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devotion

Anchored in the promise

Devotion

Scripture

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil. Hebrews 6:19.

Reflection

When the water is super calm and the ships are tied up well at the dock, they don’t really need to rely on anchors.

It’s really only when strong waves start pulling or when the wind kicks up that anchors become super important.

Jesus Christ is the strong anchor for your soul, always there for you when things get tough. When life’s storms hit hard, He is the one who keeps your boat from sinking and helps you stay safe. Having Him around brings you peace and steadiness, so you can face anything that comes your way with confidence. In the end, it is His amazing support that keeps you steady, no matter how chaotic things get.

The Bible has some good stuff about finding peace when life gets heavy, like in Matthew 11:28. It says, “Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” This is a nice reminder that you are not alone when things get tough. Jesus gives you a warm hug, telling you that peace is waiting for you when life gets heavy. Leaning into Him will really help you feel refreshed again.

Your faith in Christ is like a strong anchor for your soul when life gets wild, hitting you with surprise bills, health issues, or tough relationship stuff, trying to pull you away from that calm feeling you had on Day 1.

But it’s important to understand that an anchor’s real effectiveness isn’t just about how strong the boat is. It only holds firm when it’s connected to something really solid and dependable.

This solid foundation is really grounded in God’s promises that never change, which brings you a lot of comfort and a feeling of security. Trust in Christ, the solid foundation for your life.

Even when life feels like a rough sea tossing your boat around, God is there as an anchor that keeps holding your boat firm and steady.

In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, it’s this divine assurance that keeps you grounded and stable. God’s unwavering support acts as a reminder of the strength you can find if you have faith during life’s unpredictable storms.

Meditation

Take a moment to breathe deeply, close your eyes, and let your mind drift off into a lovely place all alone with Jesus sitting by your side. This is where you feel all warm and cozy.

Take a breather in this chill spot and soak in all the peace and quiet around you. Let all your stress fade away. As you do this, pay attention to the wise words that remind you to be still and know that He is God, like it says in Psalm 46:10. Let this call for calm lead you into some deep spiritual thinking and relaxation. Just let the quiet surround you and recognize His presence in your life.

Take a moment to really feel this: “No matter how wild the storm gets and how loud the winds are, I discover my calm right in the eye of this craziness.”

Think of life’s ups and downs as just a background noise, showing off the steady peace that’s deep inside you. It’s a good time to appreciate that God is your anchor to stabilise you.

The bible says that Christ’s grace is sufficient for you. His strength really shines through when you are feeling weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11. He is your anchor.

With Christ giving you strength, you can handle anything that comes your way. Philippians 4:13.

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devotion

Leaning on the bridge

Devotion

Scripture

Trust in Yahweh with all thine heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Reflection

Picture a stunning bridge that gracefully spans across a huge, deep canyon, representing the path you have to walk in life.

To really get across this amazing structure, you’ve got to let go of that solid ground you are used to on the “cliffs.” Those cliffs are like the little boxes you put yourself in, thinking you know everything that’s possible.

Instead, you should lean fully on the strong bridge of God’s unwavering faithfulness. His view is way bigger and deeper than what you can see.

Sometimes, you hit a wall with challenges that feel way too tough to handle, and it can make you feel all alone and stressed out. During these times, you face an important decision that really makes you think.

You can really tire yourself out trying to sort everything out all alone, leaving you feeling pretty frustrated and bummed. Or you could just trust Him completely. Remember, His bridge has carried so many people like you, helping them through tough times.

Story

Jacob’s ladder

In Genesis 28:12, Jacob had this amazing dream where he saw a huge stairway that reached from the ground all the way up to heaven, with God at the top, and the angels walking going up and down on it. This impressive image of the ladder is a picture of Jesus Christ, who connects you to God. He’s the bridge between you and God, which is made clear in 1 Timothy 2:5. So, through Jesus, you can really connect with God.

Thought-Provoking Question

So, are you feeling super anxious about something in your life right now?

