DAILY BIBLE READING: Jeremiah 48, 49; Hebrews 7
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood” Jeremiah 48:10 (KJV).
The song below spells out clearly what we are called to do as Christians:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on to before!
Christ the royal Master,
Leads against the foe
Forward into battle,
See His banner go
The song helps us to see that we have a foe to contend with, and to overcome him, we must fasten our sword by our side. Constantly, we must look at the royal Master who is going before and who has graciously enlisted us in the battle. The battle is getting more fierce by the day and as it progresses, we are equally witnessing the lackadaisical attitude among soldiers of Christ. We should not allow anything to bring us down to the level of giving less commitment to the work of the Lord. The warning is clear from both the Lord and Paul, the apostle: “But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now and I have been working” John 5:17 (NKJV). Paul submits: “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” Romans 12:11 (NKJV).
The Lord Jesus says emphatically that, the Father is working and that He is also working till this day. Where did you inherit the laziness that you are putting up? Apostle Paul encourages fervency to serve the Lord as His representatives here on earth. You should now ask yourself, is my level of commitment to the work of God enough? Do I attempt to go the extra mile with the work of God compared to my secular work? You should constantly remind yourself that as a soldier of Christ, you are not to relent because our adversary the devil is working round the clock to have more harvest to himself.
With that understanding, we should not draw back our sword from fighting. Please, let the sword keep on moving, there are more lands to conquer for Christ. When we fail to do this, we shall undoubtedly incur the wrath of God just as the Scripture for our consideration reveals: “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood” Brace up now and avoid deceitful handling of the work of the Lord.
Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, help me to understand that the sword is not meant for the sheath now in Jesus Christ name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole