ESOCS Devotional 18 September 2022
TEXT: MATTHEW 10: 24-33
MEMORY VERSE: “Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven.” Matthew 10: 32-33 NIV
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 ”
Jesus severally warned His disciples concerning persecuting influences from all quarters (Matthew 24:9; Luke 21: 17, John 15: 18). But the consolation was that whoever would endure to the end will be rewarded accordingly. In other words, Jesus advised that regardless of persecution, they must remain faithful – even unto death (Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Revelation 2:20).
In vss. 24-26, Jesus reemphasized that the disciples will suffer severe insults, and attacks as Himself. This was a pointer to the fact that a servant or disciple is never greater than the master (John 13:16, 15:20). In Matthew 10:16, Jesus warned His disciples that the journey they were about to embark on was not an easy one. It was more like operating as sheep in the midst of wolves and lions. He advised them to be wise and cunning enough, but harmless and gentle as doves.
The disciple should be ready to stand trial unjustly. This might get to the point of being embarrassed and tortured. But they should remain steadfast. In the midst of all challenges and dangers, they should constantly and continually confess that Jesus is Lord. And that there is salvation in no other name, except Him (Acts 4:12). All in all, followers of Jesus must learn and understand the essence of true discipleship. This means emulating Jesus, and pursuing genuine righteousness that exceeds that of hypocrites. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus described His ideal for discipleship. In the midst of all trials, tribulations and sufferings, the true believer should remain humble, honest, forgiving, generous and kind. He must earnestly proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God, and is worthy of all praise and worship.
God elevated Jesus to the place of highest honour – both in heaven and on earth. He has been given a name above all names, to the point that, at the mention of His Name, every knee should bow, and every tongue confess to His majesty (Philippians 2:11). Jesus is Lord forever. O come let us adore Him. His mercies endureth forever, and His reward is eternal.
CHALLENGES: Even in the midst of threats to life and property, do we still need to honour Jesus?
PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, we need your unfailing courage to continue, as you did. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Judges 1: 1-21; Nehemiah 4: 1-14; Acts 3: 11-4:4.
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ESOCS Devotional 18 September 2022
