ESOCS Devotional 14 June 2021
TEXT: MARK 1:1-11
MEMORY VERSE: “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in who I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11 KJV).
Revelation 4:11 says, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (KJV). This is the summary of our existence on earth: through His divine will we are in the world, and our portion in His purpose for creating us is to be a source of pleasure, joy, and happiness to Him; just as the sculpture derives joy and satisfaction from the works of his hands.
The saints of old were remarkable in this thing. We can be like them. Job was a source of joy and pride to God (Job 1:8). We can be like him. Abraham, the other patriarchs, matriarchs, prophets, apostles, and disciples maintained outstanding relationships with Him. they forsook the world and concentrated on their pilgrim’s journey heavenwards. They lived in holiness and righteousness. The Bible says concerning them: “Instead [of taking pleasure in the world], they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” (Heb. 11:16 NIV). We can be like them if we choose.
One thing we must do is to turn our back against the world, just like they did, and remain consistently so. We should remain faithful and steadfast. A disciple named Demas and some others abandoned Paul and the gospel at a point in the ministry. Paul lamented this inconsistence and said, “Demas loves the things of this world so much that he left me and went to Thessalonica …” (2 Tim. 4:10 CEV). We should not be like him.
- Decide to live henceforth as a source of joy to the Lord.
- Father, grant me grace enough to live my life for your pleasure.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Exodus 14:5-20; Isaiah 43:1-12; Revelation 11:1-13
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ESOCS Devotional 14 June 2021
