DCLM Higher Everyday 9 January 2024 — Following Christ Faithfully
DCLM Higher Everyday 10 January 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Following Christ Faithfully
Topic: Following Christ Faithfully
Text: Luke 9:57-62
57And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
60Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Key Verse: “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
Message
“Following Christ isn’t something that can be done halfheartedly or on the side. It is not a label we can display when it is useful. It must be central to everything we do and are,” says Francis Chan. But sometimes following Christ leads to difficult choices and turning back may seem very appealing. This is because taking up one’s cross goes with sacrifices like hating one’s life. That is why Christ says, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25).
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 9 January 2024 – The Strength You Need
Out text recounts how it was very difficult for some two men to abandon their priorities when Christ requested them to follow Him. Whereas the burial of the first companion’s father was more important than following Christ, the friends of the second were his priority. Preaching the kingdom of God is better than burying the dead and attending to one’s friends. Faithfully follow Christ and strive to be like Him. Remember, Christ always obeyed His Father, so do same to be fit for the kingdom of God.
Quote: Christ always obeyed His Father.
Challenge: What are your priorities as a believer?
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to follow You faithfully.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
