DCLM Daily Manna 28 October 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Watch Over God’s Heritage

TOPIC: Watch Over God’s Heritage (DCLM Daily Manna 28 October 2024)

KEY VERSE: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” – Acts 20:28

TEXT: Acts 20:28-36 (KJV)

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

MESSAGE

Watchfulness is keeping awake to guard, protect or pay attention, to avoid danger and attacks. The British theologian and author, William Barclay, said, “The infection of the world is never far away; where truth is, falsehood ever attacks. There is a constant warfare ahead to keep the faith intact and the church pure.” Without watchfulness, the Church can be infected and corrupted.

Our text outlines the duties of a shepherd to the flock. Shepherds are to pay attention to the flock of God, love them, watch over them, and care for them. Every leader in the church must nourish the laity with the truth of God’s word and exemplify that truth. However, before a leader can be effective as a shepherd over God’s heritage, he must watch over himself first. Those who first take heed to themselves will most effectively care for those who look up to them.

Watching over the flock is imperative for shepherds because they are not self-appointed but commissioned by God. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price to purchase the church (flock) with His blood. Hence, a shepherd must do more than feed and lead; he must also protect the flock from wolves within and without the Church, that might infect them with false doctrines. It is heartwarming to know that Christ our Chief Shepherd has not left us to watch over the flock alone. He has sufficient and abundant grace to build us up if we pray. True and faithful shepherds must be encouraged by the fact that God will give them inheritance among the sanctified. The only antidote to preservation and protection against falsehood is the word of His grace. Obey the word, preach and practice it.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Effective leadership flows from a life and not just knowledge.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Proverbs 21-23