Great Plains Daily Devotional for 5/13/2020

Acts 8:1-3

Saul was in full agreement with Stephen’s murder.

At that time, the church in Jerusalem began to be subjected to vicious harassment. Everyone except the apostles was scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Some pious men buried Stephen and deeply grieved over him. Saul began to wreak havoc against the church. Entering one house after another, he would drag off both men and women and throw them into prison.

These two verses took my mind on a different journey, please allow the liberties with this devotion.  The Stay-at-Home Orders have forced us into a different kind of prison.  A prison that we never expected.  In order to flatten the curve of COVID-19, that was a necessary move from our Governors.  Be thankful we had some liberty, as there were some essential places left open for us to escape prison for a short time.  Yet, even then we have not been completely free as we are wearing masks to help keep us safe.  At this writing for our time together, no one really knows when we will be set free.  We do know it will not be just opening the door and everyone is back to life.  It will be in stages with some restrictions, so even whenever liberty happens, we will still be somewhat in prison. 

I’m convinced that this time in prison is beneficial for us for several reasons.  Our health is the major reason.  Secondly, it’s an opportunity for us to slow down and to reconnect with families while offering open time for quality bonding.  Thirdly, this prison time has enhanced our creativity in how we connect with others and how we worship together.  I find myself staying in the Word longer, savoring the Scriptures in the moment. 

There will be a day, when we are out of prison, all restrictions are lifted, and we begin to move out of prison and into our new normal.  My prayer during our prison days is for a turning point in our faith journey.  My prayer is that when we step out and begin to scatter like our Scripture references, that it will be in a different way.  My prayer is that we will be people who will fan the flame of God’s grace, people who are changed people, set free and ready to be part of a movement to reach others for Christ.  That’s a kind of scattering that God approves of! 

Prayer for Reflection

Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5,15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14