CAC Living Water Daily Devotional | Wednesday, October 27, 2021 | They Needed To Make That Mistake

Topic:  They Needed To Make That Mistake

Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 [World Day for Audio-visual Heritage]

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,

Saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;

and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

MEMORISE: 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, (Matthew 2:1).

EXPOSITION

The wise men (Magi) that came in search of the baby Jesus were from the East (not Jews). Obviously, they were astrologers (strgazers), hence their abilities to follow the leading of the star that took them to Jesus. Unarguably, there was not much of media like we have them today, no radio, TV, internet, etc., even as today commorates World Day for Audio-visual Heritage. How would the news about the arrival of the Messiah on the planet earth spread fast without these advanced methods? God chose to first announce it from heaven, to and through a team of shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night (Lk.2:8b). Then He visited the gentle world starting with the Magi.

The star had been leading them from the East, but seemed to have stopped as they came to Jerusalme (Matt.2:1), only to reappear as they departed from the wicked kings presence (v.9). Ordinarily, one would have thought that losing sight of the star made them to miss road as they were forced to visit the palace. But, No, God allowed it.

Their presence in the palace actually caused the king  and his people to go into research as to the Scriptural revelation about the coming Messiah. In a way, God was using the supposed mistake of the wise men to announce the arrival of His Son, Jesus. Subsequent events show the awareness of Jesus arrival that was created by the presence of those wise men in the palace.

We need the eyes of God to see aright, most especially when we ourselves, or others around us make supposed mistakes. There are sometimes these mistakes might be God actual way of fulfilling His purpose for, in and through us. Many people might be blaming Joseph for divulging his dreams to his siblings and parents. Yet, God saw that mistake as an avenue to launch Joseph into the actualization of his destiny. You need the wisdom of God not to react abruptly to what people see as mistakes when God is seeing it as means to manifest His miracle (cf.Isa.8:12).

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Holy Spirit, give me the right perspective for every situation around me, including supposed mistakes by myself and others.

2. Lord Jesus, I confess my silly mistakes of the past. Please, let Your mighty power, mercy and favour turn such mistakes to miracles.

3. Lord, deliever our parents from errors that can bring permanent damages on their children, in Jesus name.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Jeremiah 2:22 – 4:22, 1 Timothy 1:19 – 3:4

Author: Christ Apostolic Church  [Worldwide]

CAC Living Water Daily Devotional | October 26, 2021 | Being Responsible And Responsive

Topic:  Being Responsible And Responsive

Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Read: Romans 12:9-13

Romans 12:9-13  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

MEMORISE: 

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11. Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:10-11)

EXPOSITION

Responsibilities refer to duties, or obligations you are saddled with to accomplish a particular goal. What is expected of you, as stipulated by a particular authority, is called responsibility. As you have a responsibility, or responsibilities, may you not shirk in rendering them as and when due, in Jesus’ name. Amen. People who refuse to carry out the assignments given them are given an undesirable adjective–irresponsible.

Response is the answer, or attention you give to a particular issue, challenge, or task when you have to, in your daily endeavours. Both secularly and sacredly, we need to be responsible and responsive. God has given everyone of us one duty, or the other. Jesus Christ tells a parable of a man who assigned his workers talents of which they were expected to trade with. Read Mat. 25:14-30.

The first servant was given five. His response was to work assiduously to gain five more. He was acknowledged and rewarded for being responsible. The second servant who got two talents was also responsible and responsive by gaining two more. His lord did not forget to commend and reward him accordingly.

However, the third servant came, the indolent one! He reacted negatively to being given only one talent! ‘Just one talent,’ he thought. He showed irresponsibility by choosing to do nothing with the talent that was allotted to him. Though the master understood each of them and gave to each according to his capacity/ability, the indolent servant (Mt. 25:24) accused the master. How often do we accuse God today! Many want to be Pastors, Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists… without preparing for the enormous tasks that come with these offices.

You don’t become popular by the title, but through the mantle. In whatever the Lord has graciously allotted you as gifts, or talents, you are expected to respond positively to it by taking up the responsibilities involved, and living up to expectations, again, strive, make effort to truly distinguish yourself in the Business of the Heavenly Father, God assisting you.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to be responsible and responsive in my relationship with You.

2. Lord Jesus, help me never to disappoint You in all my life.

3. Pray against the godless crave for titles among leaders and the led in churches.

EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Isa. 66:2 – 66:24; Jer. 1:1 – 2:21; 2 Thess. 3:16 – 3:18; 1 Tim. 1:1 – 1:18

Author: Christ Apostolic Church  [Worldwide]