An overarching goal of the giving campaign is to connect – connect to God, connect to our brothers and sisters at church, and to connect to our community in larger ways. God is a God of connection. He cares that we grow in relationship with him and with one another. From Genesis to Revelation, God shows us his heart for connection from the very beginning. He wants us to be in an intimate and united relationship with him, and he gives the first humans, Adam and Eve, a choice in that. They can choose perfect unity with God by obeying what he asks of them, or they can choose their own way. We know how the story ends … sin enters the world and with it, disconnection.
God’s chosen people, the Israelites, are the people God has claimed as his. They’re connected to YHWH (God’s personal name). As they move toward the land God promised them, they are to remain connected to God and to one another through the boundaries God has outlined. Of course, they don’t do this perfectly. But one of the things that has always jumped out to me in reading about the Israelites claiming the promised land is that everyone was invited to join them. Even the foreigners – the people who didn’t know the Lord yet.
As we read the Scripture verses today, we are reminded that we’ve all had seasons where we might identify more as “foreigners” with God. Do you know that feeling – God feels far away? We wonder where he is, or why we’re facing struggles, trials, temptations, you name it? As disconnected as we may feel, God never leaves us. As the Israelites were God’s chosen people in the Old Testament, I have great news for you! You are God’s chosen today. You are a royal heir to the inheritance of God’s Kingdom (Romans 8, John 1, 1 John 3).
Prayer
If you’re in a season that feels disconnected from God, here’s a prayer for you:
Lord, your word is truth. I know your heart is one of connection. I know that you are present with me by the power of the Holy Spirit. God, would you help me to feel your presence right now? I am not a foreigner to you. You know me; help me to know you better. Show me more of you today. Amen.
If you’re in a season that feels connected to God, here’s a prayer for you:
Father, thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for your love and your grace and your mercy. Lord, would you show me the people in my life who could use more of you? Help me to be a light to them. Help me to overflow with your love, peace, and grace so they will see you in me. I am your vessel, Lord. Use me! Amen.