ESOCS Devotional 17 September 2022
TEXT: ACTS 28: 11-31
MEMORY VERSE:
“But we desire to hear from you what you think, for as concerning this sect we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” Acts 28:22 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 ”
The word of God may not taste good in the ears of the worldly-minded people. But the truth remains that God’s earnest desire to deliver man from eternal death moved Him to go extra mile. His unfailing love motivated Him to sacrifice His only begotten Son for human salvation (John 3:16). This is the foundation of the whole message of human redemption.
Yes, for God’s love for man, He gave us His Son. More so, the Son, in total obedience, to the will of the Father, paid the ultimate price. He then set rolling, the ball of the Church Movement. In Matthew 28: 18-20, and Mark 16: 15-20, He declared the Great Commission, so His gospel message could continue to the whole world, unhindered.
Then came the era of the Holy Spirit – the era in which we are at the present. The Holy Spirit, on His part, has directed the world-wide mission of the Church. The Book of Acts records the story of how the gospel message began from Jerusalem, spread through Judea and Samaria, Damascus, Caesarea, Antioch, Cyprus, Galatia, Mecedonia, Greece, and Asia Minor, until it finally got to Rome.
The Jews received the good news first. Then the message of salvation was also extended to the Gentiles. The Gentiles reception of the salvation message was facilitated by the Jews’ rejection of Jesus Christ. Today, and happily enough, the Holy Spirit still uses men and women to spread the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world.
It may not be easy for the novice and unbelieving to wholeheartedly accept the gospel. Even the Jewish leaders in Rome, stated that they knew not much about the good news. But they confirmed knowledge of the fact that it was being spoken against everywhere (vs. 22, Luke 2:34). While talking to the Jews in Rome, Paul exerted so much energy to convince them. But only very few would accept his message concerning the Kingdom reign of Jesus over all things (Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:24-35, Ephesians 1: 20-22).
Child of God, may I remind us here that we have an uphill task as believers. The Great Commission is a world-wide mission. It is a compulsory assignment to all who believe (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). No matter the challenges; no matter the persecuting influences, it is a task that must be done. Don’t forget that, from the time John preached this message until this day, the Kingdom of heaven has continued to suffer violent attacks. So let’s not be discouraged. This message of the Kingdom must be preached everywhere before the return of the Master. Let’s brace up.
CHALLENGES: Steven was persecuted, Peter, the same. Even our Lord Jesus Christ. Is the risk worth taking?
PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to continue steadfastly in this holy task. Amen.
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FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 5: 1-19; Jeremiah 52: 1-11; John 17: 1-26.
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ESOCS Devotional 17 September 2022
