ESOCS Devotional 27 November
TEXT: JAMES 1:1–13 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12 KJV
It is a joyful thing to be persecuted for Christ sake because it will help build the patience of a child of God and make him perfect in Christ. Paul’s letter to the Romans reminds us that we should glory in tribulations, which help build our patience in Christ (Romans 5:3).
When Jesus was teaching the multitudes, He emphasized that those who are reviled and persecuted and falsely accused for the sake of the gospel should rejoice and be exceedingly joyful. Why is this so? Because great is their reward in heaven (Matt. 5:11–12). Our text reiterates that the people who suffer for righteousness sake are blessed because they have a crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them awaiting them.
It is, however, important to note that no man can suffer or be persecuted for the sake of the gospel if he or she does not have the love of Christ.
John the beloved also gave us insight to the rewards that await the overcomers: they shall be clothed in white garment and their names shall not be blotted out of the book of life. Christ shall confess their names before His Father and He shall make them pillars in God’s temple; and they will have the privilege to sit with Christ on His throne. Are these rewards not worth the persecutions/trials?
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
- Have you been persecuted for the sake of the gospel? Do you endure trials?
PRAYER POINT
- Thank God for His mercies upon your life. Ask Him to give you grace to endure trials for His name sake.
FURTHER READING: Job 32:1–22; 35:1-14; Hebrews 12:18-29
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ESOCS Devotional 27 November
