Monthly Devotion - August 2024
BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST WHO IS CONTINUALLY SHEPHERDED
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly” (1 Peter 5:2 NKJV)
In this month of August 2024, we are still focusing on how we can become disciples of Christ who are willing to be shepherded. A true disciple of Christ is willing to be continually shepherded by the Lord “as it should be” (1 Peter 5:2; Ezekiel 34:15-16). Every true disciple of Christ can overcome various struggles in life without having to compromise. Every disciple of Christ who is willing to be shepherded will be able to face every struggle that occurs. We are called to be able to develop ourselves into dynamic followers of God in order to avoid the dangers of spiritual dryness and destruction. Without a dynamic Christian life, it is difficult for us to be His living and effective witnesses in the midst of the darkness of the world. The spiritual dynamics of Christ's disciples cannot be separated from true freedom from God. This true freedom comes first through Christ (Galatians 5:1) and is primarily a liberation from the punishment and slavery of sin and all the power of the devil. This liberation (spiritual freedom) occurs only because of His grace. Every disciple of Christ who is willing to be shepherded will be able to live according to the meaning of that freedom. Speaking of freedom, there are basically two kinds of freedom, namely false freedom and true freedom. False freedom is freedom that is only temporary and has no guarantee, while true freedom is freedom that is eternal and guaranteed. For example, on August 17, 2024, our nation Indonesia, by His grace, will commemorate its 79th anniversary of independence. Although the Indonesian nation has been declared an independent country since 1945, this does not guarantee that the entire Indonesian nation is truly free internally from the shackles of national problems. The problems of poverty, drugs, corruption, conflicts and acts of violence that often lead to SARA (Ethnicity, Religion, Race & Inter-Group) issues are real evidence that shows that not all Indonesian people have true independence. True independence can only occur when someone finds their identity that is 100% free from all moral and spiritual crimes. The independence of a nation is not solely because of the nation's achievements, but is actually a gift from God to that nation. However, this gift from God will not produce anything better in the life of a nation if the government and people do not adhere to God's law. The Bible clearly states that "Where there is no revelation, the people run wild. Blessed are those who adhere to the law" (Proverbs 29:18). True independence can occur if everyone grasps the vision and mission given by God and is willing to adhere to His laws. His laws are the truth that gives true freedom to everyone who believes in Him. Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a stain on a nation." Therefore, let us become disciples of Christ who are willing to be continually shepherded so that we can better understand His truth and laws. The abundance of His grace will only be revealed to those who hold on to the law of God who are animated by the Spirit. "For the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (II Corinthians 3:17). Disciples of Christ who are willing to continue to be shepherded according to the Lord can truly enjoy true freedom. The Lord Jesus bless! Amen!
By Pastor Silwanus Obadja M.Th.
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Devotion - July 2024 
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Devotion - September 2024