I remember reading the book “The Outsiders”. Do you? There were the “Soc’s” (socially acceptable) and the “greasers” (poorer kids). The characters were so vivid in my mind. The greaser kids were “outsiders”. In life there are insiders and outsiders. Jesus came offering a spiritual kingdom available to anyone. But, for those whose hearts are hard, distracted, deceived, dull, they will remain outsiders. But, if any person repents, God will invite him into the most marvelous relationship and His kingdom of light and love.
And the disciples came up and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says,
You shall keep on listening, but shall not understand;
And you shall keep on looking, but shall not perceive;
For the heart of this people has become dull,
With their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes,
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
Hear with their ears,
Understand with their heart, and return,
And I would heal them.’
But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:10-17 NASB
How grateful am I to have been included in God’s glorious kingdom? Who am I reaching out to with an invitation to come “inside” from the “outside”?
God, as this day begins- Oh I pray that You will lead, guide and direct all my activities and conversations. I want to accomplish Your will and enjoy Your presence in my life. Give me eyes to see those “outside” and invite them in. I pray as well for two people and their health and healing- Patti and Pam. Bless them with miraculous protection and restoration.
