The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 23 October 2019 – St. James The Brother Of Jesus

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TOPIC: St. James The Brother Of Jesus

READ: Matthew 13:53-58 King James Version (KJV)

53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

THE MESSAGE:

Most people are used to the expression, familiarity breeds contempt. We read from the Gospel accounts that Jesus preached and taught and did many wonders throughout Judea and beyond and His fame resounded everywhere as many sought to hear Him, see Him, and experience Him. But back in His hometown, Nazareth, it was a different story. He had been brought up there and many knew His humble family and social background. There was nothing excellent or extraordinary about His family and upbringing. But when He spoke, there was something superior about Him the power, the wisdom and the grace. Unfortunately, this virtue in Him elicited nothing but scorn and hatred from His people. They had become so familiar with Him that they had no respect and appreciation for Him and His ministry. But they were the losers because the word they heard and the miracles He did, did not meet with faith in their hearts.

Today, so many people who have been raised in the Christian environment: Church-goers, theologians, and so on, have become so familiar with the Bible and its stories that its meanings and power have been lost to them. They claim to be born again, but the word of God has not been allowed to change their lives. They have heard a good number of sermons preached about Jesus power to save, heal and deliver, yet, a lot of contending interests have not allowed them to come to Jesus and be saved. It is interesting that James, the brother of Jesus (whom we celebrate today) did not allow his familiarity with the Master to prevent him from knowing his Brother Jesus as his Saviour and Lord. Dear reader, what about you?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant that my familiarity with Your word and Your name will be an added factor that draws me ever closer to You, Amen.