Daily Devotion, September 4, 2019

Devotion:

Read Luke 17:11-14.

“Outcast”-is not a word in this story, but the words “Leper” and “Samaritan” are. The people of Jesus’ day knew that people who had leprosy and people who were Samaritans were considered to be “outcasts.” People with leprosy were literally quarantined to live outside of the city.

In verse 14, the phrase which says, “And when He saw them,” is the phrase which has always left an indelible impression on my mind. So often, we turn our eyes away from the people of this world for whom society considers to be “outcasts.” But the writer recognized this important action of Jesus. “He saw them.”

As you and I read this story, where do we find ourselves----as an “insider” or an “outsider”? I believe there were the “insider” disciples with Jesus observing this experience with him such that it could be recorded in the gospels.

If we identify as one who feels on the “outside” of things, we can know that Jesus sees us, has compassion on us, offers healing and welcomes us. If we identify as an insider, perhaps as the disciples did, we can follow Christ’s example to also have compassion, see people in new ways, offer healing and be welcoming to all into Christ’s kingdom.

In Walt Disney’s animated version of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, Esmeralda sings a prayer on behalf of Quasimodo. The music and lyrics of the song, “God Help the Outcasts” were written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.

Esmeralda’s prayer begins by realizing that Jesus must have known what it was like to be treated as an outcast. “Yes, I know I’m just an outcast, I shouldn’t speak to You, still I see Your face and wonder, were You once an outcast too?” Then she concludes her prayer with, “Please help my people, the poor and downtrod, I thought we were all the children of God. God help the outcasts, children of God.”

Personal Worship Option:

Whether you see yourself on the “outside” or “inside”, know that God sees you, is hearing your prayers, has compassion for you, offers you healing and wholeness and welcomes you. Let us also hear Christ’s call to go forth and offer the same for others.