MONDAY - 9TH OCTOBER, 2023
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE - Olusola ADEJUMO
CORRECT THAT IMPRESSION NOW!
John 1:19-20, KJV
"19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ".
What would you do if you were mistaken for a great man yet knowing it was a mistake? Will you take it in or confess in truth that you are not he? In the play, The Government Inspector by Nikolai Gogol, a young man was mistaken for the government inspector by some corrupt public officials. Capitalizing on this, he robbed them of their resources as they sought to court his favour and win his approval. Mistakes concerning identity will continue to be made but if you were taken for another, will you confess in truth that you were not he or rather leverage such ignorance and extort men, basking in the honour and esteem that's never yours to take.
In today's reading, some delegates were sent to enquire after who John is. His ministry is established at this time. People know John and as he's causing wave, people have doubts if he were not the Messiah they were expecting. On that note, a delegate was sent to unravel his identity and bring back report once and for all.
John is very sincere. He confesses in truth that he's not the Christ - their greatest expectation nor any they might take him for. It would have been to his esteem, honour and glory (though vain glory) if he said he was the Christ. Every eyes would have been turned to him as the Messiah and he would have been magnified than usual. Imagine being the one the books have for long foretold! However, he confesses saying, "I am not the Christ". Despite the fact that this enquiring delegate are sheepish for deception and seek suggesting to John what they thought he might be, John didn't take advantage of any of their suggestions. He could have settled for one of the identities he was thought or believed to be. He refuted it all to give a balanced and proper identity of who God, destiny or purpose called him.
John 1:21-23, KJV
"21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias".
One subtle way of lying and misdirecting people is by nodding to wrong impressions of people of you. It's as simple as somebody saying, "you graduated with First Class" and not correcting that view when you actually graduated with "Second Class Upper". Because of vain glory or your wanting to enjoy some air of greatness, you might let it slip but that amounts to lying and sinning before God. That is wearing another identity that you are not. It is hypocritical and sick of anyone to do that. It's a revelation of the works of the flesh in manifestation and you must seek today not to take more than it's allocated to you or esteem yourself beyond the measure dealt you. Truth is a great virtue before God. Being truthful reveals your faithfulness. In this manner, you'll be a man of honest report and not one in fear of being uncovered.
The great question the world is asking our individual today is, "who do you call yourself that we might have an answer for those who sent us?" I hope in the process of introducing yourself to them, you wouldn't exaggerate or seek to look too good or great than you are. Don't take on an identity of who you are not or haven't become. It'll attract battles that you as well are not prepared for to you. It is who we are or have become that helps us handle what comes our way in adversity or challenges. Every calling and person has his battle. Imagine John adding Jesus' battles: hatred and rejection from the elders etc to his own. He wouldn't like it. When you become a Jacob coating yourself with animal skin in order to look like Esau and find acceptance, you can't but remain and accept to be lost under that other person's identity lest you're found out. You therefore begin to carry him around and not yourself. On that note, you start a journey different from what God ordained and who God called you. In this way, you can successfully miss your purpose as the voice of one who ought to be crying in the wilderness to becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world. It doesn't take long for hypocrisy to be uncovered. All hidden things shall be brought to light and declared. Never be threatened or bullied to look big or give out a great name of yourself than you are. As for me, I am Olusola ADEJUMO, M'Wings. I am not you or another. I know myself, confesses myself, live myself and fulfill myself. What about you? Are you in another man's skin or you are plainly you?
PRAYER: Lord, save me from all forms of hypocrisy, subtle deceptions and lies. My heart is whole and void of vain glory, inordinate hunger for fame or a great reputation. I bear what You name and call me. Your name is my name.
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26; Colossians 3:1-17; Psalm 78:32-55; Proverbs 24:27
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