Human beings suffer from division—from God and from one another. Christ comes to us as the One who can restore us to a right relationship with God and who can reconcile us with one another. Christ fulfills the prophetic vision of “the repairer of the breach,” as He brings healing and wholeness—for our personal lives, and for our communities.

We are invited to receive the working of Christ into our lives today!

In what ways to do you feel yourself at a distance from God? Christ comes to you with forgiveness and grace!
In what ways do you experience brokenness in your own heart and soul? Christ comes with healing and renewal!
Where is there division between you and other people? Christ overcomes barriers and is here to reconcile and create new community!
Are you distressed by the conflict that you see in our world? Christ is at work to build a better future!

Christ comes as the “repairer of the breach” (Isaiah 58:12). May we be receptive to the transformative power of His Spirit in our lives and our relationships.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 58:9b–12
John 4: 3–26

A photo posted by UMC of Kent, Ohio (@umcofkent) on Sep 17, 2015 at 8:28am PDT

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.