A Place To Belong!

Yesterday, as I was reading through the thirty-first chapter of Jeremiah, I was struck by a statement which reminded me of one of the Lord’s parables (which we will note in a moment). As Jeremiah prophesied of a time when a remnant of the people would return from Babylonian captivity, it was not just the noble and the healthy and the strong and those who might be best able to reestablish things in their homeland who would return.

Note who Jeremiah mentioned were to be among them.
“(7) For thus says the Lord: ‘Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’ (8) Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, AMONG THEM THE BLIND and THE LAME, THE PREGNANT WOMAN and HER WHO IS IN LABOR, TOGETHER, A GREAT COMPANY, they shall return here.’” ( Jeremiah 31:7-8 ESV)

Among those who would return from captivity were also the infirmed or frail; those afflicted with a limitation of some sort. They were NOT TO BE LEFT BEHIND. They were not to be considered insignificant or unworthy of being brought back. They would have a place in their homeland.

There is a similar picture of acceptance in Jesus’ parable of the “Great Banquet”. An invitation went out to many who, with various excuses, turned down the invitation when the time for the banquet had arrived. ( Luke 14:16-20) However, the banquet was going to take place whether those guests came or not!

We read on…
“(21) So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, AND BRING IN THE POOR AND CRIPPLED AND BLIND AND LAME.’ (22) And the servant said, ‘Sir, WHAT YOU COMMANDED HAS BEEN DONE, and still there is room.’ (23) And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.’” ( Luke 14:21-23 ESV)

Those who are accepted and important to God are not always those that mankind considers significant. Nevertheless, we must recognize the significance of all people. Their soul and the need of its salvation is to be valued. Do we struggle with our perception of others within the family of God?

Perhaps there are some in your youth group or congregation with whom you’re not quite sure how to relate. They are NOT TO BE LEFT BEHIND. Embrace them. Help them to realize you do value them and are glad they are there. If it takes a little extra time to converse with them, give them the time, valuing what they have to say. Ask God to help you develop a heart of compassion for all people as you seek to find ways to include others in the activities of God’s family.

Let us be mindful of helping others recognize their significance to us and to God. When we treat others in this way it makes it easy to see how God’s family is truly the place to belong now and for an eternity. May we do what we can to NOT LEAVE ANY BEHIND!

Have a great day ENCOURAGING OTHERS IN THE CHRISTIAN WALK!
Carl

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