Tag: Passion

Glory Followers

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HIGHLIGHT

Exodus 40:36–37 (ESV): 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up.

EXPLAIN

God’s presence was manifested to the Israelites during their wilderness journey as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Before they crossed the Red Sea, the cloud went between the people and Pharaoh‘s murderous army set on revenge against Israel. When the Tabernacle was dedicated to God, the cloud enveloped the tent in such a way so that even Moses with his shining face could not enter.

Now Moses explains that if God’s presence lifted from the tent, it was a sign for the people to pack up and go. If God’s presence remained, they stayed put.

APPLY

Our lives as Christ’s followers should be marked by a similar attention to God’s glory. If God’s glory goes before us, we should keep up. If his glory remains, we should not take off on some adventure of our own.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, may my life be marked by a passionate pursuit of your glory. Amen.

Singly Focused

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HIGHLIGHT

Philippians 3:17 (ESV): 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

EXPLAIN

Paul wrote this letter from prison, and in the context of opposition from some in the Church. Despite his circumstances, he was filled with joy for the grace of God in him and in those to whole he was writing.

He did warn his readers of those who corrupted the gospel, saying they were more spiritual or at least more confident of their salvation because of their heritage, good works, etc.

Paul noted that in that regard he had many credentials, but he gave them all up for the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ in the power of his resurrection, sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that he might attain the resurrection of the dead.

Paul had not attained all this. He was not perfect. But his aim was set. So he invited his readers to join him and others who had this passion for knowing Jesus fully.

APPLY

Despite our circumstances and what is going on around us, Christ calls us to follow him and to join with those who follow him.

We must not be distracted by the world or discouraged by opposition. Rather, our devotion must be to Jesus.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, help me to walk according to the example Jesus left behind, as well as those of other followers of Christ. May I be singly focused on following you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Compelled

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HIGHLIGHT

1 Corinthians 9:16 (ESV): 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

EXPLAIN

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul began addressing the controversy of eating meat that had been offered to idols. Some understood there is only one God and did not see anything wrong to eat such meat. Others felt like they were sinning against God.

Paul laid down the principle of not doing anything to encourage or lead another person to sin, even though that might mean giving up one’s freedoms.

So in 1 Corinthians 9 he used himself as an example. Though he had the right to expect the believers to support him in his ministry, he refused to demand this and worked to supply his own income.

That he might have to work to provide food for himself did not discourage his passion in proclaiming the gospel. Rather, he felt compelled by his call from God to preach.

APPLY

While ministers of the gospel are often supported today, our calling comes from God. We preach, teach and proclaim the good news because we are compelled by the love of God. It is not wrong to receive something in return, but our passion is not wealth. Our passion is to share the love of Jesus.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the compelling passion to share the good news of your kingdom. Help me to be faithful in spreading your love today. Amen.