ESOCS Devotional 1 March 2022
TEXT: MATTHEW 12:31-37
MEMORY VERSE: ““Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” Matthew 12:31 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Simply put, blasphemy is the act of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things, or about His works. It is a profane talk or disrespectful talk against God and His holy things. It is behavior or language that insults or shows lack of respect for God or His holy things. It is also the act of not ascribing or giving God the glory due to His name for His wonderful works.
In verses 22-24 of our text, the Pharisees blasphemed because instead of glorifying God for the miracle Jesus did, they said Jesus used Beelzebub, the prince of the devils, to cast out devils. We saw a similar attitude and consequence in Acts 12:20-23. According to Jewish historian, Josephus, King Herod during a great festival, pompously presented himself in a beautiful garment, sat on his throne and delivered a speech to the people, so they praised him saying, “The voice of a god, and not of a man.”
In the Old Testament, King Nebuchadnezzar acted the same way when he claimed he built great Babylon by the might of his power and for the honor of his majesty. He faced the consequence [Daniel 4:28-37]. So, when we take the glory due unto God, when we make disrespectful remark(s) against Him, His name or the Holy Spirit; in thought, attitude and words (T.A.W.), it is sin of blasphemy. The sin of blasphemy has grave consequences – such sin will never be forgiven [Matthew 12:31]. It leads to condemnation [Matthew 12:37]. It leads to sickness and eventual death [Acts 12: 23]. It also leads to great humiliation of those that walk in pride despising God [Daniel 4:31-33]. Refrain from it now, if you are involved.
- Like David, appraise yourself; is there be any blasphemous attitude in you?
- God, purge every iota of blasphemy which I do not know is blasphemous in my attitude and make me live a life acceptable to you.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Psalm 29:1-2; Daniel 4:28-37; Luke 12:16-21
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ESOCS Devotional 1 March 2022
