Topic: Place God First always.
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 10,11,12; Luke 13:22-35
Memory Verse: “And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” Luke 13:30 (KJV)
King Saul started very well by leading the Israelites army and defeating their enemies. However along the line, he became too comfortable and the man who was chosen by God to be the king of Israel and felt so insignificant that he hid himself among store items (1 Samuel 10:20-23) became too familiar with God that he focused his attention on his subordinates for acceptance. He curried the acceptance of the people more than obedience to God. Thus, when God asked him to kill everything and everyone in Amalek, the request of his soldiers to spare the best of the animals and the king (1 Samuel 15:1-22) was granted by him! God’s judgment upon him came not long after. God removed him from the throne and put another person of a humble background, David, to replace him.
If you have been hot for the Lord, fellowshipping with Him always, don’t allow His blessings upon you to separate you from Him. God is a jealous father and does not share His glory with anyone. So many started well but due to the blessing of God, they no longer have time for Him. On the contrary, some have challenges that appear to defy solutions and instead of staying closer to God, they have become weary in their service. Others are just lukewarm; neither hot nor cold because of colleagues that have dragged them back from being zealous for God.
Where do you belong? It is important to know that only those who are able to make it till the end will be saved. No matter how much you have done for God, if you backslide towards the end, you will not make it as no one will consider your past conquests. Since no one knows the day he would die, it’s important to remain hot continuously for God. Jesus said in Luke 13:30 (KJV), “And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.”
So the journey is not how long but how well you are ending it. That you had done the miraculous in the name of Jesus over time will not be important if you did not continue with your love for God till the end. Thus, Jesus said in Luke 13:27-28 (KJV), “But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. [28] There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.”
To avoid this last minute rejection, you need to keep your fire of fellowship with God continuously burning.
Prayer point:
Father, help me to put you first in every area of my life in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero