ESOCS Devotional 7 June 2022
TEXT: JOHN 5: 41-47
MEMORY VERSE: “How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?”John 5: 44 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 ”
One of the things that can hinder our faith and walk is seeking the honour that comes from men. Wanting to be seen, known, and respected of men can be the pride of life (1 Jn. 2:15-17). We should seek the honour that comes from God. Those who seek honour from men do not have the love of God in them (John 5:42). There are two kinds of ministers and Christians I’ve observed: those trying to be someone; and those trying to help someone. I think we should be out to help someone, whether anyone celebrates you or not.
All of us need acceptance and endorsement by those in authority over us or by our peers; but we should let God make that happen and not seek it. People don’t always see all the good that we do but God is not unrighteous to forget our work and labour of love (Heb. 6:10).
Apostle Paul gave an encouragement to his son in the faith (Timothy) that the good works we do cannot be hidden, though at first they may not be obvious. 1 Timothy 5:24-25 says, “Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.” Just like some men’s sins precede them and some men’s’ sins follow them, so too some of our good works precede us and some follow us, but they cannot be hidden.
We need not fret or need to maneuver to be noticed by men. Just be out to obey God and let Him take care of all things for us. That is where favour comes in. Favour is God’s gracious kindness, blessings, and influence upon you that causes good things to happen in your life, and people to like you, notice you, promote you and treat you well. The favour of God puts something on us that is seen and it brings us into favour with men. Favour interprets us to people. Favour is like an invisible force field that shields and repels evil and an invisible magnetic field that attracts.
- Whom do you seek honour from? God or man?
- Lord, help me to seek honour from You alone
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Exodus 9: 13–35; 1 Kings 21:1–16; Revelation 4:1-11
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ESOCS Devotional 7 June 2022
