Imagine you were one of the women followers of Jesus during his three-year ministry on earth. What would it be like as you heard his teachings, walked by his side, and watched his ministry?
Dear sister,
Today I am in a very contemplative mood. Like the modeling of my Lord, I took some time away from our group to be alone to pray. I have brought my heart before the Father, beseeching Him to reveal to me why I feel so troubled inside. The words of Jesus have stirred my soul. He has told us that the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be blessed. This is different from the way I see many living. Often our culture upholds means to achieve success and happiness that are opposite from the words of Jesus.
It seems that in our world, it is those who are aggressive and self-promoting who get recognized. Those who are meek and are servants are often unnoticed. Those who gather others to fight for a cause and stir up people to combat against one another are the ones who are admired and followed. But those who intervene to try to bring peace and love between enemies are persecuted. Those whose motives are to build up their own wealth and prestige are the ones who we exalt. Yet those who sacrifice their own comfort to help the needy are considered strange or foolish.
Jesus is a living example of one who is meek, merciful, pure in heart, and a promoter of love and peace. Wherever we go, he is greatly admired by some, yet viciously hated by others. Why? His kindness in unending. He helps the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. Sadly though, what people want is a polished activist who will destroy our Roman oppressors and lead us as our king. We have forgotten the words of the prophet Isaiah who told us that God desires us to loose the chains of injustice, set the oppressed free, share our food with the hungry, and clothe the naked. “Then we will find our joy in the Lord, and He will cause us to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of our father Jacob” (Isaiah 58:14).
My sister, pray that I will not give into the world’s ways. I want to be like Jesus. I want to care about the needy. I want to aspire to true strength of character. To be a person who does not promote myself, but rather lives to worship God and love my neighbors. I want to put kindness above self-glorification. I want to put giving sacrificially above striving to have the world’s riches. I want to serve rather than be served. I want to be merciful rather than judging. I want to strive to be a God-pleaser, rather than a people-pleaser. Then I will be blessed. Jesus told us that if we hunger and thirst for righteousness, then we will be filled. Sister, I feel very thirsty right now. I want to walk in the ways of our Lord. I want to be obedient to God above all else. I exhort you to turn away from any temptations to satisfy your longings through the pleasures of this world and look to God to fill your soul. May our family honor God with a pure heart and pure love for others.
God bless you,
your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Matthew 5:1-12; Isaiah 58:3-14
Today’s Application: Reread the last paragraph from the older sister. Copy or print it and post it somewhere. Pray this prayer each day this week. Ask the Lord if there is any part of this prayer that He wants you to act upon.
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