BROTHER IN CHRIST- Open heavens devotional by Pastor E. A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: John 7-10
TITLED?  Tuesday, May 25, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Heb 13:8) READ: Revelation 1:8-9 A man is usually unknown until he is introduced.  The process of introduction helps to uncover certain myths, remove cloaks or covers and eradicate the shadows or darkness hovering over such individual or subject matter.  Until God introduces Himself to an individual, that fellow remains in the dark. Introductions can be very powerful in the quest to discover a thing or person. The extent of the introduction determines or sets boundaries on what may be known concerning the person or subject. What you know about the one being introduced will spell out the opportunities available for you as you interact with the person being introduced. May the Lord introduce Himself to you in a personal way this season. In today’s reading, Jesus introduced Himself as the  Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending. These names and titles of the Lord are quite unique. Jesus Christ has never changed. He has always maintained His essence, holiness, and power, hence, what He could do in the days of Abraham, He can still do today.  He remains constant while the ages roll by and people and things change. If you are properly linked with Him, you will share in His glorious attributes that never change. What He did for the patriarchs of old, He will do for you. He is also called the Almighty.  At the time the Book of Revelation was written, the Roman Empire was the largest Government in the world. It was invincible and was well organized. How could a negligible group of unarmed Christians whose leader had gone to Heaven be able to withstand this strong empire? They could survive this empire only because the One behind them is the Almighty.  As long as the Almighty is behind you, there is no battle or force you cannot overcome. As long as Jesus is in your boat, you have nothing to fear. You will surely make it. In addition, John introduced himself as a brother and companion in tribulation. This tells us that only those who received his letters and lived in obedience to them were his brothers. It is a great thing to be a brother - a companion of those going to Heaven. Many people are struggling for titles today while they relegate the greatest title - brother, sister to the background.  But John, the closest to Jesus was proud to be called ‘brother’. Call some ministers of God ‘brother’ today and they would take offence that they had been so humiliated. Do you feel humiliated when your titles are set aside and you are simply addressed as ‘brother’? If you do, you could use another trip to Calvary! ACTION POINT: Thank God for the opportunity to be called a brother or sister in God’s Kingdom. Pray that you will not miss this opportunity.