Introductory Thoughts
There comes a time in each person’s life when two loves conflict and one must be chosen as the now superior love. A great example of this is the events that take place during Daniel’s Seventieth Week. After the Rapture of the church, there will be people who must choose whether they prefer to please the Lord or continue to live. According to Revelation 12:10-11, there will be many who will choose the latter as they love “not their lives unto the death.” Their love for the Saviour will far surpass their love for even life itself. Perhaps this does not sound as hard as it is, but one should consider that many of these dear saints who choose to die will leave behind loved ones. For instance, some mom will give her life for the cause of Christ knowing that she leaves behind a child or children. Some husband will give his life although he will leave behind the wife he loves so dearly.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): In Matthew 22:36-38, Jesus tells what is the greatest commandment. If we do this, we will love Him more than ourselves and it will be demonstrated by our willingness to die as these people were: Esther 4:16; Jeremiah 26:11-15; Daniel 3:16-18; Acts 12:1-2; Acts 14:19-22.
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(For everyone): How much do you love life? Would you be willing to give your life for the cause of Christ if duty demanded it? If not, why not? Is it because you fear death or because you do not love God?
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No one should ever seek to be martyred for the faith. At the same time, each believer should love the Lord enough that he or she would be willing to be martyred for the faith.
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for giving His Son for you.
- Ask God to increase your love for His Son.
Song
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