ESOCS Devotional 16 June 2023
MEMORY VERSE: “I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.” Mark 14:49
TEXT: MARK 14:43-52
43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.
45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.
47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?
49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.
50 And they all forsook him, and fled.
51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
Matthew 1:22 says “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet …”
All that was done to Christ was prophesied of by Prophet Isaiah, in the book of Isaiah 53:7-12. The scriptures have to be fulfilled, but Christ said, “… woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed…” (Matt. 26:24; Mark 14:21; Luke 22:22). God had already destined Joseph to be great and prepared the path for his greatness. Some sold him into slavery, some made him go to prison, and some introduced him to those God wanted to use to set him on the throne. Judas Iscariot never knew he was fulfilling what the Scriptures had said. Joseph’s brothers never knew they were fulfilling God’s plan. Potiphar and his wife never knew they were just vehicles conveying Joseph to greatness. The Chief Butler who introduced Joseph to Pharaoh was also just fulfilling God’s plan. “All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies” (Ps. 25:10). Proverbs 2:8 says, “He keepeth the paths of judgment and preserveth the way of His saints.” As long as God is involved, the life of every Believer is destined for greatness. Whatever they encounter on the way is only a vehicle being used by God. We are advised in Proverbs 3:6 to always acknowledge him, and he shall direct our paths. Never make the mistake of entering the path of the wicked or going in the way of evil men. (Prov. 4:14).
In our families, churches and society at large today, people are there to fulfill Scriptures and destinies of others. The holy book admonishes us in 2nd Corinthians 13:5 to “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” If you are fulfilling Scriptures concerning others, do it the Chief Butler’s way and not the Judas Iscariots’ way. If others are fulfilling Scriptures concerning you, just make sure you remain on the path created by God for you. Just make the word of God a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path (Ps. 119:105). Scriptures are being fulfilled every day. Just be on the positive side of the Scriptures.
- Meditate on Luke 17:1-4 and let it be a daily guide to you.
- Father, help me to fulfill Scriptures positively in my daily dealings with you and my fellow man in Jesus name, Amen.
FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Ezekiel 33:10 –20; Acts 7:17 –36
Thank you for reading the ESOCS Devotional today. Please share and follow us on all our platforms to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.
ESOCS Devotional 16 June 2023
