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Friday, April 25, 2025 - Eastertide |
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Scriptures: Romans 8:16-17 (ESV) – “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Ephesians 2:19a (ESV) – “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” Message: I don’t work jig saw puzzles, but it is a favorite pastime for many. They start with many pieces. Each piece by itself is not much to look at, most often, with seemingly random colors. Starting with the outside edge; then grouping together the different pieces of similar design and color. Before long all these groups of color are ready to fit together, delivering one glorious unit, a picture that the designer intended. This is not unlike God’s family, with a world of different souls, in shapes, sizes, colors and cultures. We pray for God’s family members as they battle wildfires in California, hurricanes in Florida and the East Coast, and tornadoes in the Midwest. And let’s not forget the war-torn countries that we are familiar with through television, the internet, or the newspaper. All mankind is part of God’s family. Difficult times bring us together, helping when we can; remembering others in prayer and providing them support, irrespective of all our differences. As Paul states in Ephesians 2:19a, we are “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God”. In 2004, hurricane Charlie hit the greater Orlando area, Florida. It was my first hurricane. We were without power and water in the house. Our neighbor ran a hose from his house to ours (they were on city water, we were not). The electricians restoring power to our house were from Texas. The men clearing the tree limbs that were still hanging in the trees were from New Jersey. We were “no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens of the household of God”. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are honored and humbled to be part of Your family and acknowledge how fortunate we are as You bring us together, in the unity of mankind through oneness with Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in his name we pray. Amen.
Ann Gile |
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