ESOCS Devotional 17 August
TEXT: REVELATION 9:17-21
MEMORY VERSE: “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands…” Revelation 9:20
This has always been the problem with mankind: repentance, true repentance. Most people don’t really let go their past, even very terrible filthy past. They cling to it as if their very existence depends on it. Many a time they walk away from it only to return to it later. Why is that? The reason is simple. Many people enjoy the pleasures of sin; and so go back to it whenever they feel like it. One thing is worrisome: Why do people not feel committed to holy living with the same degree of resilience they have for the pleasures of sin? What is it that makes sin so natural in mankind? Why do people find it comfortable to live a lifestyle they know that God hates? Why do people think less of the fire of hell and are not afraid of going there? In matters of holiness and righteousness, why are people not easily inclined to stand on the Lord’s side? Why do they easily take sides with the world? Our Lord Jesus said those who did not obey God would be sent to the left hand side of God and be cast into the everlasting fire! Why do people consciously do the very things that would destroy their eternity and prevent them from going to heaven? What is it that makes sin so pleasurable? We know that God means well for us (John 3:16); we also know that the devil only wants to destroy us (1 Pet 5:8); why do we easily accept to do the things that the devil wants than the things that God demands from us?
Until we make concrete personal efforts at breaking away from sin completely, we would always go back to it. It is a matter of determination and self-discipline. The grace to do so is already there in us. It was given to us abundantly, and sufficiently too (2 Cor. 12:9). We need to utilize it maximally to our advantage; we need to exploit that grace. It is like the talents that were given to the servants by their master (Matt. 25:14-30). The servants who invested the talents given to them made profit and received bountiful rewards. But the one who refused to invest the talent that was given to him was rejected; and the master decreed that he should be cast away into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (V 30). If we do not exploit and utilize the abundant grace given to us to kill the desire and pleasure of sin in us, we may be treated like the unprofitable servant at the end of our lives on earth.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
We need to redefine who we are; and what we truly desire for ourselves. We must allow the righteousness of God to grow in us. However, this would not be possible unless we truly repent from our sins and forsake them. God is calling us to true repentance. It is a clarion call that we should not reject. We should answer that call with an honest heart: for God searches the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). Let us come before Him with a heart filled with brokenness and true repentance. He does not reject contrite heart (Ps. 51:17). True repentance is what He desires to see in us.
CHALLENGES
- Do you have the problem of truly changing a bad habit?
- What do you truly want out of life?
PRAYER POINT:
- Pray for a heart that truly fears God.
- Pray the Holy Spirit to sanctify your heart.
FURTHER READING: Zechariah 9:1-8; 9:9-17; Romans 9: 16-23; 10:1-15
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ESOCS Devotional 17th August