Like, are you just caught up in worry and having trouble stepping back to see things clearly?

Are you finding it hard to just let things happen and trust in God’s bigger plan for your life?

Are you having trouble believing that God has a special design for your journey instead of just going with the flow?

Is it tough for you to sit back and trust that God knows what’s best for your journey rather than controlling everything?

Do you feel like you’re trying to take charge instead of believing in God’s plan for your life?

Are you struggling to just relax and have faith in God’s plan for how things will unfold on your journey?

Is there something that’s been really bothering you lately, making it hard for you to relax and find some peace of mind?

Is there a specific thing that’s been weighing heavily on your mind, keeping you from feeling at ease and calm?

Do you have any concerns that have been taking up a lot of your thoughts and making it tough for you to chill out?

Is there an issue that’s been on your mind a lot, making it hard for you to feel peaceful and relaxed?

Has something been stuck in your head lately, making it tricky for you to find some quiet time and enjoy life?

It is a good idea to just drop that all these worries and lean on God. Do not handle them on your own. God is all-powerful, always around, and knows everything. He can fix any issue you have, bring peace when things get rough, and can even move mountains if needed.

This will help alleviate stress and bring about a sense of relief. Take a moment to really reflect on this and imagine how it will transform your experience.

You can claim the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Yahweh with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways , acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

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devotion

The Evidence of things not seen

Devotion

 

Scripture

 

 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.

 

 Reflection

 

Kicking off your journey with God is like diving into a colorful world full of energy and freshness, and it comes with a buzz of excitement and some great new starts.

 

But as time passes, this amazing “spiritual high” may start to fade away. You may find yourself in a spot where it feels like God’s presence isn’t as clear or strong in your daily life.

 

It’s in these quiet moments when you’re feeling unsure that you really see what faith is all about. Faith isn’t just a feeling; it’s like this strong belief and trust in God’s constant love for you.

 

Faith is knowing that whatever you request from God will eventually come true. Faith is your third eye that allows you to see into the spiritual realm. Just try to walk by faith and not just by what you see. 2 Corinthians 5:7.

 

It’s kind of like how you know the wind is blowing when you see the leaves moving around. You cannot see God directly, but you know that He’s there, when you see His transforming power in your life.

 

When you trust Him through the tough times, it shows a deeper love than just leaning on Him when everything’s going smoothly.

 

You cannot please God if you do not have faith You cannot find Him if you don’t believe that He exists. Hebrews 11:6

 

Illustration

 

The Charles Blondin Story

 

So, Charles Blondin was this super gutsy dude who actually wheeled a wheelbarrow across the crazy Niagara Falls while balancing on a tightrope. He even asked the crowd if anyone wanted to sit in wheelbarrow, but no one had the guts to say yes. It showed that they didn’t really trust him, even though they could see he was so incredible. It’s a good reminder that you may think you believe in someone, but you don’t always act on it, you know? It really shows how you can say you believe in someone but do not actually follow through on it, doesn’t it?

 

Prayer

 

Father, when my feelings get the best of me and I’m stuck in a fog of confusion, I really need Your Word to ground me through the rough times.

 

Help me to lean on Your presence, especially when I can’t quite feel Your guidance.

 

Please help me build my faith so I can truly rely on You and feel confident about my path, not letting my own limits hold me back.

 

I truly pray that Your grace overflows in my heart and lights the way for me, guiding each step of my journey. I can trust You have a plan for me, leading me through the tough spots and uncertainties, filling me with hope and strength.

 

Lord, I could really use Your light during my rough patches. Please help me stay strong and hold on to Your promises.

 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Categories
devotion

The Power of the Seed

Devotion

The Power of the Seed

Scripture

Having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.1 Peter 1:23

Reflection

When you throw a seed in the garden, it can be pretty frustrating when nothing appears to happen the next day. You could feel the urge to take a peek just to find out if it’s actually growing, wondering if your hard work is paying off.

