READING:
One-year plan: Genesis 26-27, Matthew 9:9-38
Two-year plan: Genesis 15-16, Matthew 5:31-42
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I’ve been in urban settings in North America and around the world where the masses of people seemed to go on forever. My favorite city in the US, for example, is New York City. I love its non-stop activity, its tremendous diversity, its global influence, and its rich history. I’m also burdened, though, by what I see there:
- Millions of people running a race to nowhere.
- Great activity that is ongoing, but temporary.
- The world represented, but a world dying and lost.
- Bright lights everywhere, but that offer no answer for overwhelming spiritual darkness.
I look at that city, and I’m reminded of the heart of Jesus for the masses: “When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt 9:36). May God increasingly move my heart in that direction, especially because 4 billion+ people in the world—many in urban settings—have little or no access to the gospel.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How do you view the masses?
PRAYER: “God, give me your heart for those wandering in darkness.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Genesis 28-30, Matthew 10:1-31
Two-year plan: Genesis 17-18, Matthew 5:43-6:8