Ogundipe oluwatoyin amos The Bible Calendar for 13th August 2024.
1 Samuel 19: 8– 20: 42
Isaiah 60
Romans 5: 12–21
POINTS:
1. The Friendship Covenant
2. The Appearance of God’s Glory
3. The Free Gift of Life
1. THE FRIENDSHIP COVENANT
Something is unique about the friendship of Jonathan and David and that is the covenant made with one another. Jonathan vowed to save David by exposing the ordeal of Saul, and his father thereafter let him go; they vowed to be kind to their children. There was imminent death which meant Jonathan knew that his father wanted to kill him for trying to save David, though his father tried to kill him but for God that saved him. These men knew that one would die for another as Saul told Jonathan, his son, that if David lived, Jonathan would not be enthroned. They made a covenant that they would carry the vision on behalf of one another. That’s how Jesus made a covenant with His believers to save them and give them life even if they die, they shall live, but he told them to remember Him at all times, that His mission should be taken up since He is going to lay down His life for them and they must complete the uncompleted mission that they should reach the places He was unable to physically reach and that He will be with them to the end of the world. However, many Christians, because of their problems, have relented their efforts, and some have forgotten the covenant made with Him at the baptismal stream. But Christ has saved us and we need to extend his love to all mankind. We are the covenant friends of Jesus Christ; the cord must not be broken; therefore, let His passion for the gospel continue to be kindle in us that His name should be heard throughout the world.
2. APPEARANCE OF THE GOD’S GLORY
The glory of God has risen upon the people of God, we only need to rise and shine. Isaiah saw that the darkness shall cover the earth but the glory of God would rise in his people. The appearance of the glory of God will prompt the Gentiles to come into the light, and even the kings shall also come; the people near and far shall come with those children they have captured. The abundance of blessings and the righteousness of God shall prevail in all abodes and the gates shall no more be closed. This promise of God for His people started as He kept His people away from the evils of darkness, and He shines His light on every home, people, and family that trusts in Him; he heals those who are sick and provides for His people in the midst of destructions and sustained them. The light in the name of Jesus should be shown to the people around that they may come to our light. But the people’s problem is that many don’t know that they are the light of the world, they still complain as other people of the world, they are still afraid as Gentiles, they cannot encourage people, they cannot defend their cause, and they cover the goodness of God to themselves instead of them to show it to the world. Arise and shine for the glory of God is risen upon you. The appearance of the glory will attract the people around you, and they will say, I will follow you to your God, while some will find solutions to their problems through you, and you shall lead them to their Saviour.
3. THE FREE GIFT OF LIFE
Apostle Paul discusses the origin of sin and life, law and grace, and death and life in his letter to the Roman Church. He made them understand that sin came through the law, while death is the outcome of sin, but grace is the solution to sin, and life is the outcome of grace that is brought through Jesus Christ, who is the gift to the human race. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Faith in Jesus gives justification freely, for He has paid for our sins. Nothing is expected, not circumcision nor keeping laws, but by faith in the gift of God giving to us. Though sin and death came through Adam’s transgressions, justification and righteousness came through Jesus Christ. This is the gift given to us; this is the only way out from the danger of hell; this is the only hope of life that we have. If you have received this “Free Gift” congratulations, but if you are not sure, today is the day of salvation; if you have lost the gift, He is closer to you now. Only invite Him anew for there is no other greater gift than Him. When He shall come to gather those who believe in Him, you and I will not be left out by His grace.
Pastor M. O. Shodipe
For questions: 08056044717
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