RCCG Open Heaven Daily Devotional
TOPIC: Don’t Kill A Wounded Soldier
MEMORISE
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”.
Galatians 6:1
READ: John 8:1-11(KJV)
8 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 9-11
RCCG Open Heaven Daily 16 July 2024 MESSAGE
It is quite terrible that some people judge individuals who have made mistakes just so they can feel better about themselves.
Their goal is to boost their self-esteem rather than admonish the people who made the mistake of bring them to Christ.
The people who attempted to stone the adulterous woman in John 8:1-11 were just like this.
When we correct someone just to show how righteous we are, we are attacking their self-esteem, adding to the weight of guilt they already bear, and making it more difficult to them to come to Christ.
God turns against people who condemn others to prove that they are righteous. When Jesus sees a fallen soldier in His army, He wants to help the fellow up.
If He discovers that other soldiers are throwing stones at the fellow to kill or her completely, He turns against those soldiers to defend the one who is wounded.
For example, who is a young Christian girl supposed to turn to if she becomes pregnant out of wedlock? Fellow believers or unbelievers? In most cases, her church members might call her a prostitute and make her feel unwanted, while unbelievers may show her care and understanding.
READ RCCG Open Heaven Daily 15 July 2024 – The Law Of Righteousness
When soldiers are wounded, they need people to help them dress their wounds so they can stand up again. If the people they get help from are from the enemy’s camp, they may never return to their camp again.
This is why many backsliders keep going deeper into sin. They think that they will no longer find forgiveness and acceptance in the church, so they backslide completely. The Holy Spirit is still drawing them toward the church, but they are reluctant to go back out of the fear of being condemned by the people who should show love to them the most.
Beloved, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.
Action Point
Show love to any believer you know that may require encouragement by calling or sending a message to say you will always be there for him or her.
HYMN 25: The Great Physician Now Is Near
1 The great Physician now is near,
the sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
oh! hear the voice of Jesus.
Refrain:
Sweetest note in seraph song,
sweetest name on mortal tongue;
sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus.
2 Your many sins are all forgiven,
oh! hear the voice of Jesus;
go on your way in peace to heaven,
and wear a crown with Jesus. [Refrain]
3 All glory to the risen Lamb!
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Savior’s name,
I love the name of Jesus. [Refrain]
4 His name dispels my guilt and fear,
no other name but Jesus;
oh! how my soul delights to hear
the charming name of Jesus. [Refrain]