TOPIC: HOW FAR CAN YOU GO FOR GOD?
Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 23-25; John 11:1-17
Memory verse: “Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again” John 11:7 (KJV)
Years ago I went for a program in another state and after the program I joined the locals in that village for evangelism. We got to an area and I walked into a compound. Unknown to me the brothers avoid that particular compound because the man is a herbalist and always threatens them whenever they came near his gate. They totally forgot some strangers was among those assigned to that area so no one informed me about that particular compound. I walked into the compound and as I approached the front door, a man appeared with a fiery look in his eyes!
With a smile I shared the message of Jesus with him doing my best in the local dialect, and inviting him to our upcoming program. Gradually, the countenance on his face changed and he relaxed. Then he said to me that it is clear I do not know him nor was I told by my people about him. That non of them comes into his compound. But that I am welcomed. He told me he will not come to the program nor attend the church. But I can stop by anytime I am in the area to say hello. He concluded by telling me to keep doing what I am doing and not put my hands in evil to remain clean like this. Immediately I thanked him my eyes opened and I realised I was in the compound of an herbalist. I didn’t see any of the things hanging all around the compound till we have spoken. Then as I turned I saw all the brothers gathered just outside the gate watching us. They were all surprised he attended to me nicely. The glory went to God that day.
Yesterday, we read how the Jews took up stones to stone Jesus because He told them He and the Father are one. They did not understand most of the things He said to them but He patiently stayed to share the knowledge of God with them and those around until they took up stones to stone Him. It is this same Judea He told His disciples, “…Let us go into Judea again” John 11:7 (KJV). What was really pushing Him into this Judea?
Earlier, He had received a message from two sisters who sent to Him that their brother was sick. Even though it is in the same area where He was almost stoned, He told the disciples in John 11:4 (KJV), “… This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” The glory of God is the main thing pushing Him back to Judea. The bible tells us His disciples agreed to go back there with Him.
Many have put their lives on the line for the gospel to bring glory to God. Acts 15:26 (KJV) tells us of “Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Just as Jesus always went back to places He was nearly killed just to complete His assignments, we must, like the disciples, follow suit and stand up to the challenges the threats notwithstanding, and let God have the glory in whatever comes out.
Prayer: Father, help me to always focus on bringing glory to Your name in all I do in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu