ESOCS Devotional 22 August 2021
TEXT: MATTHEW 2:1-23
MEMORY VERSE: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Matthew 2:10).
The three wise shepherds saw the star that led them to the child in a manger, and rejoiced greatly. An angel had told them the good news of the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. They followed the star to Bethlehem and saw the divine child in a manger, with the mother, our mother Mary, and gave Him presents. When the child grew up, He offered Himself on the cross for the world.
What does the news about Jesus do to your heart? Each time you hear that name or read about it, what feelings do you experience in your heart and mind? When you hear or read about Him and His wondrous love for you and the rest of humanity, how do you react? Do you ever sit down to meditate on His person, love, mission, glory, and power? Do you not wonder at His kind of amazing heart of kindness, passion, care, compassion, and graciousness towards us?
How much do you listen or pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit when He tries to guide you in the things and word of God, and lead you to Jesus, and that you may remain with Him and profit from the benefits of the cross?
Again, since you came to Jesus, what presents have you brought to Him. The Bible says you should “… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service …” (Rom. 12:1-2 NKJV).
When you do these things, you would be making spiritual acts of worship; consecrating and dedicating your life to the Lord; and thereby, prove that you appreciate the work He did for you on the cross. In other words, He made a “living sacrifice” that is acceptable to the Father on your behalf with His holy body; He expects you to offer yourself as a “living sacrifice” to the Father also, in appreciation. He does not expect anything less. This is a very important thing to do.
- Watch over your heart, mind, and soul to ensure that they acceptable to God.
- Father, please help me to order my life in your word.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Daniel 2:1-12; Hebrews 11:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 22 August 2021
