The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, October 2, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, October 2, 2022
Sunday, October 2, 2022 (Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity)
TOPIC: CHRISTIANS RELATIONSHIP AND SERVICE
TEXT: Mark 9:33 – 41
33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. 38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Today's passage is about the disputes among the disciples of Jesus Christ. Firstly, there arose a dispute among them concerning their ambitions as to who would be the greatest. This dispute came severally among them any l tine Jesus talked about His death and departure. Such talk generated carnal ambitions among the disciples as to who would take the place of Jesus in their supposed earthly kingdom (Matt. 18:1-6; Lk. 22:24-30). Jesus, whose kingdom is heavenly shocked them with His illustration of a lad, that one t mi be the greatest in God's kingdom only when one learns the spirit of being a servant (v.37). Secondly, the dispute between the disciples and other men who used the name of Jesus to work miracle was settled by Jesus in verses 38-41. Jesus admonished them not to discourage the good work
of those who are not of their group.
A Christian should aspire to be a servant-leader. Part of our good work is to serve others for kingdom's purpose. We should also be a Source of encouragement to those who are doing good works in Christ irrespective of their denominations. This can be effectively done if we allow Clod's love in our lives as today's Collect (Trinity XVI) says; "Lord Goy, you have taught us that anything we do without love is worth nothing, for whoever lives without love is counted dead before You..." Such people cannot see any good thing in others.
Prayer: O God, pour in our hearts the most excellent gift of love, to live in
harmony with one another in Jesus' Name. Amen.