MEMORISE:
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 21:13
READ: 2 Samuel 23:14-17
14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.
15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
MESSAGE
Do you know that if your service unto God has not become sacrificial, you still have some very important heights to attain? Some people offer service unto God with an aspect of their life that costs them nothing, while they reserve the most precious aspect to themselves. The sacrificial service of Apostle Paul stood him out among his contemporaries. The story that led to the comment he made in today’s memory verse is a case in point. It is not that Paul doubted the prophecy that announced he would be bound in Jerusalem; rather, the fear of bounds had no impact on him because his heart was set on doing the will of the Master. For this reason, the Brethren just could not persuade him against going to Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-14).
Today’s Bible reading also narrates a story of sacrificial service. David fantasized aloud about drinking water from the well that was at the gate of Bethlehem, but which was blocked off by a stronghold of the Philistines there at that time. Overhearing their master’s desire, three mighty men risked their lives and broke through the host of the philistines to get the water for David. Being a warrior himself, David knew the risk involved in going into the camp of the enemy for whatever reason. While he celebrated the bravery of the three mighty men, he refused to drink the water they brought because of the value he placed on these men who risked their lives to fulfill a personal longing of his. His heartfelt words are captured in 2 Samuel 23:17:
“And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it…”.
If these men could go to such a great length for David, what level of sacrifice are you ready to make for your Master?
When service becomes a sacrifice, only few people will continue to hold the fort. Nevertheless, the reward for sacrificial service is very substantial indeed. The three men who jeopardized their lives were given top positions in his army. Here is the commendation and reward our Lord promises those who will step up the level of their service from ordinary to sacrificial:
“And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities”. Luke 19:17
I pray that God will grant you grace to be faithful to the very end, and you will not miss your reward in heaven in Jesus’ Name.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please grant me the grace to render sacrificial service to you in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 107-110
Mark 1:21-45
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 12: TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE
1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.
2.Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3.Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
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