Wednesday, June 22
Everyone
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3-4, Psalm 73, 1 Timothy 2
1 Timothy 2:1–6 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
Observation
All people. Everyone (NIV). Paul repeats this three times:
V.1 Pray for all people, for everyone.
V. 4 God wants all people, everyone to be saved.
V. 6 Jesus gave himself for all people, everyone.
God wants everyone to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, so Jesus died for everyone and we’re to pray for everyone.
Application
This changes the way I see people and the way I pray. With each person I see, I need to remind myself that God wants that person to be saved and that Jesus died to save them…so I must pray for them. And if possible share the good news with them.
I don’t always see others that way. In fact, it’s easy to look past people or look down on people. Forgive me Lord. Instead I want to see each person as God sees them: this is someone for whom Christ died, someone that God wants saved.
Then pray.
Prayer: Lord, help me to pray my way through the day by praying for each person I encounter. Remind me that this person is someone for whom Christ died and that You want saved! Everyone!