OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24TH 2024
TOPIC: THE REASON FOR HIS BIRTH II
MEMORISE:
“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” - (Hebrews 2:17)
READ: 1 JOHN 2:1-6 (KJV)
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
MESSAGE:
Today, I will continue the teaching I started yesterday on the reason for the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible makes us understand that God came down in human flesh to live amongst men (John 1:14), and the beauty of this is that He felt the same pains that we feel. There is a proverb that says, “It is he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches.” Jesus Christ wore our shoes and so, He knows exactly how we feel at every point in time. Hebrews 4:15 says:
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
The best leader you can have is one who leads by example. Such leaders do not just give instructions, they also get down to do the work alongside their followers. Jesus Christ came into this world in the flesh to feel exactly what we feel. He went through the same temptations that we are going through now and showed us by example that we can live without sin. Having passed through the same things that we are passing through, He is a worthy advocate for us with the Father, such that if we fall into sin, He is there to plead with the Father on our behalf and help us get back on our feet (1 John 2:1). What great height of love this portrays! This is why in Revelation 5:1-10, He was the only one that was found worthy to open the scroll because of the sacrifices He has made to ensure that your name is written in the book of life.
Beloved, don’t walk the journey of your Christian faith alone. Lean on God at all times. When you are feeling tempted, remember that He has also gone through the same temptation. Approach the throne of grace boldly and tell Him that you need His help (Hebrews 4:16); He is not the kind of leader that will turn His back on you. He said that you should live holy because He has also been tempted before, and He overcame, therefore, He can also help you to overcome temptations. It is easier for a sailor to sail a ship through a storm if he or she is taking directions from another sailor that has sailed through such storms before.
Let Jesus teach you how to live above sin, and as He teaches you, make sure that you listen to Him and obey Him. You will surely be victorious.
PRAYER POINT:
Lord Jesus, I surrender to you, please help me to overcome every temptation that comes my way.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 1-3
AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE
HYMNAL: 28 - GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
1 Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.