But if you just take a second to breathe and look around, you’ll see that there’s a whole amazing process of life happening right under your nose.

Think of reading the Bible like putting “eternal seeds” into your heart’s little garden. You may not walk away feeling super “transformed” as soon as you put the book down, but trust me, the Word is definitely alive and doing its thing.

It is doing amazing things in your subconscious mind, changing how you react, opening up your heart, and building a strong sense of truth inside you. Trust the process of growth. It is occurring even in the unseen moments that may test your patience.

In Hebrews 4:12, the author highlights how sharp the word of God is, saying it’s like a two-edged sword that really gets to the heart of things. This sword cuts both ways. It really helps when you’re facing spiritual challenges and also connects with our deeper feelings. Ephesians 6:17 tells us that in the armor of God, the word of God is the sword of the spirit.

The Word of God is truly something special. It can get deep down into your core, touching your soul and spirit, and even reaching into your bones and marrows with its powerful truth.

This is an imagery of how God’s words have real power and understanding. They can dig deep and find out what you’re honestly thinking. This imagery makes you realize just how much scripture can change you and the valuable insights it provides.

Meditation

Picture this lovely garden growing inside you, where every verse you read is like a little seed being tucked into the warm earth of your spirit.

Picture this. Every verses you read is like planting little seeds. Over time, these seeds can grow into big, beautiful trees that represent things like peace, joy, happiness, or the calmness that comes with patience.

As the seasons change, it’s a good time to pause and appreciate all the amazing growth and changes you’ve seen. These tiny seeds will eventually grow into something great, as they feed your soul and help you build a life full of happiness and good vibes.

Invest in the cultivation of the garden that lies deep within your heart, granting it the freedom to blossom radiantly. Remember how much joy and wisdom these messages from God can bring to your life. They really can make a difference.

Categories
devotion

Finding Clarity in the Mist

Through the Mist

A devotional for those walking by faith, not by sight

Scripture

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Reflection

There are seasons when the path ahead is veiled, when the horizon disappears into fog and every step feels uncertain.

In these moments, clarity is not a gift of vision but a fruit of trust. God does not always part the mist. Sometimes, He simply walks with us through it.

The mist is not punishment. It is invitation. A call to lean not on our own understanding, but on the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

In the hush of obscurity, we learn to listen. In the absence of landmarks, we learn to follow the Shepherd’s voice.

Faith flourishes not in the sunlight of certainty, but in the twilight of surrender.

And as we walk, one prayerful step at a time, the mist begins to glow, not with answers, but with His Presence.

Poetic Grace

The fog may blur the edges, 

but grace sharpens the soul.

Not every path is lit,some are simply held. 

And in the hush between heartbeats, He is there.

Prayer

Lord, when the way ahead is hidden, help us trust the You who sees beyond the mist. Teach us to walk by faith, not by sight. Let Your Word be our compass, Your Spirit our guide, and Your love our light. Amen.
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devotion

Binding of Isaac: devotion

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

box set

Setting

The Hebrew word for the binding of Isaac is Akedah. This was God’s ultimate test for Abraham. After waiting patiently for 25 years, God commanded Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice! Abraham passed the test with flying colors. 

God called Abraham by name and told him to take Isaac his only son, whom he loved, and go to Mount Moriah. The name Moriah has a beautiful meaning in Hebrew – it signifies being handpicked by God. Moriah was mentioned only twice in the Bible, and this was the first mention. 

With Isaac carrying the wood, Abraham took a journey to Mount Moriah. The wood on Isaac’s back was a foreshadow of the cross behind Jesus’ back. 

Genesis 22:9-14

9 They came to the place which God had told him of. Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order, bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, on the wood. 10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to kill his son. 11 Yahweh’s angel called to him out of the sky, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Don’t lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now, I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place “Yahweh Will Provide”. As it is said to this day, “On Yahweh’s mountain, it will be provided.” 

Reflection

The angel of the LORD called out Abraham’s name twice and stopped him from stabbing his son. Scholars believed that this Angel of the Lord was a Christophany of the pre-incarnate Christ.

