Open Heavens August 29, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Sos 7-8

AFFLICTED FOR A PURPOSE

MEMORIZE: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Hebrews 2:14)

READ: Hebrews 2:14-18

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). The King of kings could not be killed by old age, sickness, accident, or assassination attempts. So how did He die? He died because He allowed Himself to be killed. Why? One reason for this is because His blood is the only remedy for sin. Also, it was a point of agreement between Him and His Father ever before He left His rainbow circled throne in Heaven, that He would die for the human race He so loved. Another reason according to the above passage is because He wanted to destroy the devil who had the power over death. 1 Cor. 2:8 says if the devil had realized that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross would destroy him and strip him of his powers, he would have mobilized the Israelites to keep him alive.

Jesus also died to obtain a name above all names. He died to pay the bride price of His bride. Proverbs 29:9 says anyone who contends with a wise man will surely lose. Whenever God allows something unpleasant to happen, it is because it will ultimately serve His purpose. When Joseph’s brothers were about to sell him into slavery, they thought they had gotten rid of the dreamer, and his dreams: little did they know that by that envious act, they had become the vehicle by which his dreams would be fulfilled. As long as you remain in God’s perfect will, and you are obedient to Him, whatever happens - good or bad, are in your favor. Stay focussed on the Lord in the midst of your trial. Things will surely work for you. Sometimes, some Christians think they are clever.

They manoeuvre things and think they have gotten away with it because they have not received any repercussion. They are living in deceit! During the Christmas season of a particular year, one of my children came to ask me what I wanted for Christmas. I told him even when I knew he could not afford it. He ran to his savings and found that the money was not enough to get the gift. He returned to tell me he needed some money for something. I gave him even though I knew what he was going to use it for. At the end of the day, we were both happy. Sometimes, believers play such tricks on God. If God allows you to get away with such tricks, it is because they will serve His purpose at the end of the day. According to Romans 8:28, the King of kings may allow disappointments, pains, agonies, shame, defeats and other difficulties in your life to serve His purpose. No matter how bad that situation may be, God is at work in it. Look out for Him and He will see you through!

ACTION POINT: Prayerfully search for two brethren who are going through difficulties and afflictions. Visit them, pray for them and encourage them, and bless them financially or materially.