CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL FOR FEBRUARY 8, 2024 : TOPIC – MACHO OR MATURE? (II)
READ PREVIOUS CAC DEVOTIONALS HERE
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE : Thursday, February 8, 2024
TOPIC: MACHO OR MATURE? (II)
MEMORISE : So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel (Luke 1:80).
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
Samuel was carried away by the muscles, big chests and heights of Jesse’s sons, so much that he almost already concluded against God’s will. God saw that David’s brothers were truly physically fit, but also knew that they were not grown spiritually and would not be able to handle the royal duties that laid ahead. God is not like a man who by mere physical look, socio-economic status, age, or colour gives roles to people. He sees through the veils and would never commit tangible things to feeble minds and immature men. He would rather give the covenant continuity to Jacob than to Esau who before the former ever knew a woman had taken two ungodly wives, against his parents’ wish (Gen. 26:34). God wouldn’t commit great things to such a careless person.
This, quickly, calls to mind the need to grow in God and meet His standard and specifications. The Bible affirms that in God’s house, there are different vessels-noble and ignoble (2 Tim. 2:20). The kind of vessel you are is determined by who you are in God. If you are immature, lesser roles will be given to you. Think of the casualty that would have resulted, if anyone, apart from David had gone to face Goliath. Also, the number of people that would have died, if God didn’t assist Gideon to trim his soldiers to 300. The implication is that only 300 were battle-ready and mature enough for the assignment. Cultivate the habit of consistent study of the Word and personal devotion to Him. In this way, you are on the part to maturity.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 815
1. Conquerors and over comers now are we,
Thro’ the precious blood of Christ we’ve victory
If the Lord be for us we can never fail,
Nothing ‘gainst His mighty power can e’er prevail
Conquerors are we, thro’ the blood of Jesus
God will give us victory, thro’ the blood of Jesus
Through the lamb for sinners slain,
Yet who lives and reign again,
More than conquerors are we,
More than conquerors are we,
2. In the name of Israel’s God we’ll onward press
Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness;
Not to us but unto Him the praise shall be,
For salvation and for blood bought victory.
3. Unto Him that overcometh shall be given,
Here to eat of hidden manna sent from Heaven,
Over yonder He the victors palm shall bear,
And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord Jesus, enlarge my capacity for higher responsibilities.
2. Lord, help me become more mature in You daily so that I don’t just go about with empty physique or childish packaging.
3. Pray for CAC Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji Arakeji Osun State, the Camp Manager and the staff as led by the spirit of God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Leviticus 22, 23, 24