TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
As [Jesus] approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. Luke 7:12
Read: Luke 7:11-17
Listen: Luke 7
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Today’s verse tells us of a woman’s loss that is tragic and excruciating. Her husband has died, and now her only son is dead. There is no husband to care for her now and no son to meet her future needs. She’s in an unbearable space. Jesus sees and feels the heaviness of this funeral procession and has compassion for the woman.
This story tells us so much. In this week’s encounter with Jesus, we will learn how deeply he cares for those in life-altering, desperate situations. His nature and heart move toward the difficult spaces in our life. We will see Jesus’s work as a restorer, that his true identity is God and our role as the community of believers. This encounter should open us up to grow as compassionate givers.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
One way to open your heart to God is to pray a Bible verse back to him. God describes his compassionate character to Moses in Exodus 34:6, “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” This week, with an open heart, tell God something like this, “You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness! Thank you for seeing and caring about my difficulties, loving me and being faithful to me. I love you for who you are and pray you will work in my life to help me follow your example of gracious compassion. Amen.” Consider memorizing this verse and praying it back often to God.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
June is WORSHIP. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
