ESOCS Devotional 8 October 2022
TEXT: LUKE 12:49–59
MEMORY VERSE: “Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:53
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 teachings of Christ and the demands of the Christian faith are radically different from the way of the world. A follower of Christ will be misunderstood in many things. There are things he will not do for the light of the gospel shines in his heart. He has received an understanding of things in a way that is different from how the world sees things. By the new life he has received, his values and priorities have changed. Essentially, he has become different from the world in everything. His loyalty is first to God; and his target is Heaven. His heart is removed from the world and set in heaven as he moves steadily in the pilgrim’s journey. By this, he will deviate from the norm and disappoint many. This will bring him in conflict with the world; for the world does not agree with the way of the Lord.
Christ says that His ministry will kindle fire on the earth. This fire will burn in families causing divisions among them. Father and son will disagree; mother and daughter will disagree; and in-laws will disagree. This is a natural fall out of the coming of the kingdom of God and the making of kingdom citizens.
Every child of God should know this and remain steadfast in his walk with God. The journey will not be easy. The pressure will mount, things may become dangerous and the life of the Christian threatened. Don’t give up on your faith. Fight the good fight of faith with all your might and be sure that the crown of glory awaits you.
CHALLENGES
- Have you ever been faced with a situation where you were required to act contrary to the Christian faith?
- How will you best handle this kind of situation?
PRAYERS
- Dear Lord, I ask for your strength and wisdom as I face the challenges that may confront me in life. Give me the grace to stand firmly in you in time of trials. May you protect us from evil. Amen.
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ESOCS Devotional 8 October 2022
