✙ Genesis 24:7
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In the 24th chapter of Genesis, the patriarch Abraham was concerned with the future of God's people. Remember, at this time, he and his small family were the only ones who believed in the Lord, the only God, the Creator and Upholder of all that is. And the promise that an angel would be sent ahead of Abraham's servant was nothing less than a messenger securing a future for the church.✙
In the Acts of the Apostles, the future of God's people—at least from a Christian point of view—was equally fragile. The imprisonment of Peter and his likely execution was a threat to the very gospel. But God sent a messenger to ensure that the word would continue to be preached. But even as Peter was being delivered, he didn't realize that what was happening to him was real.
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Is it too much to consider that there are times in our lives when God is at work on our behalf and we don't even realize it? In our religious tradition, we don't think about angels all that much. And we would never address one in prayer—such communication is rightfully reserved for God. But that doesn't mean that God will not send a messenger on our behalf to clear the way for us, to secure our future, to be a strong presence beside us. God's presence and protection takes many forms in the Bible. May we never close our minds to the possibility that God is at work in and for us.
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The angel said to him, “Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real.
Text selection ©2021 Evangelische Brüder-Unität. All scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version, unless otherwise noted.
The angel said to him, “Fasten your belt and put on your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel’s help was real.
✙ Acts 12:8-9
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Prayer after thinking about today's devotion:
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O loving God, give to me and to all your people, in times of anxiety, serenity; in times of hardship courage; in times of uncertainty, patience; and, at all times, a quiet trust in your wisdom and love.
✙ Losung Losungen عیسی خداوند است Tageslosung Moravian Daily Texts Watchword عیسی مسیح Watchwords Lehrtext المسيح عيسى Lehrtexte يَسُوعُ رَبٌّ Teaching Text مسیحیتAfter your own thanksgivings & petitions, close with the Lord's Prayer.
Text selection ©2021 Evangelische Brüder-Unität. All scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version, unless otherwise noted.