Abraham passed the test with flying colors. He obeyed the God’s command. God provided a sacrificial ram trapped in the bush, just at the right moment. After sacrificing the ram as a burnt offering, Abraham called the place, Jehovah Jireh, which means, God will provide, in Hebrews.

God promised Abraham posterity as numerous as the stars of the heaven and the sand on the seashore. The whole world will be blessed by Abraham’s ultimate descendant Jesus Christ.

Application

Abraham is a type of God the Father. Isaac is a type of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. 

Ancient Mount Moriah is present day Calvary.

At the same place two thousand years ago, God provided His only Son to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. 

Whoever believes in Christ shall not perish but have eternal life, John 3:16.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross 2000 years ago?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross 2000 years ago to save us from sin. Thank You for salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Thank you for sanctification and eternal life, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Categories
bible study

Living water: Devotion

Dr Andrew C S Koh

landscape photo showing treees and a double rainbow

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we commit to You our daily devotion. Holy Spirit, we pray that You will explain, teach, reveal, and give us spiritual insight and understanding, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Setting

Jesus took the shortest route from Judea to Galilee by traveling directly northward stopping in Samaria. This was not the usual route. The Jews bypass Samaria by going through Perea, eastward, northward, and westward into Galilee. Jesus took the road less traveled. 

Jesus arrived at Jacob’s well in Sychar at noon, tired, hungry, and thirsty from the long walk. The disciples went into the city to buy food. Jesus, who was fully man and fully God, felt tired, thirsty, and hungry. As a Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water, she noticed a stranger, a man, waiting there for her. This was most unusual. Woman came to the well in the morning or evening to draw water, socialize, and gossip. This woman came at 12 noon knowing that no other women would be there. 

Woman of Samaria

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. So where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his children and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I don’t get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered, “I have no husband.”Jesus said to her, “You said well, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.”

John 4:7-18

Reflection

Jesus had a divine appointment to seek and save this unnamed Samaritan woman. When Jesus asked her for a drink, she was shocked because Jews and Samaritans were sworn enemies. In the first-centrury world, a woman was not allowed to talk with a man in public. This was forbidden, unacceptable, and even scandalous. Jesus broke the social, cultural, and gender divide in His opening gambit! Jesus, the gift of God, spoke to her! If only she knew! Here was a spiritually thirsty woman who looked for satisfaction in the well of relationship with other men but could not find it. Jesus’ brilliant icebreaker was to ask for water, and He was ready to give her the living water of the Holy Spirit, John 7:37-39.

The woman was shocked. Here was a Jewish rabbi asking her for a drink! Jesus spoke spiritually but she thought physically. She blurted out a rhetorical question, are you greater than Jacob? Jesus responded that drinking water from this well would not satisfy her spiritual thirst. 

The woman was caught hook, line, and sinker!. She wanted the living water! When Jesus told her to go home and bring her husband, she was speechless! With omniscient power, Jesus exposed her sin, revealing that she had 5 previous husbands and the present man in her life was not her husband. Jesus exposed her sin to convict her to repentance. 

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them’. By this, he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified”. 

 

John 7:37-19

Application

Here is an evangelism 101 masterclass. How do you talk to a stranger? How do you break the ice? Ask a simple question. Jesus was thirsty, and the woman came to draw water with a bucket. It was very natural to ask for water. Use this approach. Start a small talk by asking a question with eye contact to build a bridge. Be sincere, friendly, and genuine. You are trying to break into a stranger’s world and he/she may be going through some hard times. Break down social, racial, political, gendered, or religious divides. Jesus did it and so must you and me. 

Drinking water will only quench the thirst temporarily. What she, and everyone need is Jesus Christ, the living water of eternal life. Only Jesus can satisfy the thirst of relationship with the God of creation. Blaise Pascal, a Christian physicist, once said that each person has a void in their heart that can only be filled by God the Creator, who is revealed through Jesus Christ. This void can never be filled by anything else in this world. 

