ESOCS Devotional 6 October
TEXT: ACTS 14:18-28 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 KJV
The Lord Jesus, in one of His major prophetic discourses (The Beatitudes) had this to say, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt. 5:11-12).
Apostle Paul was a man who drew much comfort from the above scripture in times of great tribulations in persecution. Following his powerful and heart rending message of salvation in Lystra, accompanied by great signs and wonders, his reward from the Jews was a heartless stoning, even to the point of death. But was Paul deterred? Of course, not: he went ahead doing God’s business, as he survived one attack after another. A number of his epistles were even written in prison.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
We should not forget the likes of Daniel (Daniel 6:1-17), Joseph (Gen. 39 – 41), Jeremiah (Jer. 38:1-13), etc. Are you under persecution? Be courageous. Jesus also was, but right now, He is at the right hand of glory. The same awaits you, if you can endure unto the end.
CHALLENGES
- Steven was persecuted (Acts 7:58), Peter, the same (Acts 12:3), even our Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 15:1). How prepared are you to face the inevitable challenges of Christian ministry?
PRAYER POINT
- Lord, into thine hands I commit my spirit, soul and body. May I not be deterred or demoralized in the face of persecution. Amen.
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 7:11-20; 8:1-11; 2 Corinthians 8:1-11; 9:1-15
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ESOCS Devotional 6 October
