Word for the day Christian Education Forum

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Embracing Migrants and Refugees
Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:11-22

Key verse:  
V 19 : “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

DEVOTION

It is the sovereign plan of God to bring His children under one Kingdom, under one King. The invitation has already been sent out through Jesus Christ. In order to become citizens of the Kingdom of God, God expects a transition from the kingdom we used to belong to: the Gentile world. That was a place without God and without hope, a place guided by carnality rather than the Spirit.

Once we make the decision to accept the invitation into the Kingdom of God, we are shifted into a new world. Our titles are changed, our rights are amended, and our access to His provisions is opened.

In the current world, many people have been displaced due to war and socio-political disorder; they are refugees and migrants in every part of the world. Let us welcome others with love and care. Sometimes it's hard to share our opportunities and spaces with a stranger but God desires us to be like Him.

We are also reminded that, just as we left our old practices behind to become fellow citizens of the Kingdom of God, we should also honor each other and the laws of the respective country. Paul wrote in his epistles that we are sojourners on this earth, and our permanent citizenship is in heaven. Let us be guided every day by this truth and vision.

 

PRAYER

"Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to break down the wall of separation and for giving us access to Your Kingdom. Help us to live like citizens of Your Kingdom on this earth by demonstrating Your kindness and love toward new migrants and refugees. Amen.”

 


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Each person is created in the image of God, implying dignity, value, and“

worth." – Shirley Hoogstra



 
Sherly Shaji Varghese

Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York.

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