SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024
PRESENT YOUR STRONG REASONS – Pastor Chris
Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob (Isaiah 41:21).
Luke 7:1-7 tells a remarkable story about a centurion and his servant. Jesus had just finished teaching the people and entered Capernaum where a centurion’s servant was gravely ill, almost at the point of death. The centurion, deeply concerned for his servant, sent Jewish elders to beseech the Master to come and heal his servant.
When the elders approached the Master, He didn’t immediately go with them until they gave Him compelling reasons why the centurion was worthy of His attention: “And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. THEN JESUS WENT WITH THEM…” (Luke 7:4-6).
Notice the underlined part; the Lord only agreed to go with them to heal the centurion’s servant after they presented their strong reasons. This further illustrates the principle found in Isaiah 41:21, where God challenges the children of Israel to bring forth their strong reasons. This is something we take advantage of when interceding for others: we present our requests with strong, heartfelt reasons. We take God’s Word back to Him as the basis for our arguments, why what we’re asking for has to be done, because it’s in line with His Word.
Remember what the prophet said, “Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips” (Hosea 14:2). So in prayer, you go with compelling words, God’s Word concerning the situation you’re dealing with. The elders we referenced earlier presented their strong reasons effectively; their arguments were based on the centurion’s genuine love and significant acts of kindness, showing that with compelling reasons you can influence divine actions. Write down your arguments; present your reasons thoughtfully with strong convictions and you’ll always prevail. Hallelujah!
PRAYERDear Father, you want all peoples to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth. Therefore, I pray for those who haven’t yet received Jesus as Lord, that today, as your children preach your Word all over the world, the light of the glorious Gospel will shine brightly without restrictions, dispelling darkness, and ushering many into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Luke 7:1-7
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. 3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: 5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
Luke 11:5-10
And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. 9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Isaiah 41:21 NIV
“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob’s King.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Timothy 3:1-17 & Jeremiah 23-25
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: James 1:1-27 & Ezekiel 27
