TUESDAY - 7TH OCTOBER, 2025
MORNING WINGS DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Olusola ADEJUMO
A MAN OF GOD HAS A MANNER OF LIFE: JOHN IN VIEW - My Manner of Life Series 004
Matthew 3:4, KJV
"And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey."
We've been on the manner of life of a man of God and of course a Christian's. What brought this and popped it up for us to divide is the word of that Shunem woman about Elisha to her husband which says, "...Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passes by us continually."
She sees something in Elisha before holding the confession that she's an holy man of God. She could see his consecration and she could see that he lives it also. There are men who tells others to adhere to something but who don't themselves. For their sake, this scripture was written, "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?" (Romans 2:21). Many people need to answer that question and live up to its demands. We're not called to be like the hypocrite Pharisees who command men of hard things but don't make any effort towards same.
"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
This is nothing but a show life. Such cannot go any distance. It'll soon fall down and die. Falsehood will always give way to truth and be eventually dismantled.
If we focus a search light on your life, what will we see? A holy man of God or a rotten man of God? Speaking of which I'm hearing a verse in my spirit.
Matthew 23:27, KJV
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness."
You see, this is how many Christians, and unfortunately ministers are. They look decent on the outside but if they were to be spiritually discerned, you'll express shock in terror at who they are.
What is the manner of life that befits a man of God? Let's consider through John's life in today's verse. The Bible describes John's clothing, appearance and food. The background information we have on him is that John stays in the wilderness.
Matthew 3:1, KJV
"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea."
If anybody wants to preach or start ministry, should he start in a difficult place? A place that's a naturally turn off to many people. That's exactly where John began his ministry from. You could have thought people wouldn't come but they rushed for God.
"5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."
Did you see the multitude who went, confessed their sins, repented and were baptized by him? Was John aided by any other thing that we need to discover? I'll say, nothing else except the Holy Spirit. Nothing else except a preacher's life that attests to his message. Don't forget that this John later told them to bring forth fruits that meet with repentance (Matt. 3:8). He was even calling some out of their dead works specifically. How could he do this?
It's because he has a clear conscience, and not only because God gave him a message, "repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand."
If you recall, we read that John lived a simple life. His life was supported only by clothing made from camel's hair and a leather belt round his waist (I guess, to firmly hold the dress). Nothing extravagant about him. Even his meals are not ornamental or luxurious. It's not the type you find in kings' palaces and courts. It is locust and wild honey - yet a good balanced diet for his life.
His life and diet shows a humble, consecrated and devoted preacher. One who has not been spoiled and looted by the world. You could see sobriety in his life. He didn't go hungry, go around begging for food or stealing to eat. God give him food convenient for him. Food enough to support his body and ministry.
Jesus later speaking of him says this, "who have you gone to see?"
Luke 7:25-28, KJV
"25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. 26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
Did you see Jesus' testimony about him? If you can draw this testimony of heaven, you need not worry about the luxurious clothing, food or appearance people are trying to cultivate. As long as you're given your own portion in this life, that's enough. Over do is excess. Once your voice becomes a Spirit's call like John so much more that you can cry and be called, "a voice" where you are, then let other things be as God has measured it unto you. Be the voice of one crying where you are situated!
PRAYER: Lord, I regain consciousness and reorder my priorities wherever they've been set wrong. I will not cloud the message by my extravagant and unrepentant life.
BIBLE IN A YEAR
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