ODB: Welcome To All!
July 7, 2013
READ: Isaiah 55:1-9
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. —1 Samuel 16:7
A beautifying project on the main road of my town prompted the demolition of a church built in the 1930s. Although the windows of the empty church had been removed, the doors remained in place for several days, even as bulldozers began knocking down walls. Each set of doors around the church building held a message written in giant, fluorescent-orange block letters: KEEP OUT!
Unfortunately, some churches whose doors are open convey that same message to visitors whose appearance doesn’t measure up to their standards. No fluorescent, giant-size letters needed. With a single disapproving glance, some people communicate: “You’re Not Welcome Here!”
How people look on the outside, of course, is not an indicator of what is in their hearts. God’s focus is on the inner life of people. He looks far below the surface of someone’s appearance (1 Sam. 16:7) and that’s what He desires for us to do as well. He also knows the hearts of those who appear to be “righteous” but are “full of hypocrisy” on the inside (Matt. 23:28).
God’s message of welcome, which we are to show to others, is clear. He says to all who seek Him: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters” (Isa. 55:1).
— Cindy Hess Kasper
Your family, and You have welcomed me. Show me
how to be as accepting of others as You are.
May I reveal Your heart of love.
No one will know what you mean when you say, “God is love”—unless you show it.
Source: Our Daily Bread
