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Topic: Candidates for Heaven
[DCLM Daily Manna 7 February 2019 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: John 8:12-31 (KJV)
Key Verse: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” – (John 8:31).
MESSAGE:
It is instructive that some of the far-reaching statements of our Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry did not emanate directly from sermons or formal teachings. He made profound declarations at private encounters with such individuals as Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, blind Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus. Another platform often used by the Lord was in discourse with the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes.
Today’s subject is drawn from an engaging discussion between the Master and a group of Jewish traditionalists who never ceased to oppose Him. They knew the truth of Christ’s messiahship. Being learned, they had read about all the prophecies concerning the coming Anointed of God. They had seen His miracles which mere mortals could not have performed. They had heard him preach as no one else ever did. Reports had reached them from their own that no man ever taught like Him. But a pall of darkness blocked their spirit from accepting the truth of His Word.
How could this be overcome? It is simply by accepting that Jesus is the Light of the world, who came from the Father in heaven. He gives light to this world of sin, and draws those who receive Him out of the darkness of hell and guides them to heaven.
Our passage concludes with the Lord telling the Jews that “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” True discipleship that leads to heaven is based on total and continuous obedience to the teachings of the Master. Selective and staggered obedience would disallow the full bestowal of the oil of grace that enables the believer to endure till the end. How we need to ensure a strict obedience to God’s word, that we may partake of His blessings!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Random obedience to God is rebellion.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 22-23
