OCU C)HT B Devotion 03
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MATTHEW 13 – REJECTED
“So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:57)
The masses heard the words of the Lord Jesus. They witnessed his miracles; The lame became whole, the blind began to see, and the dead would be raised. How did these hearers respond?
“When they had heard these words, they marveled”…. After all, if you personally witnessed someone perform the inconceivable, what would you do? After they marveled and were amazed, Matthew writes that they “left Him (Jesus) and went their way.”
Sadly, this plays out today as much as it did when Jesus walked the earth. After all, how many times have we heard people claim that if God would only speak to them directly or if they could witness the son of God’s glory, for even a moment, they would believe and follow Jesus?
The reality is that it’s not enough to witness Christ to be converted. No, you must believe to be saved and be “born again.” After all, many witnessed Jesus’s words and ministry to only depart and go back to their lives apart from God. Why, may you ask? The truth is unsettling…because man inherently “loves darkness rather than light.”
CHALLENGE
I’m sure you are familiar with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” But have you done something about it? Will you make Jesus Lord today, or will you do as the masses did and go back to your own way?
“Behold now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
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I’ve been convicted a lot this semester about how I’ve been spending my time throughout the day or week, but as a result, I’ve also been taking steps to spend more time with God in His word and in prayer. Some of my friends have challenged me to try fasting with them and having a quiet time in the morning to start my day meditating on His Word throughout the day.
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When I was a little girl, my grandparents played a significant role in my early experiences with faith by taking us to church every Sunday. I vividly remember the excitement of the church bus pulling up outside our house, its bright colors and cheerful atmosphere drawing us in. As we boarded, I felt a sense of community and belonging among the other children, eager to see what the day would bring.
At church, I was introduced to various classrooms where we learned about God through stories, songs, and activities that made the teachings come alive. The walls were adorned with colorful illustrations that captured my imagination, making the lessons memorable. However, my time in church was limited; I wasn’t the kind of child who attended regularly. My visits were confined to the weekends I spent with my grandparents, and while I gained a basic understanding of faith, I never fully embraced it.
It wasn’t until I met my husband 19 years ago that I felt a profound shift in my spiritual journey. His deep faith and genuine connection with God inspired me to explore my relationship with the Lord. With his support, I began to engage more seriously in my faith, realizing the importance of building a personal connection I had previously overlooked.
I was saved one year after I met my husband. It was a regular evening; I was flipping through television channels, searching for something to watch before heading to bed. Suddenly, I stumbled upon a preacher passionately sharing God’s word. His message resonated deeply within me, and I felt a stirring in my heart that I couldn’t ignore.
A month later, I made the significant decision to be baptized in His name, sealing my commitment to my newfound faith. Since then, I have faced various challenges and moments of doubt in my spiritual journey. Yet, through it all, I have always felt God’s presence by my side, guiding and supporting me.
Reflecting on my experiences, I can confidently say that God has never given up on me, and His unwavering love has been a constant source of strength. Over the years, I have gained a profound understanding of the Bible, which has become my compass in navigating this often ungrateful world. It has revealed the truth about who our Heavenly Father is, offering reassurance and wisdom during difficult times. Through this journey, I have learned not only about faith but also about the importance of perseverance and gratitude.
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I feel that if today was the day of salivation I am not ready. I have questioned a lot of my beliefs, and I know I haven’t been able to be able to face my lord and feel that I am what he intended for me to be. With that being said “Do I think that I am working my purpose that God put me here for” Yes, I have repented my sins, and I have restored my faith and allowed myself to follow my lord. I trust in his way of prayer and giving him all of me to keep me safe. I don’t believe I am ready for salvation till I am able to stand before him and not feel like a shame or I am not good enough to kneel before him.
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The challenge posed in the message invites a personal response to the gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly focusing on John 3:16, which reminds us of God’s immense love for the world, offering eternal life through belief in His Son. Reflecting on this, the decision to accept Jesus as Lord is not one to be taken lightly, as it has eternal significance. The passage from 2 Corinthians 6:2 reinforces the urgency of making that decision now, in the present, when the opportunity for salvation is available.
To answer this challenge, I acknowledge that faith is more than witnessing miracles or hearing about Jesus; it involves a personal transformation and commitment. Accepting Jesus means turning away from a life of darkness and embracing His light, love, and truth. It’s not just an intellectual belief but a heartfelt trust in God’s promises and surrendering control to Him.
In a world filled with distractions and doubts, it can be easy to hesitate. Yet, the message of salvation is clear: now is the time to respond. This challenge encourages us to trust in Christ’s sacrifice, to seek Him earnestly, and to live out our faith with conviction, knowing that this decision brings the promise of eternal life.
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