Title: Delay Gratification
Memorize: looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Genesis 25:28-34 (Nkjv)
[28] And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
[29] Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary.
[30] And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom.
[31] But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”
[32] And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?”
[33] Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.
[34] And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way.
Message:
The desire for instant gratification is Common among many young people today. The love for worldly pleasures has taken Over their hearts, and this is a dangerous desire which the devil uses to draw people into his kingdom.
In today’s Bible reading, Esau lacked the discipline to endure a brief moment of hunger. Thus, he despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob for an instant meal. Like Esau, many teenagers want immediate riches. They look for quick miracles because they lack the endurance to go through God’s ordained process. They engage in all sort of evil deeds just to get what they want, and in the end, they regret their actions.
My dear child, God has prepared a crown and a glory for you that will last forever. Don’t throw it away because of instant pleasures that will fade away. The devil will fight hard to tempt you with worldly things; however, you must not give in to his temptations. If you want to avoid any form of regrets in the future, I implore you to resist the devil like Jesus did (Matthew 4:8-10) and run your race till the end because a glorious crown awaits you in heaven.
Action Point:
Ask God for the grace to stay on course with His process and timing for your life.
HYMN 43: LEAD US HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US
1 Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us
O’er The World’s Tempestuous Sea;
Guard Us, Guide Us, Keep Us, Feed Us,
For We Have No Help But Thee,
Yet Possessing Every Blessing
If Our God Our Father Be.
2 Saviour, Breathe Forgiveness O’er Us;
All Our Weakness Thou Dost Know;
Thou Didst Tread This Earth Before Us,
Thou Didst Feel lts Keenest Woe;
Lone And Dreary, Faint And Weary,
Through The Desert Thou Didst Go.
3 Spirit Of Our God, Descending,
Fill Our Hearts With Heavenly Joy,
Love With Every Passion Blending,
Pleasure That Can Never Cloy;
Thus Provided, Pardoned, Guided,
Nothing Can Our Peace Destroy.
Bible In One Year: Mark 12:28-44, Deuteronomy 8-10
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye