ESOCS Devotional 27 February 2022
TEXT: LUKE 8:26-39
MEMORY VERSE: “Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.” Luke 8:37 KJV
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 ”
What you don’t appreciate, you can’t celebrate. Many a time we tend to look down on the special people God has brought into our lives, either as couple, children, parents, friends, relatives, colleagues, bosses, staff, customers, Pastors and church members. We rarely see anything good in them and what they do; hence, we are desperately committed to see them leave. Unfortunately, most times their departure will not even do you any good or add value to your own life. Jesus arrived the city of Gadarenes. Instantly, He was faced with a man tormented by an evil spirit, which had battered and shattered the man, with everyone being helpless in his situation. Jesus in his compassionate nature healed him. The people of the city, out of fear and worry, staged a protest that Jesus must leave their land, which He eventually did.
But the interesting part of it is what Luke 8:40 says, “And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were waiting for him.” Beloved, that husband of yours you are treating badly, there are several women out there waiting for you to send him away. That wife you have failed to love, there are so many men out there admiring her. The devoted employee you do not seem to appreciate his/her efforts, you will soon push him/her to a firm that pays higher. That committed follower you are chasing away may soon be lost to the hand of your enemies.
It is important we value and celebrate who and what we have before we lose them to outsiders.
- Learn to appreciate and celebrate people always.
- Father, thank you for sending people to me. Help me to appreciate them, so that I don’t lose them, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Amos 5:18–27; 5:6-24; John 6:41–71
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ESOCS Devotional 27 February 2022
