DCLM Higher Everyday 19 May 2023 — The Offending Hand Or Foot

DCLM Higher Everyday 19 May 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The Offending Hand Or Foot

Topic: The Offending Hand Or Foot

Text — Matthew 18:6-9

6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

8Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

9And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

Key Verse: “Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire” (Matthew 18:8).

Message

A certain rich man on voyage was involved in a shipwreck. Although he could swim, he was drowning because of the heavy weight of gold strapped around his waist. To escape death, he must choose between life and gold. He took a wise decision in letting go of the gold to save his life. He swam to the shore safely.

Amputation becomes necessary when all medications have failed to heal a diseased limb. Christ did not intend the statement in our memory verse to be taken literally. The Lord is saying that anything as important and useful as the hands or feet that are luring you into evil must be “cut off.” Precious objects, juicy jobs or filial relationships that can lead to sin must be severed by self-discipline and self-denial. It is better to deny self here at all cost and get to heaven than hold on to things that God does not approve of and go to hell. To be lost eternally is the greatest loss.

Quote: He must choose between life and gold

Challenge: Nothing in this world that is worth going to hell for.

Prayer for today: My God, help me to be heavenly minded, in Jesus’ name.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
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)