DAY 4: PURE DEVOTION TO CHRIST

DAY 4: PURE DEVOTION TO CHRIST

Scripture:

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.  But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:2-3

Observation:

In Day 4, we continue our meditation on Christ and the church as bridegroom and bride. In today's Scripture in particular, we see how Paul was particularly concerned that he might present the Corinthian church as a pure virgin to Christ. The metaphor of the virgin gives us the picture of the bethrothed being set apart solely for the bridegroom, not allowing greed or temptation in any form drag her away from her special, unique calling.

Our attention is also drawn to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, who must have been devastated when he found out Mary was pregnant out of wedlock.Nevertheless, he was kind enough to consider divorcing Mary quietly to spare her public disgrace or worse. Fortunately, God intervened by sending His angel to speak to Joseph.

Therefore, although the church as a whole through the ages is the Bride of Christ, it is important for each church individually to examine themselves and endeavor to present themselves holy and acceptale to the Lord. For this particular 40 Day Fast and Prayer, SIBKL has in fact taken the opportunity to ask each member to seriously seek God for a personal breakthrough in this season. As individuals change, the church begins to change,and as churches change, revival breaks through!

Application:-

Do we have that sincere and pure devotion to Christ today? There are so many distractions that tempt us and take up our time. What if we were to put those away and instead use this time to seek God earnestly, sincerely, with pure devotion. What difference would that make to our relationship with the Lord? How much deeper would we grow in Him?

As we set up personal altars to God all across the church, let us truly desire to have that sincere and pure devotion to Jesus, that He may truly be the center of it all in our lives.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, this is our desire, that we may have that sincere and pure devotion to You, growing stronger from day to day. Even as we fast, and put away many distractions, Lord, show Yourself to us O Lord.... Show us Your fresh vision that we might move on to deeper levels with You. Restore Your first love in our hearts O Lord, restore us, and let us truly return to You in all earnesty. We praise You and love You, Lord.In Jesus name, Amen.