May 22 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Have you ever been the victim of hurtful, hateful or harmful comments and actions of others? The pain and suffering can be immense and leave scars for life. When such things happen to us it is easy to become vindictive or resentful. Nevertheless, we ought to reflect on two things. First of all, because of our sinful nature, we are capable of doing the very things we loathe in others. Secondly, such misdeeds do not go unnoticed. The Lord God takes it ill of those who harm His children. In Psalm 105:14-15 we read, “He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying ‘Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.’”

Our Father is zealous for the spiritual protection of His children. Anyone who wounds His people by bringing them physical, emotional or spiritual harm touches the Lord. How you treat the Lord’s children could determine whether you are blessed or cursed. The Lord promises to protect His sons and daughters against the attacks of those who attempt to lead them away from the path of truth. He warns us to take heed that we do not cause a fellow believer to stumble and fall. In Matthew 18 Jesus reminds the disciples of how closely He is tied to His people: “Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives me.” Whatever wrong we do to a brother or sister is done to Christ. Saul hears the same message on the road to Damascus. Christ calls out from heaven, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Even though Saul was persecuting the church, Jesus says, “What you do to them you do to me!”

The prophet Zechariah says that anyone who touches and harms the people of God touches the “apple of the Lord’s eye.” (Zechariah 2:8) The apple of the eye is a Hebrew expression referring to the pupil, the delicate part of the eye essential for vision. Therefore it is protected at all costs. It doesn’t feel very pleasant if someone pokes their finger in your eye; it irritates and hurts you. You are touching a most sensitive area of the human anatomy. God warns us, “If you touch My people you are poking your finger into My eye and that hurts Me. If you touch My children you are touching Me in a most sensitive area.”

Let these words serve as a warning; at the same time, may all who are victimized be comforted. You are the apple of the Lord’s eye and He feels your hurt and harm.