ESOCS Devotional 5 May 2022
TEXT: JEREMIAH 42: 1-12
MEMORY VERSE: “If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I am grieved over the disaster I have inflicted on you.” Jeremiah 42:10 NIV
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 ”
Our God has destined all who trust in Him for prosperity, progress and preservation. These shall only come to be if we would hearken to His commandments (Deut. 28:1-14). But if we disobey His instructions, disaster will follow (Deut. 28: 15-68).
In our text today, God warned His people through Jeremiah to stay in Judah. He promised to protect, preserve and bless them. He also promised to change the mind set of their enemies. But they must remain in Judah, and not flee to Egypt. The Lord even apologized for the punishment He had inflicted on them for disobedience. But Judah was so scared to the point that they had lost confidence in their God. What was behind this? The answer is simply sin.
Many Christians today have lost their faith in the mighty saving power of God. This is because most believers have gottenso neck-deep in iniquity that they are no longer sure of God’s mercy. Even the over flowing compassion of God fromCalvary has no much meaning to such persons any more. But our God’s mercies endures forever.
Sometimes, too, people grow so impatient that they cannot stay in their God assigned work station for their blessings to mature. This is what I term “believers’ disaster.” Brethren, it is most advisable that we follow the footsteps of King David, who waited patiently for the Lord, until his hour of celebration came (Psalms 40:1-4). Let’s also borrow a leaffrom the conclusion of the great man of wisdom, so it shall be well with us: “Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” He will not fail to bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whetherit be good or evil (Eccl. 12:13-14).
- Many believers have lost out on God’s promised blessings because of disobedience. How has this affected you, as a Christian?
- O Lord, my God, please grant me the grace, to always trust and obey your instructions.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 24:1-14; Jeremiah 39:1-18; James 4: 13-15:3
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ESOCS Devotional 5 May 2022
