ESOCS Devotional 7 December 2022
TEXT: JOHN 18:28-40
MEMORY VERSE: ’“Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.” John 18:40
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 ”
The Jews rejected Jesus, the Lord of light and love who came to do them good; and they asked for and accepted Barabbas, the robber and criminal who had continually done havoc to them. It goes with the way of the world, even today in our times. People still reject Jesus. Some hate Him with passion. But the reason He came into the world was to make it possible for them to “have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”; yet they readily accept their eternal enemy (Satan the devil) whose aim is to steal their souls, kill them spiritually and physically, and finally destroy them in the fire of hell (John 10:10). They make the devil their friend, lord, and master. It is very odd! One is tempted to ask: Is humanity sane at all? Why Barabbas? And why Satan?
This calls for deep thinking on our part. The choice we make for ourselves in life would either make us or destroy us. There are no two ways about it. Accepting the Lord Jesus means accepting life, goodness, peace, joy, and eternity with Him and the Father in heaven. But every romance with the evil one would end in eternal damnation. If we enthrone Jesus in our lives, we would be led by Him. We would kill the flesh in us; and crucify it on the cross spiritually. We would then be able to live the life of the saints. Paul tasted this beautiful side of life and was glad he did. He said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). He made the right choice: to accept Jesus as his Lord and personal saviour; and to follow and serve Him faithfully to the end. What choice have you made?
Let us not be like the Jews who made the wrong choice. Even in our secular life, we need to make the right choice or get into trouble and unhappiness all the time. We have to choose the right career, business, friends, associations, and acquaintances. We need to make the right decisions on all issues. We need to think deeply every time and consider the later end of all things very diligently. One terrible mistake in decision or choice making could result in great calamities that would bring untold pains and regrets for the rest of our lives.
Loving Jesus and living our lives for Him is the greatest decision anyone would make. It is the best choice. It is an over-riding factor in life. If we truly make Him the Lord of our lives, we would forever be happy we did. All good things in heaven and on earth are for Him and in Him. If we have Him, we have everything.
CHALLENGES
- What is the most important decision you have made in life?
- Have you ever regretted any decision or choice you made?
PRAYERS
- Pray the Holy Spirit to always guide you in the choice or decision you make.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 7 December 2022