What wells are you drinking from? Are you drinking from the material wells of the world? None of these wells can satisfy the longings of your heart. Only the well of Jesus Christ can give you true inner and lasting satisfaction. Will you turn to Him?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, the waters of worldly pursuit make us thirst for more. We need a drink from You to satisfy us for eternity. Fill us with Living Water, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, and Spirit of Life. You came to seek and save those that are lost. You went out of Your way to save a lowly, unnamed, despised, and immoral woman of Samaria. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, loving-kindness, and faithfulness, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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bible study devotion

Faith: devotion

Prayer:

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

3 D book cover

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for all that You have done for us in our lives. We acknowledge that You are the creator of the universe and God of the Bible. Thank You for speaking to us through the inspired, infallible, and inerrant words of the Holy Scripture, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Setting

A centurion is a Roman soldier who had 100 soldiers under his command. In the first-century world, masters treat their servants like a piece of furniture. They were not obligated to treat their servants with kindness. However, this centurion was very kind to his servant when he was on the verge of dying. Even though he was a Gentile, he loved the Jews and helped them build a synagogue. He sent Jewish elders to beg Jesus to come to his house and heal his servant. 

Luke 7:6-10

6 Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7 Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.” 10 Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.

Luke 7:6-10

Commentary

As Jesus was approaching the centurion’s house, the centurion had a sudden change of heart. He realized that he was not worthy to receive Jesus into his home. He sent his friends to Jesus asking him not to come to his house but to pray for healing from a distance. 

His faith was incredible and amazing. He recognized Jesus’ authority. He knew that His word was as good as His presence. He believed that Jesus could cure his servant from a distance. 

Jesus was amazed at the faith of the centurion. Even the Jews did not have such great faith. The centurion’s friends returned to the centurion’s house to find the servant recovered! Jesus was omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He healed the centurion’s servant through a private miracle from a distance. The public was not privy to the miracle. Only Jesus, the apostles, the centurion, his family, and his friends knew about the miracle. 

Application

Faith moves mountains. Even a mustard seed faith is enough to start a miracle. How big is your faith? Do you pray with faith? Jesus will mountains for you if you pray with faith according to His will. 

Faith is to know that you will get what you hoped for even when your physical eyes cannot see it coming. 

You cannot please God if you do not have faith, Hebrews 11:6.

Faith is your third pair of eyes. Walk by faith with your spiritual eyes, 2 Corinthians 5:7. 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen

Hebrews 11:1

Without faith, it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

Hebrews 11:16

for we walk by faith, not by sight

2 Corinthians 5:7

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the lesson on faith. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight. Open our spiritual eyes of faith to see into the spiritual dimension. Increase our faith. Help us with our unbelief, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

book cover
Categories
bible study devotion

Your sins are forgiven: devotion

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

boxset

Setting

When Jesus taught the people, Pharisees and teachers of the laws came from Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem to spy on Him. Four men carried their paralytic friend on a stretcher to Jesus. Mark informed us that there were four men, Mark 2:3. When they could not come near to Jesus, they went up the roof, broke the tiles, lowered the stretcher from the ceiling, and presented the man to Jesus. 

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

Mark 2;3

Luke 5:20-26

20 Seeing their faith, he said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, “Why are you reasoning so in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you;’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk?’ 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, take up your cot, and go to your house.” 25 Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God. 26 Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” 

Luke 5:20-26

Commentary

The four friends of the paralyzed man had tremendous faith, determination, perseverance, and persistence. The massive crowd did not hinder their effort. They overcame the crowd by thinking out of the box. Acknowledging the faith of his friends, Jesus told the paralyzed man that He forgave him of his sins. The scribes and teachers of the law thought in their hearts that Jesus was a blasphemer. With omniscient power, Jesus knew what they were thinking and said that He had the power to forgive sins because He was the Christ, the Son of Man. He told the paralyzed man to take up his mat and walk and he walked! Jesus had authority over nature, sin, sicknesses, evil spirits, and death. The man got up, left the room, and walked home glorifying God all the way! The people were afraid, astonished, and amazed at the miraculous healing. 

