13^th December 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

Theme: CHOOSE TO BE EXTRAORDINARY

THEME SCRIPTURE: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9 AMPC

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. How are you living to be an extraordinary person as a child of God?

The prophet Samuel had been the judge over Israel for many years after Eli the priest died. He had been the intermediary between the invisible God and the visible Israelites. Yeah, Samuel was the physical representation of God who ruled as king over the nation of Israel. It is interesting to state that Samuel had grown old and because of his waning strength, he made his sons judges. By this, he [Samuel] would judge Israel through his sons. However, the sins that, as a child, Samuel rebuked in Eli's family reappeared in his own and undermined his influence. "His sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after gain, took bribes, and perverted justice" (1 Sam 8:3).

Beloved in Christ, it is always a huge mistake to delegate authority and give power to men of corrupt character. Abuse of power will be inevitable.

The two sons of Samuel abused the authority given to them, and this precipitated Israel's desire to have her own king. The elders of Israel approached Samuel in Ramah with their complaint and also their own solution. They said to Samuel, "Behold, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint us a king to rule over us like all the other nations" (1 Sam 8:5). Yeah, instead of solving the problem at stake, Israel chose the path of commoners. This is where Israel failed to value the glory and strength of having a theocracy [a nation directly ruled by the God of heaven]. They craved to be like other nations and this led to their undoing.

There are many Christians today who have chosen the way of commoners. They have become experts in skin bleaching, pornography, gambling, and cohabiting with people to whom they are not married. They play as Christians but are also involved in defrauding one another. They trample on the needy, to do away with the humble of the land, saying, "When will the new moon be over, So that we may sell grain, And the sabbath, that we may open the wheat market, To make the bushel smaller and the shekel bigger, And to cheat with dishonest scales, So as to buy the helpless for money And the needy for a pair of sandals, And that we may sell the refuse of the wheat?” (Amos 8:4-6).

Precious one, it is written therefore concerning you, "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]" (Rom 12:2). Glory to God!

Beloved, do not conform to this world because you can easily do so. Be intentional about being an extraordinary child of God. That you will stand out in every circumstance because you are chosen; you're a royal and a priest.

Do not conform to this world because "... the world is passing away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17). Do not live and copy the lifestyle of the world. It will mean that you have chosen the path of commoners or the heathen. You will also share in the penalty and condemnation of the world. Do not conform to this world because you have been called out of darkness to set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you into His marvelous light. Do not desire to be like those of the world; it is an ordinary life. You have been born again to live a higher life.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: 1 Samuel 8:1-10

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.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. How are you striving to live an extraordinary life as a Christian?

PRAYER

Eternal Lord, in you I am no longer ordinary. Having been born again, I have become God's own special one. My life is unique. From today, I am living the unique and peculiar life ordained for me before the foundations of the earth were laid. I am blessed and will always be blessed. Thank you, Lord. Hallelujah!

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Job 15,  Habakkuk 2, 1 Peter 3, 1 Peter 4, 1 Peter 5