Abide, Adore, Ask and Agree: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting With Rock City ChurchSample

DAY 17

The Law in the Old Testament makes very clear distinctions between the “clean” and the “unclean” person in the book of Leviticus. There were several ways in which someone would be labeled unclean, whether it be through a specific sin committed or something that led to physical uncleanliness. Regardless of the reason, an unclean person was required to leave the safety of the community and live outside the gate for a designated amount of time until they were considered clean again. A pastor once described the conditions outside the gate as “dirty,” “despised” and “dangerous.”

Apart from Christ, our eternal reality exists “outside the gate.” We were unclean and in need of purification. But Hebrews 13:12 says, “Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood.” Jesus came to where we were, took on our filth and made us clean! He has changed our identity from dirty to washed, from despised to children and from dangerous to safe in Him.

God’s heart is for the outcast and the marginalized, both socially and spiritually. He cares for the outsider, so much so that He left His throne in heaven to come to them.

REFLECTION

Where do you see the overlooked and marginalized people in your life, and how can you join Jesus in serving them?

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for the marginalized.