Application

The man’s friends had faith. Nothing could stop them from bringing the paralyzed man to Jesus. Do you have faith in Jesus? Do you believe that He can do all things, even the impossible things?

Jesus can forgive sins because He is God. Jesus is fully man and fully God. He is the second person of the Trinity. 

Jesus is omniscient. He knows everything about you and me. Nothing is hidden from Him, Hebrews 4:13. He knows your thoughts, and He knows your past, present, and future. He even knows the number of hairs on your head, Matthew 10:30.

Jesus is the Son of Man, which means that He is the Messiah (Christ), Jesus is the fulfillment of the Son of Man described in Daniel l7:13.

Jesus spoke the word and the man was healed instantly. 

.

There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account

Hebrews 4:13

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matthew 10:30

I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him

Daniel 7:13

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Messiah, the Son of Man. Thank You that You came to seek and save those who are lost. Thank You for justification and salvation by grace through faith in Christ, in Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Categories
bible study devotion

Leprosy: devotion

Dr. Andrew C S Koh

audio book cover

Setting

After the calling of Peter, John, James, Andrew,  and the miraculous catch of fish in the Sea of Galilee, Jesus went His way, bumped into a leprous man, and miraculously healed him. 

Luke 5:12-16

12 While he was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.” 13 He stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” 14 He commanded him to tell no one, “But go your way, and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” 15 But the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 16 But he withdrew himself into the desert, and prayed.

Luke 5:12-16

Reflections

Jesus left Galilee, came to another town, and met a man with leprosy. The leprous man fell forward prostrate on the ground and begged Jesus to heal him. Jesus touched him and immediately healed him. The leprous man sought Jesus’ will, asked Him, “if You want”and Jesus replied, “I want” .

Leprosy is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium lepra. Today, it is curable by taking antibiotics. In the first-century world, leprosy was a dreadful, contagious, fatal, and incurable disease. Leprous people were ostracised by society and confined to leper colonies. This was a living death sentence. Lepers must not come near or touch anyone. When they see anyone from a distance, they must shout, unclean, unclean. They were social outcasts. No one dared to touch the leprous man for fear of contracting leprosy. But Jesus touched him and healed him. Jesus touched him with love, compassion, acceptance, and friendship. The power of His touch healed the man instantly. The ministry of touch is very important in any relationship.

Jesus commanded the man not to tell anyone but to present himself to the priest for cleansing and offering sacrifice according to Leviticus 14:2-4 and following. But he could not keep quiet and told his testimony wherever he went. Words spread fast and everyone came to Jesus for healing. Jesus went into the desert alone by Himself and prayed. Luke gave us a glimpse into Jesus’ humanity. He needed to pray and be recharged before He could minister effectively. 

Application

Jesus told the man to present himself to the priest to testify to him that he was cured of leprosy. If God had cured you of some ailment, show yourself to others as a testimony to them.

The leprous man told his testimony wherever he went. Did you tell your testimony where ever you go?

The leprous man asked Jesus to heal him according to His will. Did you pray according to God’s will?

Jesus touched the leprous man. Have you touched someone physically or through acts of kindness.? The ministry of touch is so important in a personal relationship. Give someone a hug when it is appropriate.

After healing the man, Jesus retreated into the mountain alone to pray. If Jesus needed to spend time alone with His Father in prayer, how much more that you and I needed to spend time with Him in prayer?

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought to the priest, 3 and the priest shall go out of the camp. The priest shall examine him. Behold, if the plague of leprosy is healed in the leper, 4 then the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two living clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. 

Leviticus 14:2-4

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to spend time alone with You in prayer to seek Your will and to listen to You. Help us to touch someone with love and compassion today. Help us to share our testimony with others so that they will come to know You as their Lord and Savior, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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