People Matter Daily Devotional: September 13

A Word From God’s Word
You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:16-17 (NASB)

A Word From Susan Brese
Ever since I heard the series title Where People Matter, the song ”People Need the Lord” (by Nelson and McHugh) has often been playing in my mind. The lyrics have some powerful reminders for me. It starts out saying that every day people pass me by…empty people filled with care. And yes, I do see that, don’t you? Does that emptiness matter to our God? Absolutely. So much that He sent Jesus to give us abundant life. We just can’t keep silent about that awesome gift.

When our missionary friends the Nickels first arrived in Kyrgyzstan years ago, one of Rita’s first email letters told about the hopelessness of the people, locked in poverty and godlessness. She said that looking into their empty eyes just broke her heart and she was driven to share Jesus’ love with them.

Another line of the song tells how laughter hides silent cries that only Jesus hears. Often people put on a happy front, but in the quiet, in the dark, they are hurting and searching. The lyrics tell it again: through Jesus’ love our hearts can feel their grief. God gives us the gift of compassion if we allow Him the time. The song captures that, too. It says they must hear the words of life only we can share.

Jesus’ words in John 15:16-17 are directives for just that, sharing His love. He says that He has chosen me, and you. And He has appointed me, and you. He also promises that He will bless His words through us with “fruit” – success, and to answer our requests. His command to love one another shows how much people matter to Him.

The song concludes “that we must give our lives – for people need the Lord.” May God give us His Spirit to do just that.

Susan Brese is the Director of Traditional Worship.

A Word With God
Dear Lord, help me to see the people in my life that need You, today and act on that need by loving them in Your name. Amen.