Words of Hope Daily Devotional
THE DEVOTIONAL IS AVAILABLE IN YOUR EMAIL AND IN PRINT.
The Words of Hope Devotional is a non-profit, donor-supported publication whose goal is to encourage readers to grow in faith through the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer.
THE DEVOTIONAL IS AVAILABLE IN YOUR EMAIL AND IN PRINT.
The Words of Hope Devotional is a non-profit, donor-supported publication whose goal is to encourage readers to grow in faith through the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer.
THE DEVOTIONAL IS AVAILABLE IN YOUR EMAIL AND IN PRINT.
The Words of Hope Devotional is a non-profit, donor-supported publication whose goal is to encourage readers to grow in faith through the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer.
A Glutton and Friend of Sinners
Read: Luke 7:24-35
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, “Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” (v. 34)
It was the worst thing they could say about him. The Pharisees, threatened by the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, looked to find fault wherever they could. They decided that John had “a demon” (v. 33). But Jesus? The worst thing they could say was that he was welcomed and beloved by sinful people—“a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” (v. 34).
Jesus knew what they thought, but instead of denying it, he confirmed that “the Son of Man has come eating and drinking” (v. 34). Sharing a meal with others is a very human act—not only to meet physical necessities for food and drink, but also meeting the need for fellowship, social interaction and conversation. Those who had dinner with Jesus experienced the ways in which the Savior identified with sinners in their humanity. He understood their weakness and need; some of his most compassionate interactions with others occurred during these meals. These were also times when he strongly rebuked those who were self-righteous and showed them their own need for a Savior. And there was often sweet “table fellowship” with his friends as Jesus prepared them for the future when his earthly days came to a close.
For the next two weeks, pull up a chair to the table. It’s time for dinner with Jesus!
As you pray, ask God for the appetite to spend time with Jesus.
About the Author
Laura Sweet
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rev. First Last
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word.
Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, includingWhy Doesn’t God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.
Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
The Living One
Read: Revelation 2:8; Mark 16:1-8 The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. (Rev. 2:8) We have already heard God call himself the Alpha and Omega, the first and last (Rev. 1:8). Now Jesus
The Tree of Life
Read: Revelation 2:7; 22:1-5 To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Rev. 2:7) The original Tree of Life was in the Garden of Eden, along
Where Are We Rooted?
Read: Colossians 2:6-13 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (vv. 6-7) If a plant in
The Alpha and the Omega
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:22-28 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God. (Rev. 1:8) Alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In today’s reading, God says, in essence, “I’m the beginning
Lost Love
Read: Revelation 2:2-6; Luke 7:36-50 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. (Rev. 2:4) In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, the main character, beset by the uncertainties swirling around his
Among the Lampstands
Read: Revelation 2:1; Matthew 18:18-20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. (Matt. 18:20) The Lord Jesus dictated seven letters to John for distribution among the churches of Asia Minor. Each letter