“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8
Today’s Christian daily devotional
Jonas sluggishly kicks the gravel thats beneath his worn shoes. He’s in no hurry to get back home.
He envisions hopping on the freight train resting on the tracts beneath his feet. Even at the tender age of eleven, Jonas had no fear that he could survive on his own.
But, thoughts of his heartbroken mother pull him like an invisible hook. He was caught between wanting to be the curious grade schooler he actually was; and being the responsible bread-winner that his mother needed him to be. Jonas chose the latter by default, there was just too much at stake. Guilt sank his heart for even entertaining the shameful thought of escaping.
His Poppa had abandoned his immigrant mother with three children. Other than cooking and cleaning, Sophie didn’t have skills. She struggled with even basic English. But, right now, language barriers were the least of her worries. Sophia couldn’t find the motivation to eat or drink, let alone work.
When Jonas would come home after a long day of school and working at the factory, he would find his momma in the same place where he’d left her. She’d be in her bed; eyes fixed at the patch of grass outside her window.
The apartment building they lived in was now peeking over the edge of the horizon. Jonas stopped where the tracts ended. The thought of seeing his glassy-eyed mother crippled his gait. He reasoned that it was better to go inside a bit later; when he knew his mother would be asleep.
His scrawny body was tired and hungry. All Jonas could think about was his bed. At least the familiar rumble in his empty stomach was something he had grown accustomed to; it didn’t keep him awake like before.
He lingered a moment as he passed by his favorite tree– the one with the perfect nook. It beckoned Jonas to just sit and wait with it until the stars were brighter and the night was darker. He found that comfortable corner to nestle in; pondering deeper than any eleven year old should ever be allowed to ponder.
Why did his father leave? Momma was a good cook and Jonas and his sisters never asked for much; they knew better. His mind drifted to the only day Poppa would spend time with the family–Sunday. They always spent the first day of the week in “God’s house”.
Jonas could feel his empty stomach burning with a new sensation. Contempt. Where was God now? He looked up to the night sky searching for some kind of sign, some kind of answer. But, to Jonas, the silence said it all. God was nowhere to be found.
In 1 Timothy 5:8 The Bible has some strong words to say about a man who abandons his family. A person who does this has turned their own heart over to the destruction of satan. The unfortunate ones who are left behind will forever be affected by those perilous actions.
Family is the biggest responsibility God has given to man. One day we all will be held accountable to Him for our actions in this life.
Has someone lost hope in God because of your actions? Make it right today. God can’t forgive you if you never take the time to repent.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I admit that I have made many irresponsible choices in my lifetime. Many of those mistakes affected other people. I have always chalked it up to “life is rough”, and moved on from it. I now see that maybe others have not been able to do that.
Lord, forgive me for the pain my irresponsible choices may have caused. Wash me clean so I can lift my head and be strong enough to ask for forgiveness from the ones I have hurt. Bless me to take responsibility for my actions.
If they choose not to forgive me, that is their choice.
I thank you for your never-ending mercy. I know that when I ask you for forgiveness I am truly forgiven.
Lord, I only have one life. I don’t want to leave a trail of broken hearts, trust and hope. Give me the chance to be a beacon of light, restoration and healing. In Jesus’ precious name, thank you for the second chance. I am ready to leave a better legacy. Amen.”
*For “Jonas”. I pray that one day you will open your heart to the love of God and the love of your family.
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 1 Timothy 5:8
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan