ESOCS Devotional 10 September 2021
TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 17:17-29
MEMORY VERSE: “So David and all the people who were with him arose and crossed over the Jordan. By morning light not one of them was left who had not gone over the Jordan” (2 Samuel 17:22 NKJV).
The Lord has plans for us; even in the midst or presence of our enemies. He would always provide a means for our escape. David recognised this truth when he said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want … Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies …” (Ps. 23:1, 4-5 NKJV).
Let us understand that whatever evil plans the enemy has for us or temptation that comes to us, “… God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13 NKJV).
David was going through rough times. His son Absalom had dethroned him and he was running into exile with a handful of his loyalists. Truly, he had sinned terribly against God through adultery and murder. He was going through punishment for his sins; for God must punish sin, no matter the relationship a person has with Him. God had said concerning David, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who shall do all My will” (Acts 13:22 ASV). However, God was with him still. For God will not despite “a broken and a contrite heart” (Ps. 51:17).
We have a lesson to learn here: our closeness to God is not a license to fall into sin habitually or live a sinful lifestyle. It should motivate us to be righteous and holy, and continue in them all through life. God has commanded us: “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless [perfect – KJV]” (Gen. 17:1 NKJV). Let us remember this always.
- Do not take God for granted. Always live right.
- Lord, grant me grace to follow your ways always.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Daniel 12:1-12; Matthew 9:1-38; Romans 10:16-21
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ESOCS Devotional 10 September 2021