Devotion:
Read John 11:35.
In some translations, this verse is just two words: “Jesus wept.” But those two words say as much as any others about the fact that Jesus became one of us. He entered our world, became human and entered into our suffering and pain. He was part of a poor family, living in a world of violence and injustice. He knew what it was to be treated unfairly. He knew what it felt like to have people hate you, even when you try to do right by everyone. And he experienced the death of a close friend and the grief of his family. So he wept. He was moved by their pain and heartache. In that moment, maybe as much or more than any other moment while he was here on earth, Jesus truly was “one of us.”
When you want to connect with another person so as to lead them to their own relationship with Christ, one of the keys to making that connection is to “become one of them” as much as you can. Do a lot of listening to what they think and how they view the world. Try to understand how they came to those viewpoints. Listen for the areas in their life where they are hurting or struggling. Find out what needs they have. Ask what gives them joy and fulfillment. Learn all you can about them and do all you can to help them. In other words, love them. And all along the way, pray for God to help you truly see and hear them. Your goal is for them to describe you this way to someone else: “Yes, I know him (or her). He’s one of us.”
Jesus set the example for us by becoming one of us. As his people, we are to follow his example by becoming “one of them.”
Personal Worship Option:
What person or family is God leading you to connect with, such that they would consider you “one of them”? Pray for a name (or names) and guidance on making the initial connection or deepening a connection you already have.
No comments:
Post a Comment