26^th January 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: THE LOVE OF GOD

THEME SCRIPTURE: “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." 1 John 4:9 NKJV

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS

1.  What was God able to do with James and John, the sons of Zebedee?

Peter, James and John formed the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. James and John were brothers (Matt 4:21), who were nicknamed "the sons of thunder" when they were called by the Master. There was a reason why Jesus chose to nickname them as such. These two brothers were hot in temper and fiery in nature. Their nature was made manifest when Jesus, wanting to go to Jerusalem, sent disciples ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for His arrival. The Samaritans did not want Jesus in their village. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, "Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them (Luke 9:51-55).

James and John were like the sons of Zeruiah (2 Sam 19:22). They were troublesome, smart, and ambitious about personal advancement.

However, Jesus did a marvellous work in them, such that these two brothers became impactful in their lives. When they yielded to the Master, James and John became known, not for their anger, revenge or selfish ambition. It will interest you to know that John wrote the fourth gospel. He revealed Jesus as the Word made flesh. He later wrote the epistles of John, detailing the power of God's love. James became the first of the apostles to give his life up for his faith in Christ. The ambitious became a martyr. The "sons of thunder" were transformed by the love of Christ.

Beloved, there is no one Christ cannot transform. No one experiences the love of God and remains the same. 

God's love can remould a wayward husband or a quarrelsome wife. This love is able to bring the prodigal son home and the wicked to his knees. This love liberated crooked Zaccheaus, turned an enemy into a good Samaritan and liberated blind Bartimaeus. This love changed "the sons of thunder" into "sons of love".

Precious one, it is important that everyone experiences the love of God. It is the only way a man can live his life in love for all men. It is the only way we can begin to live, and make a meaningful impact on our generation.

Beloved, do you know where you are in life at the moment? Are you at the junction of hopelessness, or are you battling with addiction? Are you in dire need of help or are you looking for meaning in this life? Reader of today's devotional, it starts with experiencing the love of Christ. Turn to Him and freely receive the gift of His love.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING:  Matthew 20:20-28

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. What are some of the transformations the love of God has brought to your life?

PRAYER

Most Gracious and Merciful Father, I yield to your love. I give myself away so you can mould me, heal me and use me. Continue to shine in my heart the light of your love, in Jesus' precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 46-47; Psalm 26; Matthew 26