Outcasts (Jeremiah 30 -31, Philemon)

In Jeremiah 30, God promises to restore Israel. In 30:8, God calls his people, Israel, an outcast. Outcasts are just the type of people God is looking to restore. God cares for those who are despised and looked down upon in this world (the handicapped, the homeless, etc.). What have you done lately to help others who are in need? Jeremiah 31:31 mentions the new covenant. Instead of one blaming their sins on those who came before them, one would now be held responsible for their own sin (31:29-32). This is because God's law would be put in their minds and on their hearts so everyone would have the capacity to know God (31:33-34). How has God's law convicted you lately? Have you turned to Him as the source of forgiveness?

Philemon is a story about a slave (named Onesimus) who runs away from his slaveowner (Philemon) and ends up finding Paul. Paul tells Philemon of the wonderful change that has taken place in Onesimus's life (v. 10-11) and requests that Philemon receive Onesimus back with "open arms" (NIVCBC, p. 566). This slave had truly become free (in Christ). Have you recently witnessed God wonderfully change someone that was close to you? Pray for that person today.