27 NLT

Key Thought

God didn't love Israel to love only Israel. God chose Abraham and his descendants through Isaac to bring his gracious blessings to all people. [1] God loves all people - people of all races, all cultures, and all languages. So not only does he want us to minister to the broken and the outcast, but he also wants us to minister to the broken and outcast of even our enemies and those who do not share our faith. [2] Jesus reminds us of this charge with two startling examples - the widow of Zarephath and Naaman. Both of these people were non-Israelites, and one was the leader of an enemy - a stark reminder that loving our enemies and caring for those we may not perceive as redeemable is not a theory, but a passion for the God of all redemption.

[1] Genesis 12:1-3, 17:19.
[2] Matthew 5:43-48.

Today's Prayer

Open my eyes, Lord, and open the eyes of all your people. While our world struggles with conflict and hatred, please use us to be your ambassadors of reconciliation and redemption. Give us the courage to share your grace in all places and with all people who need it regardless of their race, culture, or language. Use us to touch the nations with your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Too Close to See the Truth
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend of Grace, Some reactions are predictable, but still hurt. At first, the people of Nazareth — the town where I spent most of My..."
Risky Faith
Article by Phil Ware
How dark is it in your world? Phil Ware continues his series called Light on the Dark Side of the Mountain and reminds us that risky faith is rewarded.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 4:25-27 NLT — "Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, February 27, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Lift High Your Praises' (Ps. 107:32)
"Lift high your praises when the people assemble, shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!"
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Using His Citizenship for His Protection'
"The commander brought Paul inside and ordered him lashed with whips to make him confess his crime. He wanted to find out why the crowd had become so...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Thomas Merton:
"It is in the ordinary duties and labors of life that the Christian can and should develop his spiritual union with God."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A More Perfect Union' (Ep. 4:14-16)
"Dear Father, Giver of life and growth, We bless you, Father, because what you want for each of us your children is that we may no longer remain..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!