Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Friday May 10, 2024

 

Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria 

Grace for Living Devotional 

Friday May 10, 2024

TOPIC: LESSONS FROM JABESH GILEAD

BIBLE READING:

1 SAMUEL 11:1-9; 31:8-13

KEY VERSE:

All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there. 1 Samuel 31:12  

MEDITATION:

Ingratitude is likened to someone who has benefited from your large heart and kindness and turns around to burgle your house and carts away all your valuables. Sadly, quite a few in our churches fit into that mould of ingrates. They seem to forget so soon how they have been beneficiaries of grace and benevolence. They now boast of their strength and abilities.   

The story of the people of Jabesh Gilead in today’s bible text calls our attention to remember the ‘bridge’ or ‘ladder’  we may have used to get to our present level or position – that we are all products of God’s grace and benevolence. In 1 Samuel 11, Nahash, the Ammonite encamped against Jabesh Gilead and threatened to annihilate them. They sent messengers to Saul to rescue them and he did swiftly, and the Ammonites were routed. Years later, when Saul and his sons were slaughtered by the Philistines, Jabesh Gilead showed their gratitude, even at the risk of their lives to go get the body of Saul and his sons for decent burial.  In the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17, Jesus had healed them all. Only one of them returned to show his gratitude. Jesus commended him and he was made whole (Luke 17:11-18).   

Are you too busy or too afraid or too comfortable or too far away to express your gratitude and appreciation to your benefactors?    

PRAYER:

Father Lord, please teach me the practice of gratitude.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

2 Kings 1-3; John 3:22-36