C.A.C Living Water Daily Devotional For September 2, 2024 : Topic – HE SACRIFICES ALL
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2024)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Monday, September 2, 2024
(Organ Donation Week & Coconut Day)
TOPIC: HE SACRIFICES ALL
MEMORISE : And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take (Mark 15:24).
READ: Mark 15:21-32
[21]. Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.
[22]. And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull.
[23]. Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.
[24]. And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.
[25]. Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him.
[26]. And the inscription of His accusation was written above:
[27]. With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left.
[28]. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”
[29]. And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days,
[30]. save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”
[31]. Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.
[32]. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.
EXPOSITION
As today commemorates Organ Donation Week and Coconut Day, it is good to know that Jesus did not just donate an organ in His body, but He gave His entirety for the salvation of mankind. The fulfilment of the prophecy of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection as the Saviour of humanity is truly remarkable. Despite being entirely sinless, Jesus willingly embraced His role as the sacrificial Lamb (Isa. 53:3-10). Certainly, Jesus Christ epitomises the concept of sacrifice, temporarily setting aside the splendours of heaven to fulfil His divine mission on Earth. Despite sharing equal status with God, He showed profound humility by not claiming the lofty privileges linked to that status. When the time was right, Jesus willingly relinquished the benefits of His divinity and took on the role of a servant, fully immersing Himself in the human experience. He opted to live a life characterised by selflessness and obedience, leading to His atoning death, the agonising crucifixion. Despite having other potential paths to fulfil His divine destiny, Jesus intentionally chose the challenging journey of Calvary. He could have opted for a quicker and less painful means of death rather than enduring the crucifixion at the hands of His very creatures. Even in moments when the weight of the impending sacrifice could have led Him to contemplate giving up, He remained resolute in adhering to the Father’s will.
Reflect on the incredible sacrifice of Christ and the blessings from this. Imagine the transformative, impact if we fully embrace the redemption secured by Christ on our behalf.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial life to save me.
2. Lord, let your blood set me free from all chains and shackles.
3. Lord, fill the hearts of ministers of the gospel at all levels with Your attitude of sacrifice, to help us do Your work with the right attitude.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 292
1. Redemption! Oh, wonderful story
Glad message for you and for me
That Jesus has purchased our pardon,
And paid all the debt on the tree.
Chorus:
Believe it, O sinner, believe it,
Receive the glad message-’tis true;
Trust now in the crucified Saviour
Salvation he offers to you.
2. From death unto life He hath brought us
And made us by grace Sons of God;
A fountain is opened for sinners;
Oh, wash and be cleans’d in the blood.
3. No longer shall sin have dominion,
Though present to tempt and annoy;
For Christ , in His blessed redemption,
The power of sin shall destroy.
4. Accept now God’s offer of mercy;
To Jesus, oh, hasten today;
For He will received him that cometh,
And never will turn him away.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Ezekiel 7, 8, 9