Outsiders

Scripture:

17 I returned to Jerusalem, and I was praying here in the temple one day. I slipped into a trance 18 and had a vision in which Jesus said to me, “Hurry! Get out of Jerusalem fast! The people here will not receive your testimony about Me.” 19 I replied, “But Lord, they all know that I went from synagogue to synagogue imprisoning and beating everyone who believed in You. 20 They know what I was like and how I stood in approval of the execution of Stephen, Your witness, when he was stoned. I even held the coats of those who actually stoned him.” 21 Jesus replied, “Go, for I am going to send you to distant lands to teach the outsiders.” 22 They were listening quietly up until he mentioned the outsiders. (Acts 22:17-22 The Voice) Have you ever felt like you were an outsider? Have you ever treated others like outsiders? Paul had seriously considered those who did not follow the strict laws of the Jews as outsiders. When he first encountered the movement known as the Way he considered them to be a threat to what he at that time believed. But God had a plan for him! God gave Paul the specific job of going to the outsiders and teaching them. Who are those we might consider outsiders today? Does God have a plan for them? Does God include you/me in that plan? Lord God, help me to be more aware of those considered to be outsiders. Sometimes my compassion for them is not very good. Help me to see them the way You see them. You are full of compassion and love. AMEN I will trust in my God’s unfailing love forever and ever. I will praise You, O God, for all You have done and wait for Your mercies. Psalm 52
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