Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

An inclusive heart

In ancient times, a nation's particular god was often wielded like a weapon against other rival nations. The line of rhetoric was usually along the lines of, "Our god will defeat and destroy you!" and that was pretty much the end of the discussion.

These false deities were propped up as being able to rule over everyone else, but they weren't portrayed as having compassion for everyone else. Why? Because they were bound by the limits of love possessed by the human beings who invented them.

But we see something quite different with the God of the Hebrews. Granted, there were times and circumstances where He went on the warpath against other nations and kingdoms, especially when it came to Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. But at the same time, there was an undeniable element of outreach and mission attached to His character. This God wasn't just over all, but was for all.

God had a heart for those who were outside of Israel, and if they were willing to approach Him on His terms, He was willing to include them and bring them into the fold. That's so unlike the other gods of the ancient world. Those gods were only good for destroying. Israel's God was (and is) a God that's good for saving.

Ultimately, the Lord's heart is that none would perish but that His salvation would be known among all the nations. He has an inclusive heart that led Him to send His only Son to die, not just for the Israelites, but also for the whole world. And we owe Him an eternal debt of gratitude for not just being over all, but for being for all.

Savior of all mankind, thank you for having an inclusive heart that's open and willing to receive anyone who comes to You.

Our God isn't just over all, but is for all.

Think about it...

What does this passage reveal to me about God?

What does this passage reveal to me about myself?

Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?