Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8-9; Luke 23:27-38
Memory verse: “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43 (KJV)
The discussion between Jesus and one of the thief beside Him on the cross is one of the most touching in the bible with a lot to learn from. Jesus, who is the face of God on the earth, shows us exactly what God would do in situations like that. Remember, He told us “he that hath seen me has seen the Father” John 12:45 (KJV). In a situation where man is desperate to come to his maker in true repentance, God would always forgive such a person.
What really made that occasion different was that Jesus was going through excruciating pain on the cross coupled with the agony of being left alone by His Father. Yet, He still had the heart to listen to the thief who was speaking from a repentant heart. First, the man chided another thief nailed alongside him and Jesus for calling Jesus out for not using His powers to get off the cross. He confessed they were wrong “and he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Luke 23:42 (KJV).
No matter the situation you are going through you still have what it takes to listen and if possible, be of assistance to somebody else in need. In 1 Samuel 30, David and his men have just lost their wives, children and properties after their camp, Ziklag, was raided in their absence. His men were so angry they almost stoned him. But David inquired of God before setting out in search of his family and that of his men.
On the way, David, alongside 400 angry and tired men, saw a dying Egyptian man on the field and stopped and fed the man till his spirit came back to him. The man opened up; says he was servant to an Amalekite who abandoned him when he fell sick three days ago on their way to Ziklag. And that was how he became of help to David and his men. He was instrumental to David overtaking and recovering all (1 Samuel 30).
Every soul matters to God. No matter the situation you are in try and listen to others in need. You might be the answer to that problem they are going through even though you yourself is going through a challenge. No wonder David was a man after God’s heart. He really cares for souls.
Action Plan: Make it a duty to be open and listen to people around you today in need inspite of your own challenges.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu