SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: John 20:1-15
1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
MORE LESSON: Hebrews 11:28-33
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Tuesday, 2 September
Memory Verse: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
The love of Jesus for man is incomparable and has no equal in affection. However, there are men in the Bible who also did great things worthy of our emulation as Christians who seek to draw closer to heaven.
1. In our text today, a woman reciprocated the love of Jesus with great love when stronger men stayed in hiding. The woman's love was so compelling that she went to the graveyard alone and without fear to look for Jesus. Even after the disciples checked and left, she still stood there insisting on the body of Jesus. Thus, she became the first to see Jesus in His resurrected body (Jn.20:13-16). Mary was a practical example of passion for the Lord. She had great courage and outstanding commitment to the Lord. Is your commitment to God unshaken even when your pastor or leader is not there to supervise? Several people have gone into hiding, away from the church, because of persecutions and insurgencies. Will you also go away? Mary stayed devoted for over 2000 years, and over 2000 years later, we still read her testimony. Receive courage to serve God even in the face of persecution and threats, and you will have a testimony of victory.
2. In Luke 8:1-3, there is a record of women who sustained Jesus' earthly ministry with their resources. They were so committed and regular in their support that the Bible recorded it and etched their names on tablets of gold. God expects you to use your material wealth to serve Him. Your attendance in church is good and imperative, but your blessing will not come until you serve the Lord with your substance. It is part of reciprocating Jesus' love.
3. There is an unbelievable and extraordinary chronicle in Hebrews 11 of men who believed in God and did great exploits. Sarah and Abraham conceived in old age (Hebrews 11:11); Moses forsook the Egyptian crown to follow Jehovah (Hebrews 11:24-27), and many others. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and Samson, and of Jephthae, of David also, and Samuel, and of the Prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens: Hebrews 11:32-34.
They did all these because of their faith, although they were Old Testament saints. We who are of the New Testament owe God more because the precious blood of Jesus has given us a better covenant than the Old Testament's.
Prayer/Action
* Ask God to grant you the grace to love him unconditionally.
* Ask God to help you stay devoted to Him and His word.
* Ask God to grant you the grace to be a kingdom financier.
TODAY’S PROPHETIC PRAYER: By the mercies of God that gave me this new month, every day of it shall speak glorious things about me, in the name of Jesus.
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