January 11: POTENTIAL

“Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” Ezekiel 22:26

The pattern of behavior throughout Biblical history is of God’s people being led to abandon His truths. Can you hear God patiently beckoning all who will listen to “come out” (Revelation 18:4) of the masses who have gone astray? We are compared to sheep because one straying sheep is all too often followed by others. The proven default mode of sinful humans is to wander away from the faith and become engulfed in worldliness, for which they have pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10).

The first thing erring people do is exert influence for others to join the rebellion (see Genesis 3:6). Is this any different from Lucifer’s campaign against God? He wants to sit on the mount of the congregation (Isaiah 14:13). A third of the angels came to be convinced that he had a point. This scenario is echoed in the accounts of Korah (Numbers 16) and Absalom (2 Samuel 15:1-19:4). The motive manifests through a desire for approval; gaining the approval of others is not difficult, especially if the others are not inclined to hold in highest esteem the authority of God’s Word. Be careful whose approval you seek.

In these last days, we are seeing unprecedented apostasy. According to Jesus, it will only get worse before His return. But God is saving people individually, calling out anyone who will listen. Do not be held back from total surrender to Him by the customs and traditions of the world! He embraces as His own every repentant soul who desires to live for Him. God’s acceptance is the only approval we need.

Let us resolve this day to use our God-given abilities and resources to reach out to those around us with the acceptance that God is offering through His Son. Our intercessory prayers, words and actions may seem inconsequential, yet we are to act in loving obedience and trust Him for the end result. Never give up! In God’s economy and provision, every good seed has a marvelous potential. Accompany your “plantings” with fervent, humble prayer on their behalf, relying upon the tender mercy of Jesus who repeatedly knocks on the door of hearts.

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. Psalm 116:5

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:7