DCLM Daily Manna 26 December 2019 Devotional by Pastor W.F Kumuyi – Christ’s Presence in Crisis
TEXT: 2 Timothy 1:8-18
8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10. But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel;
11. Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12. For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
15. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
17. But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
18. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day; and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
KEY VERSE:
“But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well” – (2 Timothy 1:17,18).
MESSAGE:
Writing to young Timothy from incarceration in Rome as he faced imminent execution, Apostle Paul could still command the spirit of gratitude that enabled him to recall the unflinching goodness of the Lord in sustaining him in past tempestuous years. Although about to be beheaded, he yet cheerfully proclaimed the eternal truth to Timothy whom he fathered in the gospel.
Unbelievers approach the end of their journey on earth with anxiety and regrets. Not Paul. He told Timothy he knew whom he had served all his life after Christ delivered him from sin and eternal damnation. He was convinced beyond doubt that He was able to preserve his soul for abode in His kingdom even if his Roman captors destroyed his mortal body. The gospel he had preached was unmistakable about this glorious future waiting for sincere believers who would hold on firmly to the doctrine of Christ to the end.
Paul faced rejection and persecution for his unbending stand in preaching Jesus as the Saviour. He identified, without any trace of bitterness, two of those who had abandoned him in his hour of need. But the merciful Lord kept faithful servants of His to stand by him. He paid glowing prayerful tribute to Onesiphorus who was not put off by the apostle’s seemingly humiliating imprisonment as others were.
When trouble arises against the faithful preacher, he should not despair. He gets more help than he can imagine. On the one hand, the Lord Himself is close by to comfort and deliver him from hardship. God also raises human help through committed brethren who will be used by Him to sacrifice all they have to lift up the spirit of the persecuted.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God is more present in our hour of need.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Revelation 7-8
PREVIOUS: Edification Through Peaceful Conduct
DCLM Daily Manna 26 December 2019 Devotional was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.