Today’s Readings:
1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Psalm 17:1,6-8,15; Luke 8:1-3
Follow who know road. This pidgin expression best describes Jesus; testimony that He is the
way, truth and life (John 14:6). So today we are given a picture of Jesus’ “squad”.
The line-up consists of:
Jesus
The Twelve (Apostles)
Mary Magdalene
Joanna the wife of Chuza
Susanna and several others who provided for them out of their own resources.
These men and women experienced Jesus Christ in a personal way and they decided that He alone is worthy of their time, talent and treasures. There are only two squads, Jesus’ team and the others. To be on Jesus’ team, you have to know who you are. You cannot be indifferent. You are either making Him known or you are denying him. To those who deny Him, Jesus says: Matthew 10:33 – “But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” The main point of our message to the world (as Christians) is hope in the resurrection. We preach life after death which Christ models by risen after three days. Some try to convince others that Jesus will fulfil all their fantasies if they believe. Others say that if you do not stop sinning and live a holy life, God will destroy you. These are only partial truths.
Following Christ will come with tests, trials and triumphs. There will be victories and there will be losses. There will be times when you will be frustrated simply because you identify as a follower of Christ. There will be times when you will be tempted to compromise. Sometimes, you will be discouraged by your struggle with sin and unhealthy addictions. But through it all, you will emerge victorious and you will never be alone: John 16:33 – “I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” It is not going to be a smooth sail with Christ. But it will be worth the trouble if you trust Him. The members of Jesus; squad share in his eternal reward and their names shall never be forgotten until the end of time. Luke 10:20 – “But do not be glad because the evil spirits obey you; rather be glad because your names are written in heaven.” Will you follow in the footsteps of the Apostles and disciples who have all gone before us marked with the sign of faith? Do not be of two minds. Jesus says: Matthew 6:33,34 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.”
What should be your concern today?
Be concerned about doing the will of God. And what is that? Mark 12:30 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment. This should also translate into the quality of your service to others today. Be like Jesus “who did all things well” (Mark 7:37). Do all you have to do today excellently well and God will bless you. Will you do God’s will or yours? It all depends on who you follow. Show me who you hang out with and I will tell you exactly what you are capable of.
Choose carefully the people you let into your life. Speak to Christ about your friends. Ask him to choose them for you. And when you come to the point of choosing a spouse, do not make decisions in a hurry. Hand your suitors and business prospects to God.
Hand yourself and all that concerns you to God today and ask Him to perfect His will over your life and destiny.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Father thank you for the example of Jesus and his followers, in Jesus name.
Father, empower me to daily see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly, in Jesus name.
Father, help those that have to make crucial decisions for you and encourage them, in Jesus name.
Father, let your present be felt in Christian homes, especially those at the verge of breaking, in Jesus name.
Father, let your will be done in our nation, in Jesus name.
Comments