Heralds Digest

“But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:32-33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.9.32-33.nkjv The craving for the glassy glory from wealth, position, and earthly achievements, instead of cultivating an intimate relationship with God, is no strange phenomenon to every sincere believer. Even when the body finds attendance in religious activities, the heart often find attraction to the demands for the glassy glory, just for recognition and relevance in the presence of man. The experience of Peter, James and John during a privileged fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and before the revelation of a better glory, was nothing different. “But...when they...

“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me...But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:23, 27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.9.23,27.nkjv Literally, seeing the kingdom of God before tasting death is desirable; but realistically, there is a penalty of suffering for the flesh before such a glorious revelation can be accessed. For example, the scriptural account of martyrdom for Stephen, Paul, John the Beloved and many disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ provides the revelation of the kingdom of God at the height of painful suffering and intense persecution. In principle, the lovely lane in this world would embrace everything glamorous and without a call for cross bearing. Jesus had just revealed His true path of suffering, shame and death on the cross unto the disciples before calling for volunteers on the lonely...

“When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:12-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.9.12-13.nkjv Social responsibility that is powered by the declaration of surplus can sometimes touch the needs of the people. Most times, however, surplus substances are unable to connect the givers with the hearts of the receivers. When the disciples admonished Jesus Christ to “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions”, they showed the limitation of driving reliable social responsibility on surplus substance. Whereas, Jesus taught the disciples that what the givers have in their ...

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick...So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:1-2, 6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/114/luk.9.1-2,6.nkjv Jesus here taught the kingdom workers the basic principle of delegation. Clearly, true delegation is based on the designation of power and authority over demons rather than the mere distribution of the principles of administration. Little wonder that king Herod was quickly awakened by the violent takeover of the city by the force from the kingdom of God. Faithful men in our contemporary times have demonstrated the same power and authority that is inherent in delegated discipleship. Unfortunately, the exigencies of life have always constitute a distraction of engagements in undesignated districts by the delegates of the kingdom of God today. Dist...

“But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:50‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.8.50.nkjv The concept of asking and receiving is not that simple and straightforward, until the context of faith is clearly defined. In reality, seeker’s situation and circumstances often appear to get worse on the trail of trusting God for answer. For example, while Jairus was waiting for Jesus’ attention for his sick daughter, the sickness turned to death. Then came the challenge from the Saviour “Do not be afraid; only believe”. Everyone can understand how unfruitful faith turns to fear when the challenges of life at home, workplaces, and ministry grow worse from bad. Unfortunately, faith in a desperate change to believers’ sick conditions cannot produce the desirable wellness. “Only believe” in the Lord and His promises, even in unpleasant circumstances; and good will surely come. As long as believers can attract a...

“Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:38-39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://bible.com/114/luk.8.38-39.nkjv The experience of the demon-possessed lunatic of Gadarene teaches that it is only sane minds that cultivate the sense of shame. After his freedom from demons, he was constrained to expressed the willingness to follow Jesus; instead of the possible embrace of fellowship with the people in the city. Although the actions of the people to the miracle leading to his freedom from demon-possession were discouraging, it does not undermine the great things God had done for him. Instead of accepting the shame-inflicting strategy of the devil and keep quiet, Jesus admonished him to “Return to your own house (comfort zone), and tell what...

“And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.8.24.nkjv One of the devastating influences of the raging of the water and wind in life is the lost of focus and the crippling of believers’ confidence in the statements and promises of the Master. Fear of the unknown in life torments the minds from contemplating on the right purpose for living. When the disciples of Jesus cried out “Master, Master, we are perishing!”, it was obvious that the slightest faith in the Redeemer’s commissioning to the other side of the lake was completely lost. They were absolutely fearful and crippled by the fate of death. However, it is instructive to note that life’s raging in believers’ career, family, and ministry is already rebuked; as long as they are engaged at the centre of God’s will. Therefore, faith in the M...