John 4:1-10,28-30; Matthew 26:6-13
In every generation, there are people who profess to know, worship and serve God like the Samaritan woman. These are individuals who neither understand what they say nor whereof they affirm, because they have substituted the Way, the Truth and the Life provided by the God of heaven with human ideas. Real worship begins with having true knowledge and understanding of, and appreciating God’s Gift. Those who do, usually testify, “thanks be to God for His unspeakable( indescribable) gift”(2Cor.9:15).
To have maximum benefits from this message, we shall be considering it in 3 sub-headings: (1) The Gift Of God Explained (2) Knowing And Appreciating The Gift Of God (3) The Attendant Joy
(1) THE GIFT OF GOD EXPLAINED (John 4:10)
The term, The Gift Of God means Divine Providence to all mankind, willingly and freely given (Rom.5:15-19; Gen.8:21-22). At the end of creation of heaven and earth, God did not abandon the world to run itself or to be run by Satan. He willingly continues to be involved in the lives and affairs of His people. Being fully aware of human limitations, the wiles of Satan and the attendant struggles before man in the world of sin and wickedness, (although by the choice of man), God, being the Father who is compassionate, loving, and caring, who also watches over what he has made, sacrificially gave man an unspeakable gift for the purpose of preservation and sustenance of the works of His hands. This gift is also the only means of solution to secular and spiritual problems of man (Heb.1:1-3; Ps.8:3-6). This gift is His Son Jesus Christ, His express image.
Unlike the Psalmist, multitudes are on the marching order of the devil to eternity in hellfire with self inflicted injuries of various kinds. Others are running from pillars to posts with every conceivable carnal ideas, desiring changes in their material, financial, and spiritual needs. Worse still, some are in turmoil, suffering from sleepless nights, life of uncertainties with strong persuasion to commit suicide or enter into harmful addictions because they have not done the first thing required by God, which is having the Gift Of God. To have it, one must stop and humbly consider the life of vanity that has exposed him to dangers of different kinds, and cry out like the Prodigal son for mercy (Lk.15:11-19). This is what leads to a life of peace from slavery and the hand of seen and unseen forces in the world.
(2) KNOWING AND APPRECIATING THE GIFT OF GOD (Jn. 4:28-29; Mk.5:18-20; Mt.26:10-13)
Appreciation means being grateful or life of gratitude to God for what He has done for you, others and in this Movement at all times and in all situations. For Mary, her knowledge and appreciation of Jesus Christ stands as a memorial for all to see. Her love and devotion were deep enough that nothing could pull her back or make her compromise her faith in Christ (Lk.11:38-42). To Mary, she has received God’s Gift and a kingdom that cannot be moved, whose maker and builder is God.
What a challenge to all and sundry, particularly to individuals in church who easily give up their faith or stop coming to church for want of what to eat, clothe to put on, where to sleep, distress, and persecution (1Sam.1:3,12; Rom.8:35,37-39). Thank God that you are here now (Mt.5:4). Be assured that you will leave here completely transformed by the power of the Holy Ghost. You will prove that it is not evil to serve God in Jesus name.
(3) THE ATTENDANT JOY ( Acts 8:26-27,35-39)
The Ethopian eunuch found himself in a desert( an empty or lonely place, left without help or support, abandoned). Although he was a great man, yet he sincerely sought God’s Gift. And the LORD sent Philip and he ministered the gift to him. On receiving same, he went his way rejoicing with the attendant joy. Friends, what a remarkable blessedness. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the father of lights in whom there is no variableness neither shadow of turning. His gift / blessing makes rich and adds no sorrow. Perhaps, you are like a man in the desert, lonely, sorrowful and disappointed , altogether abandoned like the Ethopian eunuch. There is glad tiding for you now (Acts 8:36,37; Is.50:4,3 ). Things that accompany the Gift Of God will be your lot in Jesus name( Heb.6:9). As the Ethopian eunuch went away from the presence of Philip rejoicing, you will leave here today with such unusual blessings from God that follow all who have accepted His Gift in Jesus name.
Rise up for prayer.