Saturday, 23^rd September 2023

Andrews Ampomah 

TOPIC: COME, JUST AS YOU ARE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And every one that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.” – 1 Samuel 22:2

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What stands between you and the call to come to Jesus?

Affirming His commission from the Father and the intimacy that exists between them, Jesus extends an unreserved and all-encompassing invitation to the entire world: “…come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:27-28). This invitation to approach Jesus knows no boundaries of nationality, tribe, social status, or personal accomplishments; it makes no distinctions based on the depth of one's transgressions. It remains an enduring call, relevant even today, addressing all who are burdened by the weight of sin and Satan’s oppression. Jesus delivers from the grip of sin and death and imparts an everlasting rest to all who come to Him.

All who come to Jesus are changed and made new creations to live a life that reflects on His image and likeness.

In the context of our primary Scripture focus, David, while fleeing from Saul, sought refuge in the cave of Adullam. Alongside his brethren and those from his father's house who joined him in the cave of Adullam were individuals with the following descriptions: “…everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men” (1 Sam 22:2). The danger to David's life posed a threat not only to him but also to anyone who had any relation with him in one way or another.

Significantly, those who sought refuge with David in the cave recognized him as the anointed one destined to be the future king of Israel.

Remarkably, under David's leadership, the individuals initially marked by distress, debt, and discontentment underwent a profound transformation. In fact, 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 provides an unavoidable shift in their descriptions: “Now these are the chiefs of David's mighty men, who gave him strong support in his kingdom, together with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel” (1 Chron 11:10). This is an enviable transformation and shows the kind of leader David was.

Dear friend, the Good News, brought to us through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, promises a profound transformation of life and the assurance of eternal rest with the Father.

Regardless of the burdens and reproach you may be enduring due to sin and the wickedness of Satan, the Gospel of Christ Jesus possesses divine power to offer salvation to all who heed its call. Jesus, whose might surpasses that of David, stands ready to transform your life through the Holy Spirit and to guide you with His Word. There exists no barrier preventing you from answering this call; come just as you are, and Jesus will make you new, liberating you from the chains of sin and death with a promise of eternal rest.

 

FURTHER READING – John 3:1-21

 

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. The answer to your life’s challenges can only be found in Christ Jesus.Kindly reflect on this.

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I come to You just as I am. Extend Your mercies through the death of Christ Jesus to redeem me from the power of sin and death transforming me by Your Holy Spirit to live a life to glorify You alone, Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Chronicles 6; Ezekiel 19; Luke 16