RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR CHRIS
FRIDAY, APRIL 23RD 2021
HE LOVES “ALL MEN”
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
The Bible says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This is inarguably the best and greatest news on earth; that He loved us while we were yet sinners. And because of His love, He sent Jesus to save us from destruction, sin and judgement. Blessed be God!
Romans 5:6 says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Oh, the strength of this communication from God! If He loved sinners then, He still loves them today. He didn’t die for Christians; He died for the ungodly—the hopeless, wicked sinners; people who hated God. If His work of salvation hadn’t been perfect or sufficient and He had to do it again, He’d have done it! That’s how strong His love is.
This is to let you understand the heart of God in this hour. When He sees Satan using men to destroy other men, He’s grieved. Even the very human instruments of Satan, the very people that Satan uses to destroy other men, God loves them! And He’d want them to turn away from their ignorance and recognize His love.
God loves men so much that He impresses upon us to intercede for them in their wickedness, ungodliness, ignorance, and in their sinfulness. In 1 Timothy 2:1, He makes praying for all men a priority: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”This is so consistent with God’s love.
The first thing He thinks about in the earth is the value of every man. Before you pray for your needs, your work, etc., pray first for all men. He wants them to come to the knowledge of His love and His truth. 2 Peter 3:9 says He is unwilling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Such amazing love!
*PRAYER*
Righteous Father, your love for all men is overwhelming, having demonstrated it through Christ’s vicarious death. I’m compelled by your love to preach the Gospel, and turn sinners from sin into righteousness and the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
1 Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Luke 20:1-19 & 1 Samuel 18-19
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Mark 4:30-41 & Leviticus 23