DCLM Higher Everyday 8 November 2022 — Jesus’ glowing tribute to John
DCLM Higher Everyday 8 November 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Jesus’ glowing tribute to John
TOPIC: JESUS’ GLOWING TRIBUTE TO JOHN
BIBLE TEXT: MATTHEW 11:7-15
8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
MEMORY VERSE: “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (MATTHEW 11:11).
MESSAGE:
As observed by Charles F. Stanley, “Disappointments are inescapable, but Christ’s love is always there. When life lets us down, Jesus lifts us up.” Tribute is anything said or presented to show admiration, praise or gratitude. In today’s Bible text, Jesus paid tribute to John. Jesus always appreciates our genuine efforts, no matter how little. He paid tribute to the woman who poured costly oil from an alabaster box on His head (Matthew 26:7-13) as well as the old widow who gave two mites which was all she had.
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 7 November 2022 — God’s unfailing guidance
Although John the Baptist was a fiery servant of God who faithfully discharged his assigned duties in his time, yet he met disappointments and challenges in life. John faced many discouragements; he was imprisoned for preaching and ultimately beheaded. But Jesus Christ would bear witness to the courageous fulfilment of his ministry, and even publicly showcased his greatness in the kingdom of God, over and above other prophets. You too can earn similar commendation. Just pray and do your best.
QUOTE: You too can earn similar commendation.
CHALLENGE: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
PRAYER: Help me, LORD, to end my ministry well and earn your commendation.
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)
