Morning Devotional 043026 Boldly Love One Another

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

April 30, 2026

Ezekiel 22:23-30

²³ The LORD’s word came to me: ²⁴ Human one, say to her, You are an unclean land without rain on the day of reckoning. ²⁵ The conspiracy of princes in her is like a roaring lion ripping up prey. They’ve piled up wealth and precious goods and made many widows in her. ²⁶ Her priests have done violence to my instructions and made my holy things impure. They have not clearly separated the holy from the ordinary, and they have not taught the difference between unclean and clean things. They’ve disregarded my sabbaths. So I’ve been degraded among them. ²⁷ The officials in her are like wolves ripping up prey. They shed blood and destroy lives for unjust riches. ²⁸ Her prophets have whitewashed everything for them, seeing false visions and making wrong predictions for them, saying, “This is what the LORD God says,” when the LORD hasn’t spoken. ²⁹ The important people of the land have practiced extortion and have committed robbery. They’ve oppressed the poor and mistreated the immigrant. They’ve oppressed and denied justice. ³⁰ I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land, so I wouldn’t have to destroy it. But I couldn’t find anyone. 

Good Morning! Stand up for Jesus!

If judgment day came today, who would God find to stand in the gap on behalf of the land? As we listen to the news, we hear of those who oppressed the poor, mistreated the immigrant, committed robbery, and practiced extortion. Sadly missing from our newscasts are stories of those who show love and mercy, who serve the poor, and who walk humbly with God.  

I’m not saying that no one answers the call to love God and love one another, but these acts aren't considered newsworthy because they aren’t the big headlines that grab viewers in viral videos. It seems God wouldn’t find those willing to stand in the gap because we move around quietly. How will others hear and know if we keep silent? 

When the Pharisees asked Jesus to quiet the crowds, he said, “If they are quiet, even the stones will cry out!” Jesus did not hide in the background, helping, praying, and healing others. Jesus boldly preached the Good News, ate with sinners, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and cared for the poor. 

It is time for us to boldly proclaim our faith and let the face of Christ shine through us for the world to see. Only God’s love can defeat the evil that is growing every day. 

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! Help us feel your strength so that we may answer your call to act in your name. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: How are we being called to stand in the gap? 

Boldly proclaim to whom you belong!!  Pastor Liz