MEMORISE : For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. ZECHARIAH 4:10.
READ : 1 KINGS 18 42-44.
42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,
43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.
44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.
Message
Today's reading is a popular Bible story that serves as a perfect example to illustrate God's view on small beginnings. The Almighty God seems to favour the principle of things starting in a small way, manageable way and then growing progressively. This principle runs through almost everything in creation. In the book of Genesis, God only created a sample of each species of plants and animals which He commanded to reproduce, then multiply and go on to replenish the earth. The outcome can be seen today. It is amazing to note that Redeemed Christian Church of God started more or less like a house fellowship with about 12 members.
Today, by God's grace, it has grown into a church with thousand of parishes spread all over the world. I therefore pray that though your beginning may be small, your latter end will be great in Jesus' Name.
It is important to know that the message of Jesus Christ in the story of mustard seed in Mark 4:30-32 was to show that though the size of a mustard seed may be small, it grows to become a massive plant. He likened this to the kingdom He came to establish, to show that the Kingdom of God will grow and its final manifestation will be surprisingly great. Its final manifestation will bear no resemblance to its small beginning. True to those words, the church has grown beyond measure and the gospel of Jesus Christ has almost travelled around the whole world. Whatever you are doing or planning to do, be it in ministry or in business, do not kill yourself to start big with everything in place. Do not be discouraged by negative comments or despisers. Focus on your assignment and look on to God for increase ( Job 8:7 ).
After Prophet Elijah had laboured vigorously in the place of prayer by casting himself down on the floor and putting his face between his knees, all he received was a little cloud like man's hand. But soon after, the sky was black with cloud and there was a great rain. There is somebody reading this devotional ,maybe you are at the beginning of your education or training; maybe you are just starting a new parish or ministry, a new career or business. Do not be afraid because your beginning is small, the Almighty God will cause your latter end to be Great in the Name of Jesus.
PRAYER POINT :
Father, please help my humble beginning; cause my latter end to be great in Jesus' Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : JEREMIAH 51:52-52:34 AND ACTS 27:13-32.
AUTHOR : Pastor E.A. ADEBOYE.
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