WEDNESDAY - 8TH DECEMBER, 2021
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE - Olusola ADEJUMO
THOSE WHO ARE IMPRESSED BUT DECEIVED BY THE GLORY - Purpose Series 012
Read I Sam.8:11-17
I Samuel 17:7,ESV
"The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him".
There are those that fall into the category today's devotional's title describes. They are the set that are impressed by the honour those who heed calling or purpose enjoy but who eventually get deceived by it. In today's quotation, we read of a fellow who bears Goliath's shield. Goliath has been a man of war from his youth. At this time being referenced, he was not a youth but a fully blown adult who has stayed a soldier for years. The decades he has put down in service is now returning payment to him however. One of such is the fact that he has a shield bearer. If you read through the Old Testament, especially the Historical books, you'll see kings and master warriors having shield bearers. The shield they use in battle for defense, it is somebody's responsibility to carry it for them until it's time to use it. This reveals them as masters and the bearers apprentices. Having a shield bearer is prestigious and honourable. It reveals your rank. There is no office or position that doesn't has its honour. If the honour of your profession isn't revealing itself now, it is a matter of time. You'll see much of it. It is however wrong to be influenced to go with another to his own field because of that field's honour. Have you found your own calling? Tarry there and your field will also yield the specific kind of honour it has to give to those who are called to it. To start a ministry because of the honour you see those who are called to it enjoying will either make you seek Satanic assistance or get you frustrated. Ministry, especially founding work is not what any man takes its honour unto himself. You must be called - not by yourself or any human but God.
Hebrews 5:4, KJV
"And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron".
Start because of the calling and stirring of heart to do such for the Lord. The Bible says, " Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" [I Thessalonians 5:24, KJV].
It is He that calls you that will do it. Ask yourself if He'll do anything at all if He hasn't called you. Commitment is secured at commission. When we see those who have paid the price of their vocation benefiting from their years of years' sacrifice and commitment to that field, the temptation may arise to be aroused to follow suite without being called. If you're already called, it is good if you see what God has made them and by that strengthen yourself. If you're not, never be deceived by same to start what they're doing. God doesn't supply strength and endurance for what He doesn't call people into. Somebody could have said, "I want to become a soldier. Look at Sir Goliath and the honour he enjoys". In reality, I wanted to become a soldier. I like the respect, honour and estimation given them but God never released me to go that way. May we be taught to stay in our lane and not poke nose. Admiration of those who have made it isn't sin but be warned never be led by that only to consider for a vocation what God hasn't planted in you at eternity to manifest as calling in time. "Somebody carries his shield for him. He's a big man. A driver drives him. They carry his Bible for him. Come and see jets. He has maids. He has convoy". Yes, he has and should do. Don't be deceived by all these. They're just by-products of walking the road he was called into. It is the road walked with persistence that produces them. If Goliath was not a champion and taken for same, do you think any will submit to carry his shield for him. He won't even have the heart's release to allow his shield to be carried. You can follow to a place in purpose where any privilege done you is what you're not guilty accepting. It just befits you. It doesn't matter those criticizing you, saying, "he's making slaves of men". Let them also go and heed their destiny's call and let's see if at the utopia of their calling, there won't be those who will voluntarily submit to them. But you, know that there's no glory without the call first of all. Being a warrior is an endangered work. It is not by skill only survivors makes it home. That's why this same Goliath fell victim one day. That was despite the skill. So, before you're tempted to accept the challenge you were not called or equipped for, count the cost and the danger. Let not admiration seduce or lure you to death and injury. The glory of the calling can encourage us to follow but it can be deceptive if you have heeded to chase after the shadows only. After a few years in ministry, if no one gifts you a car, you'll opt out and be offended. The genuineness of anyone called is always tested as to sift the called from the uncalled. It's then you'll know how bad it is considering ministry because of the honorarium involved. Be warned and be guided before you go on this road. Judge your motive and let it be correct. Once it is, throw yourself wholly into it. You'll always float because He'll bear you up. Faithful is He that calls you. That same Father will do it.
PRAYER: Lord, may I master the two sides of admiration and honour. I persist in my calling to reap the glory. I refuse to be deceived to go the road of another.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Hosea 6:1-9:17, 3 John 1:1-14, Psalm 126:1-6, Proverbs 29:12-14
Powered by Morning Wings Ministries. Share with others in English, French, Arabic, Swahili and Chinese. Enquire or counsel through +234 80 77 63 85 50 or +234 8137 04 68 12 II morningwingministry@gmail.com & Blog @ www.morningwingsministry.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment