FOLLOWING JESUS MAKES YOU A TARGET I know that this caption may likely make some to raise their eye brows but sincerely speaking, Jesus Himself hinted us about being targets. In John 3:18, we get to know that we’re passed from condemnation to life which makes Satan to try and take us back. Satan knows that those who do not have Christ are his so he does not worry about them. This was what Jesus told Peter which is true for all believers; ‘And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat (Luke 22:31).’ Satan desires to have every child of God so that he (Satan) may toy with him as kitten toys with half dead mouse. Satan in most cases comes to us through our loved ones and friends in disguise. Let us consider two examples how Satan tried to get hold of faithful individuals; As Job was going through all the pains that Satan afflicted him with the wife told him this; ‘Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die (Job 2:9)’ This can not be the desire of Job’s wife because they both just lost all their children. Another example is the dialogue between Jesus and Peter in Matthew 16:21-23 and Mark 8:32-33. Peter did not mean harm but Jesus knew that it was Satan speaking through him (Peter). Let us learn from the past targets that we know in real life while we study the lives of those in the bible; Joseph, Moses, Job, David, Jesus, Peter, Stephen, Saul/Paul and those beheaded because of Jesus in Revelation 20:4 to mention a few. Jesus encourages us not to look at the circumstances surrounding us but to continue to follow Him; ‘Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24).’ Apostle Peter in his own words based upon his experience has this for us; ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). As we know, apart from the fact that Jesus told Peter Satan’s desire, he was the hardest hit by the Devil. PRAYER POINT: Lord, as I am a target by following you, help me to bear whatever burden that carrying my cross may pose. Do not allow me to fall along the way but strike out those attacks that I will not be able to face or bear. When and if I fall, encourage me to get up and continue. I am all yours so use me for your own glory in Jesus name, amen.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:53:00 +0000
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