September 15, 2019 LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE : TOPIC – THE HONORARY HONOURABLES
THE LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Sunday, September 15, 2019
– International Day of Democracy & Software Freedom Day
TOPIC – THE HONORARY HONOURABLES
Read Acts 4:1-7
1. And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2. Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6. And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
MEMORISE: Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead (Acts 4:1,2)
EXPOSITION
Imagine the category of people who were out to lynch the disciples for setting one of their subjects free and preaching the message of life – the Priests, captain of the temple and the Sadducees. These were the top echelon of the temple. They wanted to lead, but avoided being led by anybody, not even their Saviour.
One of the definitions of honour is, “To dignify, to raise to distinction, or notice.” Though they sit in Moses’ seat, they were not ready to shoulder the people’s responsibilities as Moses did. They were so ignorant; the message that brought sporadic increase in the population of the church had no place in them. The likes are many in our churches and society, today. Only God knows how they scramble their way to the top, by means of crook or fluke. They sit in honourable seats to defraud, oppress and impoverish the people the more. They are in the community, worship centres, government, and workplaces. Their subjects groan, but they never get concerned.
Why are you in position of authority – to lead away or lead to the truth and life? Do you merit the position you currently occupy? Is it also by God’s grace or self-imposition? No wonder they are proud, envious, even of a junior officer, and exact themselves more than necessary. If they are there, no one else must be there! Oh! Their fall is without repair, because they have neglected God, who enthrones and dethrones. As honourable pastors, hope you are still living up to the expectation both of God and man? Let all leaders retrace their steps back to God, to be rightly honoured.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, forgive me where I have deliberately opposed Your work and ministers.
2. Father, help our political leaders to make their policies people oriented.
3. Lord, bring down as many as possible leaders, in church and politics, who are there to obstruct the Gospel of salvation, no matter how highly they have exacted themselves.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Ps. 145:21 – 150:6; Prov. 1:1 – 1:3; 1 Cor. 16:23 – 16:24; 2 Cor. 1:1 – 1:20
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!