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.
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
What Jesus Looks Like Now
Read: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Revelation 1:12-17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. (Rev. 1:17) What’s your mental picture of Jesus? Some might think of a painting that once hung in many a church lounge,
Partners in Tribulation
Read: Revelation 1:4-9; John 16:25-33 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus . . . (Rev. 1:9) A key word in the book of Revelation is thlipsis,
To Him Be Glory Forever
Read: Revelation 1:4-6; 5:1-14 . . . to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. (Rev. 1:6) In Greek, doxology means a “word of glory.” Doxologies are brief ascriptions of praise that Christians have used in worship since the
Daily Devotional Template
Read: Revelation 1:4-6; 5:1-14 . . . to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. (Rev. 1:6) In Greek, doxology means a “word of glory.” Doxologies are brief ascriptions of praise that Christians have used in worship since the
Blessed Reading, Blessed Hearing
Read: Revelation 1:1-3 Blessed is the one who reads . . . this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it. (v. 3) Jesus didn’t just rise from the dead; he is risen.