ESOCS Devotional 18 August
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 10:17-27
Saul was chosen by God to become king over Israel. Some thought he did not have the quality to be their king. They scorned him and refused to accept him. But he held his peace. He remained calm. He did not get angry. He did not act brashly or allow his new status as king to get into his head. He did not feel slighted and then seek revenge. No! He overlooked what the men did.
Many a time people oppose the leadership of those that God has appointed to occupy certain positions in life, both within and outside the church of God. Such people set their own standards and expectations outside God’s will. We should not join them to do such things. It is rebellion against God. We are required to submit ourselves under the authorities that God has set over us. We are expected to work faithfully with them because they are there to fulfil God’s purpose (1 Pet. 2:11-17). We are counselled to submit ourselves to the leaders whether they are good and gentle toward us or bad and harsh (V 18); “For this commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully” (V 19).The scripture says: “And whatsoever [we] do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto” (Col 3:23).
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
Saul acted well. He followed the divine principle which urges us to forgive people who offend us. This is the commandment that our Lord Jesus gave us: to turn the other cheek (Matt. 5:39). We are not to revenge; vengeance belongs to God (Deut. 32:35; Ps. 94:1). He set forth an example for us to follow. 1 Peter 2:23 says: “…when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” For the people who persecuted and crucified Him, He prayed: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
Forgiveness is a cardinal Christian attribute. It is a virtue we should imbibe and practise. The attitude of remaining calm in the event of provocation is also a desirable quality; it is an asset. When we abstain from bitterness toward people, we gain the inner strength to bear the offence made against us. This makes it possible for us to forgive easily. Forgiveness helps us shed weight spiritually. Paul said, “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnare us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). This is absolutely the right thing to do. Again, refusing to get agitated when we are offended and remaining calm is a laudable virtue.
CHALLENGES
- Try to work on your mind and develop the attitude of remaining unruffled by offences.
- Examine your life thoroughly and remove those things that are heavy weights.
PRAYER POINT:
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to circumcise your heart.
- Pray for the grace to be able to control your emotions.
FURTHER READING: Genesis 18:1-14; Judges 13:1-25; Luke 2:9-15; Romans 9:1-15
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ESOCS Devotional 18th August
