Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional ; Sunday, 14th July 2019 ;
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc., DD;
HIS LOVE—A COMPELLING FORCE;
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Did you know that at the end of all things, the only thing that’ll stand is your love for the Lord Jesus? If you lived a whole life to be recognized by men, to be famous and have all that money could buy, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ wasn’t a compelling force in your life, you’d have lived an empty life.
The Lord Jesus said in Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”*Then in Matthew 6:33, He said, *“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” What else could a Christian possibly live for, if not Christ and His Gospel? He’s all that counts. He’s the joy of heaven and earth.
As Christians, we’re not to be moved by anything else, but by Christ and His eternal Word. That means His Word doesn’t just come to you without impact; it brings a conviction to your heart and compels you to act; to do things that are pleasing to the Father. No wonder the Lord Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
It matters that you’re compelled by the love of Christ to do the things that you do on earth. The Apostle Paul in our opening scripture shows us the motivational force behind his overwhelming passion for the Gospel; it was the love of Christ. He was constrained by this love to preach the Gospel and do all that he did in furtherance of the Gospel. Have the same consciousness. Make Jesus your focus, and be compelled by His love in all you do.
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart. I thank you for the privilege of being a custodian of the Gospel, which has become the compelling force in my life. I’m ever afire for the Gospel, shining ever so brightly as a light in my world. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY
Romans 5:5
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
John 14:15 AMPC
If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.
2 Corinthians 5:14 AMPC
14 For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died;
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 22:22-23:1-11 & Job 36-39
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 8:40-56 & Joshua 10