Thursday - The Letter of James (Luke 10:25-37)
Today we reflect on the way of love that Jesus has given us through the royal law. Lord, teach us to ask: what does love require of me?
As we enter prayer now, let’s quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord.
Lord, you know me. You know my deep need today. You know all that I am carrying. I give everyone and everything to you. Thank you for showering us with grace and mercy. You have revealed your heart to us in the example of your Son and through your Word.
O Lord, today inspire us to see, to hear, and to act on the wisdom of your Word.
A Scripture Reading from Luke 10:25-37
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Adoration:
Father, I worship you for the gift of life we have in Jesus. Jesus, you have perfectly shown us how to love our neighbors and enemies. You gave up your life so that we could live. We trust in you. We worship you for your eyes of mercy. For your compassion. For loving us and teaching us how to love.
Confession and Trust:
Father, you care about a faith that works through love. We have not loved you with our whole hearts and we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. Have mercy and forgive us.
We confess that we often seek to justify ourselves instead of humbling ourselves. Forgive us for our misplaced priorities and not reflecting your heart. We repent of using justification by faith alone as an excuse not to love people. Forgive us for avoiding people because they will make our lives too messy.
Lord, we trust today that at the end of my rope there is more grace available. Your power is made perfect in our weakness. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Teach us to live by faith in your promise of grace.
Intercession:
Lord, show us where we are operating in pride and unbelief. Humble us and heal us. Help us to be a community of believers that truly loves those around us.
Open our eyes to the need within us and around us. Show us how to carry one another’s burdens.
Reflection:
We don’t want to overlook people around us who need practical help.
Lord, is there someone I can love today by showing up and helping meet a need?
Memory Verse:
James 2:7
"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right."
A Closing Prayer:
May we never look away when you call us to move toward one another in love. Lord, we trust you and know that your way is the way of life. May your mercy flow through us today that people would see our good deeds and glorify you.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen
Memory Verse: Abigail Shanklin and Emily Hall