CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL FOR FEBRUARY 7, 2024 : TOPIC – MACHO OR MATURE? (I)
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE : Wednesday, February 7, 2024
TOPIC: MACHO OR MATURE? (I)
MEMORISE : But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16: 7).
READ : 1 Samuel 16:6-11
[6]. So it was, when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!”
[7]. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
[8]. So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
[9]. Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
[10]. Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”
[11]. And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”
EXPOSITION
Maturity is seldom a function of age, background, social status, muscular looks, height or weight. It is the readiness of the mind to take responsibility as a result of the already built relevant capacity. Imagine a 23-year-old professor leading the conference of professors, which was held in California, USA.
When God rejected and set out to replace Saul, Samuel thought God would choose from the hefty sons of Jesse; but No. God already had a preferred and prepared vessel. It isn’t all about the physique, but preparation. David, the man for the job, had grown strong on the inside, over time. His father’s description of him (v. 11b) disqualified him, humanly speaking. Yet, a decree was divinely issued by Samuel: Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here (v. 11c). When it matters, macho men stand in waiting for the mature man. In vv. 12b- 13a, God commanded Samuel to anoint David, which he did in the midst of his brothers. That is how the spiritually mature is chosen ahead of, and preferred to macho men who are without the substance, to handle responsibilities. What qualified the young David was the grace of God upon Him and his preparation. When preparation meets opportunity, it is providence. Don’t joke with your personal development and spiritual growth. Where it matters, God will showcase you, if you don’t vacillate and remain spiritually dwarfed while physically growing like a giant.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 721
1. Onward! Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before,
Christ, the Royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See! his banners go
Chorus:
Onward! Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
2. At the sign of triumph Satan’s legions flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver, At the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise.
3. Like a mighty army moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading Where
the saints have trod
We are not divided, All one body we,
One in hope, in doctrine, One in charity.
4. Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane,
But the Church of Jesus constant will remain;
Gates of hell can never ‘gainst that Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
And that cannot fail.
5. Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song:
Glory, laud, and honour Unto
Christ the King!’
This, through countless ages, Men and angels sing
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord Jesus, help me to stick with the preparation I need to fulfil destiny.
2. I refuse to underplay the place of spiritual growth and maturity, in Jesus’ name.
3. Pray for CAC Hanson Region, our father in the Lord, the Regional Superintendent, and other officers at the various levels as led by the Spirit of God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Leviticus 19, 20, 21