From: May 12, 2014
Jesus had four younger half-brothers named James, Joses, Judas and Simon and several unnamed sisters (Mark 6:3) by his mother, Mary and his adopted father, Joseph. Prior to Christ’s resurrection his brothers didn’t believe in him. We don’t read much about them, but here John records how they gave Jesus sarcastic advice about how to become more famous. Jesus calmly replied to them that they didn’t understand God’s timing nor purpose for him. Often the hardest people to live out your faith in front of is your own family. They have expectations of you and when you don’t live up to them, they punish you with biting comments. Yet, Jesus was obedient to God’s will for him. And after they saw him suffer and rise again, his family finally believed. James and Judas (Jude) both authored NT books. James, who became the lead pastor of the first church of Jerusalem, opened his little book with “James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). Can you think of a more convincing testimony for Jesus than this?
From: May 12, 2013
Samuel was the last living judge of Israel and a forerunner of Christ in that he held all three titles of prophet, priest and judge (king). He was so aware of God’s calling on his life that he didn’t need the people to ask him to pray for them. For him, failing to pray and preach would be sin. This would not be the sin of commission, but omission. Are we sometimes so focused on what we shouldn’t be doing that we miss doing what we should?
From: May 12, 2012
What Samuel said to Saul after he failed to wait on the old prophet. I must admit, I relate to Saul’s impatience. After all, Samuel was running late and Saul’s army was getting restless. Saul was worried about winning the upcoming battle when he should have been focused on being obedient to God. Be careful not to put God’s work before His worship.
From: May 12, 2011
What Samuel told Saul when he didn’t wait on the Lord’s servant at Gilgal. God still looks for leaders based on character rather than competence. He still delights in lifting up the least to greatness. Is your heart for God large enough and your stature small enough for God to use?