ANGLICAN DAILY FOUNTAIN DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR JANUARY 5, 2023 (DIVINE EXPECTATION)
TOPIC: DIVINE EXPECTATION
TEXT: Matthew 5:27- 30
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
MESSAGE
While we live in this world as Christians, we should not allow the world to live in us. If we do, the world will subject its own standards. In our text today, Jesus deals with the subject of adultery. He says that sexual desire towards someone other than one’s spouse is mental adultery and hence sinful.
In Matthew 5:20, Jesus says, “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Getting rid of one’s right eye or right hand to secure the kingdom of heaven (v.29, is an illustration that expresses the weight we need to attach to our heavenly mission. Heavenly matters are serious matters that deserves serious commitment and sacrifice.
Job 31:1 says, “I made a covenant with my eyes, why then should I look upon a young woman.” This matter is serious. Take heed: Sexual sin in any form kills. Say no to it! Your body is God’s temple. Do not lure people to sexual sin and do not allow people to lure you into it.
Prayer: Give me the grace O Lord, to live according to your set standards.
