Deeper Christian Life Ministry – Youth Search The Scripture For December 19, 2021 (Lesson 1031) : Topic – FULL PARTICIPATION FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT
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YOUTH SEARCH THE SCRIPTURE
LESSON 1031
FULL PARTICIPATION FOR MAXIMUM BENEFIT
Memory Verse: “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice” (Psalm 50:5).
TEXT: Matthew 14:13-22; Mark 8:1-9
Well-organised programmes for youths are moments of unforgettable encounter before the great God of heaven. Spectacular and abundant blessings abound as we gather before His presence. “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26). The Lord has made all things ready. He has provided in abundance all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2Peter 1:3). During such programmes, there will be salvation, healing, deliverance, holiness and power. He will saturate our lives with heavenly blessings. An end has come for the devil to afflict the lives of God’s people.
Question 1: Mention youths’ programmes in our church.
“Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 3 1 : 12). Some of the youths’ programmes in the church are the National Youth Success Camp (NYSC), Deeper Life Entrepreneurship School (DLES), Retreats, Success Academy for Youths (SAY), Achievers’ Summit, Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), etc.
COMMITMENT OF SINCERE SEEKERS (Matthew 14:13. 15:32; Mark 6:31-33; 1 Kings 10:1-6, 13; Acts 8:26-39; John 12:20-23; Jeremiah 29: 1 1-13; Psalms 63:1,2; 27:4,8; Isaiah 45: 19,22; Matthew 6:33)
“When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities” (Matthew 14:13). Our texts reveal to us the sterling quality of great commitment in the lives of the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Question 2: Describe the commitment of Christ’s followers in Bible day.
“And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals” (Matthew 14:15). Their commitment was reflected as follows: (i) They followed the Lord on foot out of their cities (verse 13). (ii) They were in the desert place outside the conveniences of their homes (verse 15). (iii) They made grasses their seats (verse 19). (iv) The passage suggests also that regular meals were not served. (v) Children and youth were in Jesus’ retreat in the wilderness. The sacrifice and investments in our programmes will move Jesus Christ to compassion to heal the sick and deliver the oppressed. It follows from the foregoing, therefore, that the Lord expects every sincere seeker to demonstrate the same commitment by (a) residing with Christ at the camp (not off and on, if residential); (b) looking away from normal temporary inconveniences; (c) giving full attention and obedience to the word of Christ; (d) focusing on his/her individual needs and praying for God’s touch; (e) deciding to wait on the Lord if need be. If all participants adhere to this scriptural advice, they will not miss the Lord’s visitation.
THE COMPASSION OF OUR ALL-SUFFICIENT SAVIOUR (Matthew 14:14; Psalms 78:38; 145:8-12; Matthew 20:34; Mark 1:40-42; Luke 7•.11-17•, 15:17-22; Exodus 3: 7 ,8; Deuteronomy 30:1-6)
“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick” (Matthew 14:14). The Saviour’s compassion reached out to the participants who attended His retreat in the wilderness. The all-sufficient God healed all the sick and provided for these diligent seekers. “And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude” (Matthew 14:19).
Question 3: How can youths benefit during special programmes today?
The Saviour, as usual, is mightily present to meet all needs during our special programmes through His compassionate love. He heals the sick, delivers the oppressed, saves penitent sinners, revives the lukewarm and will not overlook anyone who, in faith, calls upon Him, To enjoy the benefits offered during special programmes, Youths must come to Christ in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 4:15, 16; Philippians 4:19) and seek Him with all the heart (Jeremiah 29: 11-13).
COOPERATION FOR SUPERNATURAL SUPPLY (Matthew 14:16-22; Mark 3:1-5; Exodus 15:26; 2 Kings 5:10-14; Job 36: 1 1; Isaiah 1: 19; Jeremiah 7:23; John 2:1-11; 9:1-7; 11:39-44)
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). For the Lord to supply abundantly all your need according to His riches in glory, there must be divine-human partnership. It is expected that every youth cooperates with God and His appointed servants who will be sent to convey His love to us. “And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20).
Question 4: How important is obedience to the word in our lives?
“His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5). The Lord expects prompt obedience to the various instructions in His word, which are meant to bring the blessings of God to us. Obedience brings blessings while disobedience attracts the wrath of God. Whatever the Lord says to you, do it. This is the divine path to heavenly blessings. If you diligently follow this path, the promise of the Lord is: “I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26).