Daily Devotion for May 3, 2006

Encounters

 

“I know that the Lord has given you the land…” Joshua 2:9a

 

There are moments in life when the protection of God is obvious. Through some miracle, things happen in life and change everything. The Israelites had seen the hand of God everyday in the desert. He gave them water and food. He was visible to them through the cloud and the fire. He spoke to them through Moses. Before that, He parted the Red Sea and defeated the pharaoh in quite unconventional ways. However, for the spectators of this time, this new people and their god were not only a subject of admiration and curiosity, but also of fear. So, when all of a sudden two Israelites show up in a town, there are mixed feelings. Are they here to buy things, just to meet the neighbors, or are they here to occupy our land? And if they do want to occupy our homes, what are they going to do to us? The prostitute Rahab was well aware that her people wouldn’t stand a chance of defeating the Israelites. On the other hand, the situation wasn’t looking good for the Israelites either. It was it seemed a helpless situation. And God did not intervene in any extraordinary way.

 

 Often we find ourselves in a hopeless situation and pray that the Lord will save us miraculously. We feel trapped and find no way out. In the scripture that we are reading, the salvation for both the prostitute and the spies lay in their connection to one another. They make a quick and very beneficial contract. Escape for future survival!

 

 One of the first gifts that God gave to people is the company of other human beings, friends, family, and strangers. Encounters that are so meaningful that they change us forever, or encounters that are just ordinary and encouraging. Be thankful for them.

 

It is, however, important to keep in mind that you might be that much needed encounter for someone else, and as such, Christians have the privilege and responsibility of being Christ to others. The first step in that direction is the recognition of God’s hand in the other person’s life. Rahab’s first words were, “I know that the Lord has given you the land.” No matter what, there is always a reason to speak God’s truth into another person’s life.

 

 The second step is to recognize what you can do to help them reach that potential. It might be something very simple like an encouragement card, or it might be something very bold and courageous that you would have never thought of doing.

 

 Then finally, you have to do it. God will give the joy and the strength needed. Even when we don’t see God’s hand intervening in any extraordinary way in our troubles, or someone else’s troubles, the greatest fact in life is that He is right there.

 

Prayer
God, I pray that each day you would give me the strength, the discipline and the joy to get up and act on things I know need to be done. What you ask of me is never too hard, for you never leave me alone. Lord, help me recognize my daily mission and help me learn the discipline of being proactive.  In your Holy Name, Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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