We can look forward to Jesus returning and the glory of the Lord being revealed when the playing field is leveled for the oppressed. Then all people will have equal opportunity to serve God and enjoy the abundant life that He offers. Removing a barrier is not just about helping someone else to enjoy full participation: it is about demonstrating how God loves all people and wants everyone to live life to the fullest. … Read More →
On the Road to Emmaus, Jesus’ strategy is to walk alongside the followers for a long while, allowing them to tell their whole story. Similarly, matching the pace of someone else and demonstrating that we are truly listening, even though it may be hard to relate is a way to show that they are valued. … Read More →
WORD: “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for … Read More →
“At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, ‘Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’” (Luke 7:21-23, NLT)
Jesus is clear that the Good News of the Gospel is for ALL people. People with disabilities were not seen as worth the attention of God or other people. Jesus is saying everybody belongs to Him and His kingdom. Therefore, everybody is to have the gospel demonstrated in a way that they can receive it.
Returning King and Loving Saviour, may we be translators of the Good News into languages and experiences that everybody can access. May we be conduits of Your grace, mercy and love. Teach us through Your Holy Spirit to ‘preach the gospel’ in a way that can be received by all.
“Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5, NLT )
God’s Kingdom is upside-down. Those who appear poor, weak, or “less” in this world are those who inherit the Kingdom. What might we learn from those that we look down upon about being Kingdom citizens?
Three in One, help us to challenge our presuppositions and prejudices. Let us be open to learning your heart from the people we have tended to dismiss.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 23:22, NIV)
Rather than an act of pity, this verse is about cultivating compassion and consideration. It is rooted in the knowledge that the harvest is not ours, but God’s. He desires that everyone would have the opportunity share in His provision.
Loving God, may we create meaningful and generous spaces for people of all abilities to share in both the work and benefit of Your great harvest.
“For by Him all things were created… all things have been created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16, NASB)
This verse clearly states that everything exists and finds its source in Christ. We were all created through Him and for Him. This is the truth that unifies us all: we are not strangers, but siblings. The task is learning how to live as family.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in You we all live, move and have breath. May we not see one another as strangers, but as brothers and sisters. Cause us to open our hearts and minds to welcome one another as family into our communities.
“The Lord said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.'” (Genesis 2:18a, NLT)
Too frequently disability results in isolation or separation from ‘the group’. Loneliness is a common experience for many people with disabilities. We serve a God who draws near to those who are in need – who does not withdraw from us in our times of weakness and vulnerability.
Father, as you draw near to us, may we draw near to others who feel lonely. May those who experience disability also experience God’s community drawing near.
“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear Your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:14, NIV)
We need to be attentive not only to obvious “stumbling blocks” that are created, but also the unintended ones. Attitudes, systems, environments, or supports can all unintentionally dis-empower others and limit self-determination.
Father God, give us eyes to see the unintentional, often well-meaning decisions, attitudes, and behaviours that we engage that are actually stumbling blocks to others. Father God, Your heart is that we all would experience full accessibility in every aspect of our life and faith.
“I will go before you and make the rough places smooth: I will shatter the door of bronze and cut through their iron bars.” (Isaiah 45:2, NASB)
“Making a way” has always been God’s mission. Whether this is in smoothing rough paths, or breaking through iron bars, God clears a path so that we might know that it is “I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.” (Isaiah 45:3, NASB)
Jesus, give us the courage, boldness and gentleness needed to ‘go before’ and join in God’s mission to make level the way. Help us to see the doors that need to be broken down in order to open communities of belonging with all people.