ESOCS Devotional 5 July 2023
MEMORY VERSE: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” Luke 2:40 KJV
TEXT: LUKE 2:33-40 (KJV)
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
It is important we state that divinity and humanity are in agreement on matters of expectation. While the heavens has its list of expectation from us the moment we are born into the world, the earth and its inhabitants equally do so: “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God” Rom. 8:19. Interestingly, these expectations are predetermined because they existed before your arrival. Hence, efforts must consciously be made in order to fulfil them, as that is what confirms your success in life; else you will become a disappointment to your world and eternity.
Here are God’s expectations:
Firstly, God expects us to grow. Growth is one of God’s major desires for man. You are not expected to remain in one level for too long. Whatever attacks your growth is an enemy that should not be allowed to survive. Whether they are physical growth, academic growth, financial growth, marital growth, career growth, ministerial growth, infrastructural growth, spiritual growth, they are all of critical importance and should be pursued and successfully accomplished. We pray that whatever is retarding our growth God shall scatter them in the Name of Jesus.
Secondly, God expects us to be spiritually buoyant and fervent. There is a great need for spiritual intensity in our generation. We must always wax strong in spirit. Let us not be consumed by fleshy frivolities, running after the passion and fashion of the world. But, let your spirituality be confirmed. Let God know you are spiritually strong. Let the devil also know that you are a spiritual bulldozer. Let the witches in your neighbourhood confess to your spiritual brutality.
Thirdly, God expects us to be filled with wisdom: It will be wrong that you claim to be associated with the wise God and your actions are foolishness exemplified. It is sad to observe that many persons in spite of their age, position and rank still manifest foolishness in all their words and deeds. Let your words produce wisdom; let your actions reflect wisdom. This is what God wants.
Fourthly, God expects us to exist in Grace. Grace is the secret of the making of men. Never fall out of the Grace of God per time. Allow God‘s grace to envelope you, so that your life will eternally remain blessed.
Conclusively, in order to fulfil these expectations, we must remain children in the eyes of God. Never approach God as an adult. Come before him as a child “when Israel was a child then I loved him…” Hosea 11:1. Children are forgivers, they are humble, and they are pure in heart. Never outgrow childhood in the face of God.
- Make up your mind to fulfil God’s expectation from you in this life.
- Lord, thank you for your expectations in life. Help me to fulfil the expectations.
FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 30:1-10; Daniel 2:13-24; Acts 13:13-41
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ESOCS Devotional 5 July 2023
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