Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.Introductory Thoughts
Divorce is not the only tragedy that can directly split a home. In fact, the separation caused by death often impacts the home similar to the act of divorce. Throughout scripture, the Lord promises to minister to and defend those whose homes are torn apart because of death’s sting. Though this separation is not always directly caused by specific sin, all death results as a consequence of the entry of sin into the world. As such, the Lord shows Himself strong to those who feel its impact most. Any time a home is severed there are difficulties, but the difficulties of losing a husband and father require special attention from the Lord and He is glad to offer His strength to those directly affected. The God of the Bible is the God of the widow and the fatherless, and He never forsakes His own.
Devotional Thoughts
• (For children): Psalm 146:9 says that the Lord “relieveth the fatherless and widow.” One example is the story of the widow and her two sons found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. Since the Bible says that God cares for the fatherless and the widow, how should you treat them?
• (For everyone): Look up some verses on the fatherless and widow. What are some ways in which the Lord plainly declared His loyalty to those who have lost loved ones to death?
• How can the loss of a loved one negatively affect a wife and children? How can the Lord take the loss and use it for an opportunity to show His faithfulness?
Prayer Thoughts
• Thank the Lord for His faithfulness.
• Ask the Lord to bless those who have lost loved ones.
SONG: DOES JESUS CARE?
Quotes from the next volume
(VOLUME 4, WEEK 36)
Subject: Respect (con’t)
Respect in the Bible refers to looking at two different things and preferring one over the other. If there is anything in this world that is worthy of man’s respect, it is the written word of God.
In a self-centered world, it is hard to imagine what it would be like to find a people who esteemed “other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3), but that is exactly what God expects from Christians.