Open Heavens Daily Devotional Tuesday January 19, 2016

Theme: Qualified For Commendation?

Memorise:
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Revelation 22:12

Read: Matthew 25:19-21
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Message
Man is wonderfully and fearfully made. Created in the image of God, man is a “god” to other creatures. God Almighty created man for a divine purpose and for His pleasure. At the same time, He has earmarked a reward for every man who chooses to fulfil God’s purpose for his life. This is why in our memory verse today, we read about Jesus Christ saying He rewards men according to their works.
In our Bible reading of today, the faithful servant who made good use of the talents given to him by his master received commendation. This story is no doubt talking about the commendation and rewards awaiting believers who faithfully serve the purpose and interest of the Land. The question confronting us in today’s reading is “Are we qualified for commendation?” Jesus Christ said:
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the father in my name, he may give it you.”
John 15:16
The Lord is encouraging someone reading this devotional today; He is taking note of your labour of love in the Church and to humanity. Though your pastor or your superior may not commend you, the Almighty God will reward you handsomely if you will not be weary in well doing. Galatians 6:9 says;
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
The outspoken Peter asked the Lord what their reward would be seeing that they let everything to follow Him. Jesus answered by saying:
“….. Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath let house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
Mark 10:29-30
Beloved, if you want to receive commendation from the Lord on the last day, the first step is to give your life to Christ. Then, begin to work for Him, serve Him and His Church through soul winning and sacrificial giving. You will surely be commended. Remember He said, “I come quickly and my reward is with me….”

Action Point
Think of a way to use your God given talents to expand God’s Kingdom on earth; be it through giving or aggressive soul-winning.

Bible in one year:
Deuteronomy 22:13-25:4

By Pastor E. A Adeboye