Lenten Daily Devotional 2022

Friday, March 11
​​​ Day 10: Rejected and Despised

Read John 5:1-15
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” John 5:8 (NIV)
We live in a world which rejects people for many things. When I walked near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem and circled the pool nearby, I could only imagine how busy people on any given day would have been moving in that area. Like today, they probably would care less about that group of hurting people and even reject the people seeking healing water in the pool. Hurting people of all shapes and sizes gathered at that pool and during a busy day Jesus takes the time to notice them and especially one who had been ill for 38 years. Rejected, this man lies there year after year with no one to help him into the pool. Jesus does not reject or despise and in fact shows healing mercy.

For that act Jesus is rejected as a rule breaker. The miracle story followed by a hostile reaction from Jewish leaders to that miracle unfolds dramatically. Not only did Jesus heal on the Sabbath, but He also called God is own Father making himself equal with God. For that Jesus was rejected and despised.
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During our struggles we need to know we are not rejected and despised. It is because of Jesus’ love for us that we are called into a deep authentic relationship with Jesus. Do not live rejected or despised but forgiven and loved.
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--Pastor Tim Gravatt

Prayer Focus: Prayer for the Centenary leadership & Finance team. Pray that God would give them continued wisdom on how to use the resources of the church wisely.  

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