Thursday, August 11, 2016

DAY 11 - LONELINESS

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

From the very beginning of creation, humanity was created to be in community. God saw that Adam should have a helper; a friend; a companion – someone to love. So, God created Eve. If you study the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, you will notice that the first three commandments show us how to love God. Commandment four – “Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy….” tells us how to rest.  It is a pivotal commandment to the remaining commandments which instructs us how to love our neighbor.

All of the commandments can be summed into one phrase, as Jesus said, “Love God; Love neighbor.” In other words, the Triune God – Father, Son, and Spirit – created humanity with the ability to love God and neighbor and ultimately to live in community. Remember the Sabbath commandment? When we gather to worship, we gather as a community in which we love God and love our neighbor despite differences or hindrances. We have been created to live and enjoy life together. So if you feel lonely, then respond to God’s grace by worshiping together with this community of faith.

IronMaker’s Daily Challenge:  If you or someone you know feels lonely, then invite them to worship this upcoming Sunday.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus of Nazareth, High Priest of Heaven, you have created us to be in community. Stir up this desire to serve your world and foster the community you have placed before me today. Amen.


Jonathan Crabtree

Pastor of Student Ministry

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