Devotional for Today, October 7. Jesus announces, now is the time of grace. Now begins the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)
Devotional for Today, October 7
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The motive behind Jesus’ proclamation of a time of grace is God’s desire to give every person a chance. So God is saying through Jesus’ lips – open up, start a new life today, and I will not let you down.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
God shows up here as a loving father who wishes happiness for his children. That is why Jesus, as the Savior sent by God, looks for people where they are: in the marketplaces, their homes, workplaces, etc.
Jesus’ Attention to the Outcast
He does not only speak to believers who know God. He pays special attention to the outcasts of society—those who have been pushed to the margins of society because of their sinful and resentful lives.
As a result, the outcasts have become angry, not only with people but also with God. Hearing only condemnation and reproach, they hardened their hearts. Without a word of encouragement or support, they closed the door of their hearts, not only to society but also to the grace of God. They thought God had rejected them, just as their families and friends had denied them.
Jesus breaks down these boundaries of exclusion and fellowships with sinners. For all those who resent this behavior of Jesus, he explains his motive: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9,12).
The Time of Grace
And you, my brother, know Jesus’ thought. As you walk down the street of your city, do not turn away scornfully from the beggar. Recognize that this man is in desperate need of God’s grace. And remember that the year of the Lord’s favor continues to this day.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are not accepted by their families and are rejected by society because of their past bad behavior and actions. Father, we pray that our brothers and sisters may come to You in complete repentance for their past sins and immoral lifestyles. May they truly accept our Lord Jesus as Saviour. May they believe that only through Him is salvation and eternal life born. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
