Text: Luke 11:24-28
Memory Verse: “But He said, ‘More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it’” (Luke 11:28).
As Christ Jesus was teaching at a time, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother – the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you.” The comment revealed how people put too high values on family ties to an extent that it breaks or violates their consecration and commitment to God. Jesus’ response clearly reveals that it is more blessed to hear and keep God’s word than to brag about family ties. This is not to disregard family ties, but to ensure that you do not place it above commitment to the Lord’s instructions.
His reply also indicates that those who are regarded as belonging to His family are those who have regard for God’s word. To hear means to be attentive and tuned to the frequency of the Lord. It speaks of one’s ability to stay focused on God’s channel of communication, His word. To keep the word means that you allow what you have heard to cause a change within you. This change will help you to live in a way different from the norms of the society. Keeping God’s word implies walking and working in obedience (Proverbs 23:12).
You must make it a priority to hear and practise the word of the Lord without deception. This must be before everyone, including your family members so that you will not need to compromise to please them. Stop violating divine instructions in order to please anyone because only those who hear and practise in obedience will truly be blessed.
Prayer Points:
1. Holy Spirit, empower me to hear and keep Your word diligently in myheart.
2. Lord, grant me the understanding to do Your will consistently.