WEEK 5 DAY 4
Reclaiming Our Birthright
Devotional
For 500 years, the church understood soul care as central to its mission. But somewhere along the way, we gave away this birthright. We handed over the care of souls to secular therapists and counselors, as if the church had nothing unique to offer hurting people. We became comfortable focusing on eternal destinations while ignoring present pain. But the church that Jesus died to establish is uniquely positioned to offer what a desperate world needs most. We have the good news that Jesus is a lover of souls, that He comes to heal broken places and bring wholeness where there's been fragmentation. No other organization, no other entity can offer what we can - the hope and healing that comes from the gospel. Reclaiming our birthright means understanding that soul care isn't just 'icing on the cake' - it's the cutting edge of mission in our world. People may have lost the concept of sin, but they haven't lost the awareness that something is broken inside them. They're searching everywhere for healing, and we have the answer they're looking for. This doesn't mean we replace professional counseling, but it does mean we recognize our calling to care for souls. Every believer can be a soul caregiver through willingness to listen, courage to be vulnerable, and understanding that broken people attract other broken people. It's time to reclaim what's rightfully ours and step into our calling as caregivers of souls.
Bible Verse
'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' - Matthew 11:28
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to step into your calling as a caregiver of souls, and how might God use your own experiences of brokenness and healing to help others?
Quote
It is the church's birthright to be caregivers and have custody over the souls of people.
Prayer
Lord, help me to reclaim my birthright as a caregiver of souls. Show me how to listen well, to be vulnerable when appropriate, and to point others to the healing that only You can provide. Use my own journey of brokenness and restoration to bring hope to others. Amen.
*This devo was developed using Sermon Shots
For 500 years, the church understood soul care as central to its mission. But somewhere along the way, we gave away this birthright. We handed over the care of souls to secular therapists and counselors, as if the church had nothing unique to offer hurting people. We became comfortable focusing on eternal destinations while ignoring present pain. But the church that Jesus died to establish is uniquely positioned to offer what a desperate world needs most. We have the good news that Jesus is a lover of souls, that He comes to heal broken places and bring wholeness where there's been fragmentation. No other organization, no other entity can offer what we can - the hope and healing that comes from the gospel. Reclaiming our birthright means understanding that soul care isn't just 'icing on the cake' - it's the cutting edge of mission in our world. People may have lost the concept of sin, but they haven't lost the awareness that something is broken inside them. They're searching everywhere for healing, and we have the answer they're looking for. This doesn't mean we replace professional counseling, but it does mean we recognize our calling to care for souls. Every believer can be a soul caregiver through willingness to listen, courage to be vulnerable, and understanding that broken people attract other broken people. It's time to reclaim what's rightfully ours and step into our calling as caregivers of souls.
Bible Verse
'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' - Matthew 11:28
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to step into your calling as a caregiver of souls, and how might God use your own experiences of brokenness and healing to help others?
Quote
It is the church's birthright to be caregivers and have custody over the souls of people.
Prayer
Lord, help me to reclaim my birthright as a caregiver of souls. Show me how to listen well, to be vulnerable when appropriate, and to point others to the healing that only You can provide. Use my own journey of brokenness and restoration to bring hope to others. Amen.
*This devo was developed using Sermon Shots