Devotional for the Week — 23 February 2009

Devotional For The Week – 23 February 2009

Sermon Title: Rejection
Sermon Text: Luke 4:21–30

Can we assume that those who go to church regularly are better than those who hardly go at all? Do we bear such attitudes in our hearts? If we do, we may have an issue with spiritual pride in our hearts.

Spiritual Pride

During the time of Jesus, many of them could not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, especially those in His hometown. They were unable to accept the fact that Jesus, a carpenter’s son, could be chosen by God to become a Messiah or Saviour. In 1 Corinthians 1:27, it is written: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” When God speaks to us through ordinary people rather than pastors or well-known people, can we accept it that God is speaking to us?

Spiritual Expectations

We need to build our lives and be receptive to our Maker. Jesus used simple object lessons from everyday life to reach out to people. We need to ask the Lord to refresh and renew our minds. We need to be open to His leading and not to do what we desire. We need to yield and submit to God’s greater work. We need to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to our Lord and Master (Romans 12:1).

Rejection

God gives us a free will to accept or reject the Messiah. As in the days of Elijah and Elisha, the prophets did miracles for the Phoenician and Syrian people, although Israel was not short of the poor and sick. This was because of Israel’s rejection of God’s prophets. Do not allow spiritual pride to overcome us. Do not miss the small voice that leads you to obey and follow the Lord. Learn to yield and submit to the Lord.

In conclusion, let us be submissive to the Lord’s leading. Do not harden your hearts when the Lord calls you.

Prayer Response

Heavenly Father, I know You love me enough to discipline me. Thank you for sending Your only Son to die for my sins. Cleanse my heart of any spiritual pride that is in me. Help me to yield and submit to Your voice that I may hear and submit myself to do Your will. Amen.

Devotional based on a sermon by Rev Lim Jen Huat

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