THE BRANCH’S WAY-Isaiah 4:2 (A WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

Text: John 1:35-42 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; [36] And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! [37] And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. [38] Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? [39] He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. [40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. [41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. [42] And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

In the text of today's message we read about the report of John the Baptist regarding Jesus as the Lamb of God one of the several names that Jesus was called in this particular chapter of the Bible, others include Rabbi (Master-John 1: 38), Messiah (John 1: 41) Son of God (John 1: 49) & King of Israel (John 1: 49). And the Bible said two of the disciples of John the Baptist heard and they followed Jesus, they did not doubt his testimony regarding Jesus and they followed Him. One may asked why did they leave John? The reason is simple the purpose of John coming to the world is to point others to Jesus (Isaiah 40:3-5; Mark 1: 1- 8). Reading further one of these two disciples named Andrew went to first of all look for his brother Simon Peter (verse 41) and brought him to Jesus. The question I am asking you as you read this message is, how many people from your family, place of work and your neighbourhood have you brought to Jesus since you believed. The Bible says 'he that saves souls is wise' (Proverb 11: 30).

In another account, John 12: 20-22 the Bible says 'And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: [21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. [22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus'.

Why are you following Jesus? What is your motive? Are you following Him for a selfish reason, for what to get from Him or for who He is.? Are you only enjoying the grace of God?

Many people seek God as the unbellivers do just for mundane things, such as for prosperity, for good luck, for success, for long life, for fame, for wealth or jobs some even for husband or wife. But Jesus said 'seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you' (Matthew 6: 33).

In seeking Jesus, we must be prepared to do so with all our hearts, with all our souls to walk in all His ways, to love Him and to fear Him (Deuteronomy 10: 12). The disciples of Jesus lived by His standards and took up His character. It is for this reason that the disciples were called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11: 26). A seeker of Jesus must be the one who has accepted Him as a Saviour, as a Spiritual rescuer and as a Restorer (Romans 3: 24). A seeker of Jesus must be prepared to have a deep personal relationship and devotion with Him. Christ seekers must be ready to separate themselves from the ungodliness, the corruption and the immorality of the society. A seeker of Christ must be Christlike in every ramification.

God wants all His followers to be like David who answered God like this 'Thy face, Lord , will I seek' (Psalm 27: 8). In verse 4 of that same chapter David said "One thing have I desired of the Lord , that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord , and to enquire in his temple". David also said in Psalm 63:1 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is". No wonder God called David a man after His Heart. But David was not the only one that sought after God, Job did same as he said "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause" (Job 5: 8).

God wants us to have personal and dynamic relationship with Him. He is not interested in us merely acknowledging His existence as the demons also believe this (James 2:19 ). He does not want us to just come to Him with the words of our lips while our hearts are far from Him.

Today as you are reading this message decide to enter into a covenant with the Lord God to seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Desire God in the day, and in the night. You will be better for it.

BENEFITS OF SEEKING JESUS:

There is joy (Psalm 40:16).

There is abundant blessings (Psalm 119:2).

There is liberty (Psalm 119:45). 

Your prayers would be answered.

Eternity is assured.

There is safety (Romans 8: 31).

There is total deliverance.

PRAYERS 

Every spiritual contamination in my life debarring me from seing Jesus be destroyed in Jesus name.

Every Mark of disfavour in my life and body, Blood of Jesus wipe them off in Jesus name.

Every cry/voice of sin against me be silent permanently in Jesus name.

I disconnect myself physically and spiritually from any link with demonic powers in Jesus name.