Jesus Christ Moved The City

Devotion for Sunday Palm Sunday March 25, 2018

Topic: Jesus Christ Moved The City       

Text: Matthew 21:1 – 11 

After the birth of Jesus and the visit of the wise men from the east, the whole city of Jerusalem was “disturbed” (Matthew 2:3). Again, Jesus caused a great disturbance in the city of Jerusalem which gave rise to the question, “Who is this?” The reply to that question was “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” But Jesus is the prophet who was to come (Deuteronomy 18:15–18). No wonder the city was in an uproar! There was great excitement. The sight of such a multitude, the shouts of the people, and the triumphant procession through the city, excited much attention and inquiry to know who was being celebrated. As the procession descended from Mount Olives, it was in plain view of all Jerusalem, and its magnitude, shouts and songs excited the wonder of the whole city. By who is this, the questionnaire wanted to know the person worthy of such honour. By this event, Jesus boldly declared Himself King, and the crowd gladly acknowledged that and joined Him. When Jesus came into Jerusalem all the city was moved; some perhaps were moved with joy, who had waited for the consolation of Israel; others, of the sect of Pharisees, were moved with envy. Where do you belong in these two groups? Do you ask, who is Jesus, because you want to know Him or you want to ridicule Him like the Pharisees? Sing A&M 99, Abu 41  

Food for Thought: Why do seek to know Jesus – to ridicule Him or to serve Him as Lord and Saviour?

Memory verse: Matthew 21:10  

Prayer: Grant O God, that I will know Jesus in order to serve Him as my Lord and Saviour.

No Excuse (VII)

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Saturday March 18, 2017

Topic: No Excuse 7  

Text: Revelation 3:14 – 22

Laodicea was a commercial city and the wealthiest of the seven cities. It was known for its banking industry, manufacture of wool, and a medical school that produced eye ointment. The church there had become lukewarm and thus unpleasant and disgusting. They didn’t take a stand for anything; indifference led them to idleness and complacency. By neglecting to do anything for Christ, the church became hardened and self-satisfied, which led to its spiritual ruin.

Nothing disgusts more than a half-hearted, nominal and self-sufficient Christian. Such people will never seek counsel or make time to fast and pray. God uses things familiar to us in teaching us moral lessons. Laodicea had always had problem with water supply and the water that flows into the city from an aqueduct get there not hot nor refreshingly cool but lukewarm. This was a perfect description of this church.

Today, some of us believe that many material possessions are signs of God’s spiritual blessing. Laodicea was a wealthy city, and the church was also wealthy. But what they could see and buy had become more valuable to them than what is unseen and eternal. Wealth, luxury, and ease can make people feel confident, satisfied, and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or money you make, you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with Christ. How does your current level of wealth affect your spiritual desire? Instead of centring your life primarily on comfort and luxury, find your true riches in Christ. Your wealth should not be an excuse.

Food for Thought: Revelation 3:18

Memory verse: Revelation 3 verse 19

Prayer: God, heal me of complacency and being lukewarm to your service in Jesus name. Amen.

REPROACH TO NATIONS: Devotion for Saturday October 1, 2016

REPROACH TO NATIONS: Devotion for Saturday October 1, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 22:1 – 16      Memory verse: Ezekiel 22 verse 4   

Happy independent celebrations to Nigeria and Nigerians! Today is the 56th Independence Anniversary of Nigerian nation. We congratulate Nigerians as they celebrate this day.

Here in our text for the day, Jerusalem is called a bloody city because of her crimes. This chapter of Ezekiel explains why Jerusalem’s judgment would come (Ezekiel 22:2–16), how it would come (Ezekiel 22:17–22), and who would be affected by it (Ezekiel 22:23–31). The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with are exceedingly sinful – murder, idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the Sabbath and holy things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery.

What would have led a nation adopted by a holy, righteous and pure God into this level of sin, crime and evil? Not being mindful of God led them into this wickedness. They took the mercies and grace of God for granted and thus due to their complacency and lukewarmness, they started compromising which took them into these evil they were charged of here.    

Sinners provoke God by forgetting Him. When they do not take His ordinances to heart, they can do anything they like. When they also see the worship of God as ceremonies without spiritual attachment to it, their worship will not have any impact on them. Jerusalem has filled the measure of her sins. Family Bible Notes says about Ezekiel 22:4 that, “When we see a community giving itself up to the practice of iniquity of every kind without restraint, we may be certain, from the sure testimony of God, that its days of punishment are near.” The position of Family Bible Notes here can well be said of our present generation where all manner of evil are seen on daily basis.  

The sins charged against Jerusalem, are similar to what we see in Nigeria today – murder, oppression and extortion, adultery, etc. The spate of Fulani herdsmen and marauders, killings, abduction and kidnapping, Boko Haram, budget padding, corruption, etc are all pointers to the assertion that our present day Nigeria is similar to what Ezekiel saw in Jerusalem at the time he was prophesying. Just like Jerusalem became a reproach to nations around her so our country, Nigeria has become a reproach to nations around her.

As Family Bible Notes posited above, we are expecting God’s judgment upon this country for we have turned against God in so many ways. In fact we have started reaping the fruit of our evil, greed, corruption, hatred, in ability to forgive ourselves, etc with the current economic recession and poor leadership we have experienced in Nigeria since independence.

Think of the number of churches in our country. What are the effects of these churches in our nation? Are the perpetrators of these crimes not found in our churches? We should be prepared for the day of the Lord. How prepared are you for God’s judgment because it will certainly come? Don’t think you can escape it unless you repent. Nigeria needs a Solemn Assembly which should be led by our leader. Until we sincerely and truly repent, we cannot escape the wrath of God that will be revealed to avenge the blood of innocent souls spilled in this country.

Food for Thought: Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people - Proverbs 14:34.  

Prayer: Lord God, heal our country and her people that we will no longer be reproach unto nations in Jesus name.