Community Devotions

An Appalling Irony

Scripture

"An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land.  The prophets prophesy falsely,  and the priests rule on their own authority; And my people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? - Jeremiah 5:30-31

Observation

There's corruption and wickedness in the land when there's corruption and wickedness in leadership. Prophets are to prophesy God's truth and priests are to rule in God's authority. It is an appalling and horrible irony for God’s truth speakers to speak falsely and God’s rulers to rule on their own authority. Everyone suffers when there’s corrupt leadership—society, government, churches, families, even the land physically suffers. Compounding the irony is that the “people love it so” when there’s prophets and priests not following the Lord. 

Application

Being entrusted with the gospel, God has counted me faithful. I cannot shy away from the very thing that God has called me to do—speak the truth with grace and lead with God’s authority. The calling is clear but difficult. Speak the truth about God, preach the gospel and teach the whole counsel of God’s word. Lead with God’s authority despite of my lack of life experience as a young pastor. Stand on God’s authority in discipleship and counseling to correct, discipline, rebuke and shepherd with grace. Be very cautious when, “the people love it so” and there’s no difficulty and suffering in ministry. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I feel so inadequate for such a high calling. I don’t feel worthy to speak and lead on your behalf but may I be who you called me to be NOT what others expect me to be. Help me to be strong and courageous in you. Please grant me wisdom to know when to speak the truth and when to be silent, know when to be firm and when to compromise. Holy Spirit fill me! Please continue to be my good shepherd and lead me. As I follow you help me to lead my wife, family and your church. Maranatha! Amen.

Water of Life

SCRIPTURE

John 4:13-14

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

OBSERVATION

The scene of where Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well on his way to Galilee was not conducive for making the point he was making since Jesus was the one who needed help in getting a sip of water from the woman, physically tired from a long trek.  He had no implement to draw the water from the well and she has been drawing water for all her life.

Yet Jesus makes the pronouncement that is very true – it’s not what is right in front of you that is real but to whom do I look to is the real important point – Jesus had provided the water that he offers to all who would drink it and will never thirst again.  It is truly the limitless well of life. 

Even more, Jesus promises that once I draw from his well, I will become an eternal spring well where the source of water will be within me because I am connected to my Savior, Jesus Christ.  How awesome is that!

APPLICATION

Look to Jesus for the water of life that will refresh and sustain me, through hard and difficult part of my life as well as joyous days.  Be in the word daily to draw upon Jesus.

PRAYER 

Father God, thank you for Jesus who provides eternal wellspring for my life.  May I always look to Jesus for that water and reject all other sources in order that I can be of comfort to others.  I love you, LORD.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.