Have you been struggling with a particular problem, weakness, sin, etc, and the person better placed to help you overcome the problems turns out to be worse than the problem itself? This describes the situation of a young lady who told me how she stopped going for confession because the priest capitalised on her weakness and solicited. According to her, she confessed struggling with the sin of masturbation and the priest told her he can be of help to her and asked for her contact. For similar ugly experiences many have shut themselves out of divine grace and help as they suspect every preacher or man of God out there, while they wallow in some form of bondage and stagnancy. If this describes your experience, today the Lord brings you a message of comfort, healing and hope. All you need to do is continue reading slowly…
Mark 6:30-34
The apostles rejoined Jesus and told him all they had DONE and TAUGHT. Then he said to them, ‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat. So they went off in a boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But people saw them going…and hurried to the place on foot and reached it before them. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to TEACH them at some length.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. If you are a preacher, or leader reading this message ask yourself: What have you DONE? What have you TAUGHT? The apostles reported back to Jesus what they had DONE after they were sent out in twos. They freed captives from bondage of sin and satan, and cured many diseases. They TAUGHT the way of righteousness and salvation. What do we do in the office or mission entrusted to us? And what do we teach to our subjects or the flock entrusted to our care? Listen, things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come (Lk 17:1). For leaders like this the Lord says: Woe to the Shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! Elsewhere the Lord says, I will send a curse on you, and I will curse even your blessing. (Mal 2:2).
2. If you are a parent (married man or woman) ask yourself: What have you Done in your marriage? And what have you taught the Children God has blessed you with? During a deliverance session a demon manifesting in a man said his mother took him to a witch in order to acquire spiritual powers for him to oppress and Lord it over his step brother and his children. Parents sometimes do certain things or take decisions that leave grave consequences and repercussions on their posterity. They sometimes teach their children evil behaviours and lifestyles directly or indirectly when they fight and insult themselves before their children, or when they are unfaithful in their marriage commitment.
3. Are you a young man or woman reading this? You are not left out, ask yourself: What have you done, and What have you taught? You want to live a successful life but you are not ready to pay the price of hard work! You desire speedy achievements but abhor kingdom principles leading you there! Scripture says seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and other things (power and glory) will be added (Matt 6:33)…for the Bible says for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory (Matt 6:13)
You may have dreams to be successful but first learn the kingdom principle which follows the “principle of obscurity” or a “principle of service”. When a matches is lit, you protect it from the wind. But the same wind is needed to keep the fire burning! The first action is obscure, which is a silent moment of hardwork and service, and after comes the moment of glory. Before David was allowed to confront Goliath, he confronted and killed the lion and the bear. (1Sam 17:36). Therefore, your good deeds of service in the Kingdom are your Curriculum Vitae for greater heights!
TASK: Child of God, if your expectations have been dashed by a priest, preacher, parent or friend etc, the Lord does not abandon you. He knows they will fail hence the bible says: it is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in men. You have only to confess with your lips and reassure your faith: The Lord is my Shepherd I shall lack nothing! Go out there and raise the hopes of someone making them believe there are still good people out there.
Pray Psalm 23 now asking Jesus the good shepherd to lead you in all your ways.
