DCLM Daily Manna 17 August 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — “Discharged And Acquitted”
TOPIC: “Discharged And Acquitted” (DCLM Daily Manna 17 August 2024)
KEY VERSE: “All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live” (Ezekiel 18:22).
TEXT: Ezekiel 18:20-23 (KJV)
20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.
23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:
Dane Ortlund, in his book, Deeper, narrates “how an inmate caused a mild drama in the Nigerian High Court after a judge acquitted him of all charges against him. But he refused to go home and demanded to go back to prison. Instead of the usual jubilation that follows any ruling of “discharged and acquitted”, the inmate headed straight back to the prison. He was intercepted by a correctional officer who reminded him he was free to go home”. Probably, the inmate in question did not believe that his offenses could be forgiven.
Yet, forgiveness is the very nature of God. He is not only forgiving but merciful. God is not delighted in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn away from their wickedness and return to Him in repentance. God is so magnanimous He will not hold the son responsible for the father’s sins, nor will He hold anyone’s past sins against us after he or she has repented.
Many people find it hard to accept that God will forgive hardened criminals and wicked people who caused pain to others. They wonder why God will give life to someone who has denied others the privilege of living. Even the pardoned sinners wonder at God’s mercy, how He could forgive them of their past sins and grant them a completely new life, free from condemnation and guilt.
The criminal justice system in our world does not acquit criminals who confess to their crimes. Nor would prisoners be released when they repent and show remorse for their crimes. But God is not man. His ways are different from ours. He not only forgives sins, He forgets them altogether. Those who were once forgiven by God, but now desire to return to their sinful lifestyle, will receive the full repercussions of their deeds.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Choose life rather than death.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Job 31-34
Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2024 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
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