For taking your time to study remain blessed.
January Saturday 12th
TOPIC: BEAR THE ASSAULT FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST AND YOUR HEAVEN
TEXT: Luke 18:31-34
KEY VERSE: 1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.
Self defence is a natural instinct. Sometimes it is impulsive. You see something coming towards your eye or an object thrown at you, your impulsive response is to block it. It is indeed good to be protective of oneself, but it is not all the time you have to do that. Sometimes you have to absorb insults and assaults of men as though you are vulnerable and weak. Jesus teaches that if you are struck on the right cheek you should turn the other. This is not because you are weak or cannot fight back or retaliate, but to show to your adversary that your weapon of war is not carnal. Jesus lived by what he taught. In our reading text (Luke 18:31-34), Jesus predicted what He was going to pass through in the hands of His adversaries. He said that He shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on and they shall scourge Him, and put Him to death. He had the power to prevent all these but He didn't. He allowed it to pass in order to bring honour and glory to His Father in heaven. When He would be arrested, He rebuked a disciple who went violent. He reminded him that He could have recruited legions of angels from heaven to come to His rescue, but He endured all so that the scriptures might be fulfilled. Do you know what God has also written about your life? The tribulations you must pass through before you enter your rest and glory? If you avoid the cross, how do you wear the crown?
Are you receiving insults from friends and relatives, calling you ugly names because of your faith in Christ? Bear it. Is your husband threatening or maltreating you because you have rejected attachments, make-ups and trousers for the sake of heaven? Bear it. Are you being victimized in your office and denied of your entitlements because you will not be partaker of their evil deeds of corruption? Bear it. Jesus says you are greatly blessed when persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Matthew 5:10-11 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Thought for the day: As Jesus rose again after passing through travails in the hands of men, you will rise again.
Song for the day: Christian, seek not yet repose
Bible reading for the day: Genesis 29-30; Matthew 10:1-23
#Horemow.
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