TOPIC:
LET GOD POSSESS YOU
Read: Matthew 19:16-23
Matthew 19:16 – 23 :
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony,
Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.
MEMORISE:
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Mark.10:22)
EXPOSITION
From the time of creation of the earth by God and all therein, it is clear that God cherishes having fellowship and relationship with man. Despite creating all other things before man, He obviously had nothing much to do with these until He made man in His own likeness (Gen. 2v7).
The implication here is that God absolutely and authoritatively owns man in all ramifications. Therefore should He continue to ‘struggle’ (for He does not force Himself on anyone!) to have your person and attention? It is a crime that God has made you a free moral agent who can choose who reigns in his heart? Do you deny God of His rightful place in your life? (Prov. 23v26).
Your gift and talents are all God-given; they should, therefore be turned towards Him. What have you that you have not received from God (1 Cor.4v7)? It is clear why many struggle to part with their materials and non-materials to God and His purpose and programmes. It is because they have not been possessed of God. If you know that God unquestionably own you, you won’t find it difficult to give Him your substances. It is a clear indication, if you cannot give your things to God, that you have not given Him your person.
The moment your gifts, talents, wealth, endowments, credentials, etc. are being deployed by you as if you really own them, they begin to spell doom. You remember King Herod in Acts 10v1ff? He was gifted to be an orator but he used this talents against the will of God. He was eaten alive by worms! If you have allowed God to fully possess you, you know all things He has given you belong to Him. He own them.
Those who allow God to possess them can never be dispossessed of their rightful possession (Obad.17). Never allow your God-given possessions to take God’s place in your life (Matt.6v33). Do not allow the possessions to become idol in your heart (Lk.16v13). The earlier you know these, the better for you. Stay blessed, in Jesus name.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Holy Spirit, I surrender all to You; have more of me, unreservedly.
2. Lord, I give myself and all that are mine to You.
3. Lord Jesus, help all of us to be more concerned with You having more of us than amassing worldly wealth.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Proverbs 20:17 – 22:18, 2 Cor. 11:30 – 12:18