Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Jesus has never forgotten that He identified Himself with humanity. If there is war, according to Isaiah 63:9, in all the "affliction" multitudes will suffer, and Jesus will "identify." "In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them."
How does Jesus look upon this world with violent acts of terrorism taking place in various parts of the world? How does He look upon those who believe in Him scattered in "every nation, kindred, tongue, and people"? Or upon those who don't yet know how to believe in Him?
Well, "the Angel of His Presence [will] save them." He promises that "Bread will be given him, his water will be sure" (Isa 33:16). Likewise, when the world was crumbling around him, God promised the faithful Baruch: "'Do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold I will bring adversity on all flesh,' says the Lord. 'But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go'" (Jer. 45:5). Something to be profoundly thankful for if we can humble ourselves to understand the truth as it is today.
When He was with us in the flesh, Jesus said, "The Son of Man has no where to lay His head" (Matt. 8:20). If we will "see" what the New Testament apostles sensed, we will "identify" with Him today. Share His concern for human suffering. Never eat a meal without a prayer for those who are hungry. Be thankful for a warm bath, a drink of clean water.
Most of all, fulfill His anointing "to preach good tidings [the gospel] to the poor; … to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives" (Isa. 61:1). Yes, go "about doing good and healing all who [are] oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38). Whatever comes, God grant us to think and feel as Jesus does, to be one with Him, to cooperate, to identify.
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: October 27, 2002.
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