Topic: Preach Christ The Crucified [November 8, 2016]
Text: John 12:12-22
Key Verse: “The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus” (John 12:21).
A young preacher went to a new church as pastor. He thought the people wanted to hear intellectual preaching, so he filled his sermons with these things. His church’s attendance began to fall off. Young people left the church. Then one day, when he came to his pulpit, he found a card with the words, “We would see Jesus”, written on it. He was angry at first but soon began to realize he had been giving his people the wrong messages. He promised the Lord that from that time on, he would preach “Christ and Him crucified”. As he did this, his congregation began to grow, and the young people returned to the church.
Today’s devotion text narrated Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The Pharisees, on seeing the large crowds making their way towards the temple, singing and welcoming Jesus, were again struck with envy. Despite their evil devices against Christ, His popularity was soaring. The Greeks were not part of that politics; unlike the Pharisees, they came to see Jesus and insisted on seeing Him in person. The attitude of these Greeks was quite notable. They happen to be in Jerusalem on the Passover, but knew that Christ meant more than these mere ceremonies. During those times of religious chaos and confusion in Jerusalem, men could come to the temple and go through all their religious ceremonies, but the sin and guilt would still be there and there would be no peace in their hearts.
A person may go to church today, go through all the forms of religious worship, yet not truly see Jesus and have his sins washed away. Many are busy today with religious activities: anniversaries, harvests and other ceremonies without ever having a personal encounter with Jesus. Believers should look away from these ceremonies and embrace the Saviour, without whom no one can be saved.
Thought for the day: Only the Saviour, not the ceremonies, can save.
Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 51-52
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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