ESOCS Devotional 23 May 2023
MEMORY VERSE: “Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you he shall not lose his reward.” Mark 9:41
TEXT: MARK 9:38-50
38 John said to Him, Teacher, we saw a man who does not follow along with us driving out demons in Your name, and we forbade him to do it, because he [a]is not one of our band [of Your disciples].
39 But Jesus said, Do not restrain or hinder or forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in My name will soon afterward be able to speak evil of Me.
40 For he who is not against us is for us.
41 For I tell you truly, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to and bear the name of Christ will by no means fail to get his reward.
42 And whoever causes one of these little ones (these believers) who acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin, it would be better (more profitable and wholesome) for him if a [huge] millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.
43 And if your hand puts a stumbling block before you and causes you to sin, cut it off! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to go into life [[c]that is really worthwhile] maimed than with two hands to go to hell (Gehenna), into the fire that cannot be put out.
45 And if your foot is a cause of stumbling and sin to you, cut it off! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to enter into life [that is really worthwhile] crippled than, having two feet, to be cast into hell (Gehenna)
47 And if your eye causes you to stumble and sin, pluck it out! It is more profitable andwholesome for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell (Gehenna),
48 Where their worm [which preys on the inhabitants and is a symbol of the wounds inflicted on the man himself by his sins] does not die, and the fire is not put out.
49 For everyone shall be salted with fire.
50 Salt is good (beneficial), but if salt has lost its saltness, how will you restore [the saltness to] it? Have salt within yourselves, and be at peace and live in harmony with one another.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
Most human actions are driven by purpose. No one undertakes a journey without a destination. Only the insane does. It is so in God’s judgement. God knows and considers the intent of our heart in drawing conclusion about what we do. God knows those of us who serve and honour Him ‘with our lips but our heart is far away from Him.” Thus, it is those who from their heart honour the word of God that receive the power to do and receive the miracle of God. In verse 39, Jesus said, “… There is no one which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.”
We should therefore be mindful not to oppose the work of God or block the way for those who serve God in any capacity through our words, thoughts and actions (Mark 9:40)
It does not matter who is involved. Any one (young or old; male or female) who has the mandate of heaven in what he or she does, must be given the support that you can offer. It is deadly to work against the will of God in the lives of those who truly serve God. Jesus said, “… it is better for him that a milestone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.”
We should not give in to any thought, advise or learning that will make us not give the best we can to support the great work of God for the salvation of men on earth. The reward for the support we give to God’s will is more than the benefit we derive from opposing it. It is eternal life to trust and obey God (Mark 9:43-48).
The power that gives us the will to support what is of God and reject evil is of God. Those who ask and seek for that power will certainly receive it. It is the power of the Holy Ghost. (Mark 9:50; Acts 1:8). We cannot go far if we do not join forces with others.
- Have you got the steady urge to join forces to serve God? Do you know that you can do better if you join forces with others for a common goal?
- Father, let the Holy Ghost fill me with the power to do your will, in Jesus name. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Exodus 24:1-8; 2 Kings 23:1-10; Romans 12:9-end.
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ESOCS Devotional 23 May 2023
