THURSDAY - 17TH NOVEMBER, 2022
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE - Olusola & Oreoluwa ADEJUMO
THAT YOU MAY DISCERN THEIR THOUGHTS
Luke 2:34-35, KJV
"34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
If Mary were to be asked the pain of seeing one's child murdered, you'll have witnessed rolls of tears flooding her cheeks once more. Jesus is set for a sign. A sign is something that's conspicuous and not hidden at all. We do know that during His earthly ministry, He was very much within view of antagonists and those that had their hearts opened to Him. He was both received and rejected as well. But for Mary, Simeon prepared her ahead of the sorrow that'll befall her. This obviously will have to do with the eventual death of Jesus. But before then, what about the sufferings, trials and the so many pain she will witness Him experience. This is nothing but a sword piercing through one's soul. Such experience never causes delight but great torment of heart. And if not for grace and God's sustaining work, Mary could have died sooner after the suffering and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. But she was braced up by the so many hopes in us even till today. When Jesus said, "woman, behold thy son (in John the beloved)", He was trying to cushion the effect of all she has experienced by making provision for her onward by handing her over. Jesus obviously must have had much compassion on her motherhood before being prompted to say that. (John 19:25-27).
I am sent to someone today and I know. God wants me tell you there are thoughts you'll never discern until an occasion warrantees their being spoken or acted. Thoughts are of the mind. They're always hidden and will forever remain low in us unless they're verbalized or acted. Thoughts are things or tangibles we know but I don't have insight into your thoughts except by speech or action. When Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce her so that the thoughts of many people's hearts may be revealed, what do you think? Think of a mother who has just lost her child - a child that's the excellence of glory, one that's known for mighty and great deeds. What are the things the crowd would begin to say as they join the mocking or consolation team? You'll hear some say, "I knew this would happen. That boy is full of pride. He jumps up ten thousand times a day." Another had say, "hmmm, we'll miss all his great acts. He has been much help to us while around." Though the usage of "that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" carries more negative connotation than positive, yet we do know that it's both that that singular line expressed. Only that, the revealing of the negatives many have harboured for Jesus or Mary would show who indeed had or not believed in Christ being the Saviour of the world. For as many who would decry Him, such are not of us even if they went out from us.
Whenever God wants to expose men to you or enlighten you about those you're surrounded with, He may cause an occasion not so good or even good to happen so that people might utter their thoughts or act it out. It is this that gives you ample opportunity to see what the inside of people contain all this while. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" We begin to know it when such thoughts are revealed. Today, purify yourself and be indeed of the household of faith. Mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. If you're piped to, dance and if you're wailed at, sorrow. There's an expected and specific act that fits the occasion; don't do contrarily. I pray that you'll first purify yourself so that your thoughts won't subtly betray you. You may be acting kindly when you're actually full of bitterness on your inside. If you aren't careful, because of being overwhelmed inside, you won't know when you'll leash out your thoughts. A good man out of his good treasure brings forth good things and a bad man evil things. Who are you?
PRAYER: Lord, purify me and make my thoughts whole. May I be on the side of the godly and good always.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 24:21-22
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