Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, July 14, 2023
Today’s Text: Acts 7:51–53
Key Verses: John 16:33 (ESV): “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Since 1907, the Scout movement around the world has been known for the motto, "Be Prepared." Their goal is to instill values of loyal character in ways that inspire boundless hope in the face of difficulties among its members. Like most philosophical positions in the world, it is needless to say that Scouts founding fathers took the cue from biblical values of readiness for whatever life brings—especially from today’s scripture.
The motif of our Lord in this text is to get our hearts and minds prepared for the rather very sad but true reality of life. Whether we like it or not, all men face tribulation in the world: pain, losses, sickness, death, toils, disappointments, and afflictions of all kinds. Job 5:7 tells us of how man is born unto trouble and misery as the sparks that fly upward.
But our Lord, here is even more specific about the troubles that befall us because we are His followers. Life is hard already but following Jesus, in a world that hates what is good and godly, will attract even harder tribulations to anyone who follows Jesus. But Jesus offers us an unwavering comfort to “take heart; I have overcome the world.” The power of this promise rests upon the “I” —the majestic pronoun indicating His divinity and power.
We should, therefore, not be caught off guard. We must be prepared by strengthening our inner mind through this words of promise. So that whatever we face in the outer life, our inner life (i.e., our true life in communion with God) through Christ is unshaken with a never-failing peace. Of course, the heat of that tribulation is real and intense; but it should never ever be able to rob us of our peace and joy — which are our godly birthright, and no one taketh from us.
Quote for the Day: “How can I not chest out and stand tall when the Captain of my salvation it is, who tells me, “cheers!” and the enemies I fear are already captives held in His train?” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, please strengthen me in the realm within me so that when all the realms of hates and trials buffet from without, I may stand secure, strengthened, cheerful and unwavering in the victory wherewith You have overcome the world—I receive this peace in Your mighty name O Jesus. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]
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