ESOCS Devotional 26 September 2022
TEXT: ACTS 7: 1-16
MEMORY VERSE: “God told him, ‘leave your native land and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you”’. Acts 7:3 NLT
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 ”
Writing in Romans 3:23-24, Saint Paul said, that everyone has sinned and is now far away from God’s saving grace. However, by the free gift of God, all are put right with Him, through Christ Jesus. More so, as many as are ready to believe and receive Him, will be awarded the right to become God’s children (John 1:12).
Until Abraham appeared on the divine scheme of things, the nation of Israel did not exist. It follows therefore, that Abraham was an uncircumcised Gentile when God called him into a covenant relationship with Him (Genesis 15:18). Circumcision was then given to him as a sign or mark of the covenant (Genesis 17:9-14). In other words, Abraham was called outside this special covenant, while being uncircumcised. He is thus the father of faith to both Jews and Gentiles. He is the father to all who believe – whether Jew or Gentile (Romans 4: 17-18).
How did it all begin? Abraham was told to journey to a land he knew nothing about. By faith, he went forth in obedience to the command of God (Hebrews 11:8-9). So child of God, how long will you remain divided between two opinions. Today us the day of salvation. Don’t remain on the fence any more. So many Christians today are neither here nor there. This lukewarm attitude is not acceptable in the Kingdom of Christ. How long would you remain neither hot nor cold? Christ said: “I will spue you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). The journey to the Kingdom is not an easy road to travel. Abraham sacrificed all his earthly heritage and followed a voice he never saw the speaker. It was a strait gate to enter. But he was blessed, and remains blessed for obedience. Little wonder Jesus said that strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leads unto eternal life. Only few are able to find (Matthew 7:14). Will you be among the few?
It is most dangerous to remain a Gentile, while claiming to be in the fold. It’s high time you confirm your membership of the chosen race. It’s time to affirm your citizenship of God’s own person. It’s time to really be in the vanguard of the King’s priests, and those chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God. Have you been called out of darkness into God’s own marvelous light? Stand strong and remain firm (1 Peter 2:9). The Master will soon return for His harvest.
CHALLENGES: Abraham believed God, and it was counted for him for righteousness. Do you believe God? Therefore fear Him and keep His commandments.PRAYER POINTS: Lord Jesus, it is said that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Please help my unbelief.
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FURTHER READING: Judges 15:9-20; Jonah 1: 1-17; Matthew 12: 22-37.
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ESOCS Devotional 26 September 2022
