ESOCS Devotional 21 April 2022
TEXT: LUKE 9:1-9
MEMORY VERSE: “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:2
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 kingdom of God is the collection of men and women who have accepted Christ and live under the authority of the word of God. In it, Christ is the King and Source of life.
The message of the kingdom of God is introduced by Jesus, and from Him to the early apostles. They were the first set of entrants into the kingdom. At Pentecost, they received the official seal of the kingdom; that is, the Holy Spirit. Till date, those who accept and believe in Christ do not fail to receive the kingdom and the official seal. The Holy Spirit gives us the kingdom experience.
In our text today, we see Jesus give power to his disciples over all opposing forces with the command that they should go “to preach the kingdom of God and heal people” (vs. 1-2). Everyone who wants to follow in this command, as is replicated in the great commission (Matthews 26:18-20) must first of all receive the kingdom himself. This is because you cannot give what you do not have. You will preach the kingdom message better if you have the experience of it.
The best approach to the kingdom message is to accept and believe it when you hear of it. Avoid giving excuses and attacking the carriers of the message. It is a dangerous thing to do. The blessing of the kingdom of God goes to those who receive it with open heart (vs. 3-6; Luke 10:14.)
The carriers of the kingdom message are to be honoured and cared for. Avail yourself of that blessedness. (1 Corinthians 9:14 and vs. 7-9)
For those who have received the kingdom of God, let us continue to spread the kingdom message and make more disciples for the kingdom. The Lord will not fail to bless and sustain the kingdom blessings in our lives.
- What is your attitude to the kingdom message that exposes your error?
- Father, give me the heart to receive and encourage the spread of the kingdom of God, in Jesus Name. Amen
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Amos 7:1-9; 2 Chronicles 30:7-8; Hebrews 13:1-9
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ESOCS Devotional 21 April 2022
