ESOCS Devotional 23 July 2025 – The Reason You Were Called
MEMORY VERSE: “But Jesus answered, ‘We must go on to the other villages around here. I have to preach in them also, because that is why I came.’” Mark 1:38 GNBJV.
TEXT: MARK 1:35-45
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a [a]solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”
39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.
40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.
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Jesus came into the world as a man of words and action, to serve the needs of the people and to pour out His life for humanity. As a man of words, He taught in every town and villages throughout Israel, to educate the world concerning the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:1-16). As a man of intense action, He healed people of diverse diseases, delivered the demon-possessed, and even raised the dead (Mark 1:40-44; John11:41-44). The ultimate mission of Christ’s earth-bound activity was His death on the cross, where He laid down His life to set us free from the bondage of sin, sorrow and death (John 19:17-18).
In verse 39 of our text, Jesus travelled throughout the regions, preaching in the Synagogues, healing the sick, and casting out demons.
Dear ministers and believers in general: Are you sure you are still conscious of the reason you were called by the Lord? Or have you fallen to the deception of the devil? Have you joined the throng of those who are now busy, daily chasing after the unrighteous Mammon – in the name of Christian Ministry workers (Matthew 6:24). Or are you now tempted (due to persecution and frustration) to go back from ‘a fishing’ because the devil has suggested that to tempt you into premature surrender? (John 21:3). It’s high time you apply your tongue to take stock of your teeth. How many are there?
We have a commission from the Master, as spelt out in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-16. Thereafter, miraculous signs and wonders shall follow. Not the other way round. Let’s not be deceived by earthly things. It’s time we go about the works of Him that called us, while it is still day. The night is nigh when no one can conveniently work (John 9:4).
CHALLEGES
- It’s impossible to serve two masters. True or false?
PRAYER POINT
- Lord Jesus, please energize me once more for the Great Commission
FURTHER READING: Joel 3:1-21; Amos 1:1-15; Mark 1:19-34
ESOCS Devotional 23 July 2025
