DAILY MANNA TUESDAY MAY 07, 2024

 

DAILY MANNA

TUESDAY MAY 07, 2024

THE RADIANT LIFE

  

TEXT: ACTS 11:19-26

KEY VERSE: "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (ACTS 11:26).

It is easy for some persons passing through a crisis to lose perspective and identity. They are thrown off balance in the process, readily compromising and abandoning cherished faith, beliefs and character. They seek community approval and short-term answers or solutions to the challenges confronting them. But often, this approach is futile as it does not go to the root of the matter.

This was not the same with the Early Church, which did not lose focus despite the killing of Stephen and the persecution that followed. Rather than getting depressed or allowing the situation to discourage them, they donned the garment of the radiant spirit. Being outlawed and harassed in Jerusalem did not stop them from evangelising. They travelled to distant lands to preach Christ, which led to a great revival in Antioch.

The glittering and shining conduct of the brethren in the Antioch church made the people address them, for the first time, as "Christians". Those around them watched them live exactly like the Saviour. They were meek and remained unperturbed by their hostile environment. There was no retaliation for wrongs done to them. They displayed love among themselves, renounced worldly attractions and had a quiet disposition that showed that they were not of this world. They were heavenly-minded, waiting for the promised return of their Lord.

Moments of trials and temptations ought to bring out the stars in us. Indeed, our comportment should preach Jesus to our neighbours. Wherever we find ourselves, dreary conditions of the environment should not drag us into helplessness. As we stand firm and true to God, He will visit us and through us draw other people to Himself.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: For the true Christian, crisis provides a chance to show Christ's lifestyle in us.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 SAMUEL 21-22

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