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Traitor and a Tree (Devo by Stevo)

Traitor and a Tree (Devo by Stevo)

Alternative Routes, Part Two

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Five Day Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Proximity to Transform Prejudice

Scripture: "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." — Romans 12:16

From the Sermon: "Proximity changes our perspective on things. Proximity changes the way we see things. When we see the faces and the people behind the issues and the things we debate and see on the news, it changes the way we see people. It changes the way we think about things."

Reflection:
The story of CP Ellis and Ann Atwater reminds us of the transformative power of proximity. These two individuals—one a KKK leader, the other a civil rights advocate—were forced to work together for ten days. Through that proximity, their prejudices began to erode. They shared meals, they talked, and most importantly, they began to see each other as people rather than stereotypes. Their story echoes the biblical truth that when we draw close to those who are different from us, our hearts can change in profound ways. God often uses proximity as the pathway to reconciliation, showing us that even the deepest divides can be bridged when we're willing to sit at the same table.

Song: "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love"
"We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand.
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land.
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the times I've kept my distance from those who are different from me. Help me to step closer, to sit at the table with those I might not understand. Transform my prejudices through the power of proximity, just as You transformed CP Ellis and Ann Atwater. Give me courage to walk the alternative route of reconciliation. Amen.

Day 2: Seeing the Value in Every Person

Scripture: "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." — 1 Samuel 16:7b

From the Sermon: "Jesus is not phased by the stares. He's not worried about the whispers of scandal. He's going to Zacchaeus's house because Zacchaeus is a child of the heavenly Father, a man created in God's image, and because of that, he has an inherent value."

Reflection:
Jesus saw Zacchaeus not as others saw him—a despised tax collector, a cheat, a sinner—but as a beloved child of God created in His image. This perspective transformed how Jesus related to him. When we look at others through Jesus' eyes, we begin to see beyond labels, reputations, and past mistakes to the inherent value each person possesses. This isn't always easy. Our human tendency is to judge based on appearance, status, or what we've heard about someone. But Jesus calls us to a higher vision—to see the dignity and worth in every person we encounter, regardless of who they are or what they've done.

Song: "In Christ There Is No East or West"
"In Christ there is no east or west,
In Him no south or north;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth."

Prayer:
God, help me to see others as You see them—as Your beloved children made in Your image. When I'm tempted to judge by appearances or reputation, remind me of how Jesus saw Zacchaeus. Give me Your eyes to recognize the inherent value in every person I meet today. May my interactions reflect the dignity with which You created each of us. Amen.

Day 3: The Transformative Power of Meeting Jesus

Scripture: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17

From the Sermon: "This meeting with Jesus is transformative—it changes his life, it puts him on that alternative route, a different way than he was going. The hands that once grasped and hoarded are now open in generosity. The heart that once took and stole what wasn't his to take and steal is now making efforts to restore and repay what was taken."

Reflection:
Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus completely transformed him. The tax collector who had grown wealthy by exploiting others suddenly became generous, offering half his possessions to the poor and promising to pay back four times what he had cheated from others. This is the power of meeting Jesus—He doesn't just change our religious views; He transforms our values, priorities, and the way we treat others. The alternative route that Jesus offers isn't about minor adjustments to our lives but about a complete reorientation of who we are and how we live. When Jesus truly enters our lives, the evidence shows in concrete changes to how we handle relationships, possessions, and past wrongs.

Song: "Amazing Grace"
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see."

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the transformative power of Your presence. Like Zacchaeus, I want my encounter with You to change not just my beliefs but my actions. Show me the areas of my life where I still need to take the alternative route—where my hands need to become more generous, where I need to make amends, where my priorities need to shift. Make me a living testimony to Your transforming power. Amen.

Day 4: Seeking Proximity with God

Scripture: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." — James 4:8a

From the Sermon: "We find proximity with God through personal spiritual disciplines—prayer and reading the Bible, serving others... I would encourage you to seek proximity with God as often as possible. It's really important. We need it. We need to be near God, and God wants to be near to us."

Reflection:
The greatest proximity we can seek is closeness with God Himself. As Pastor Steve reminds us, God deeply desires relationship with us—He "actually wants to be with you." This proximity doesn't happen accidentally; it requires intentional practices and dedicated spaces. Whether through personal spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible reading, or through corporate worship and fellowship, we create opportunities to draw near to God. Like Zacchaeus who climbed a tree to see Jesus better, we too might need to elevate ourselves above the noise and distractions of daily life to gain a clearer view of God. The beautiful promise is that when we make these efforts to draw near to Him, He always responds by drawing near to us.

Song: "Nearer, My God, to Thee"
"Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee."

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I long to be near You. Help me create space in my busy life for proximity with You through prayer, Your Word, worship, and serving others. Like Zacchaeus, I want to position myself where I can see You more clearly. Thank You that You desire this closeness even more than I do. Draw me near to Your heart today. Amen.

Day 5: Being Placed with Purpose

Scripture: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:14, 16

From the Sermon: "People, you were placed by God at the location and address where you live, wherever that may be, for a purpose—to be a city on a hill, to have proximity with your neighbors and the people that you meet each day... You have been placed in proximity with people of all different kinds—where you work and live and gym, your favorite grocery store, all the places where you live and work and play—for a purpose."

Reflection:
There are no accidents in God's placement of His people. Like a strategic game of chess, God has positioned each of us in specific neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities to be His representatives. The people you interact with daily—your neighbors, coworkers, the barista at your coffee shop—are in your life by divine appointment. You have proximity with people that no one else in your church community may ever meet. This realization transforms ordinary encounters into sacred opportunities. That awkward conversation with a neighbor, the friendly chat with a coworker, the smile for a stranger—all become moments where Christ's light can shine through you into someone's life. Your location is your mission field.

Song: "Here I Am, Lord"
"Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart."

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see my home, my workplace, my daily routines as divinely appointed places of ministry. Thank You for strategically placing me where I am. Open my eyes to the opportunities for connection with those You've put in my path. Give me courage to build proximity with my neighbors and coworkers, and to share Your love with those who may never enter a church building. Use me as Your light in the specific place You've planted me. Amen.

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