Mensa Otabil - Guidance for Eternal Life
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Welcome to day number eight of our 40 days of power. If you’ve been following since day one, I trust that you’ve gone through our prayer and fasting for the seven days, and now we are on the eighth day-the day of new beginnings. Matthew chapter 19, verse 16: «Now behold, one came and said to Him, 'Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? '» This is a person who comes to Jesus Christ, looking for the way, for guidance, for direction to have eternal life. In the Bible, he is described as a rich young ruler-a very sincere young man who is rich and a leader of his community. Still, he has a hunger for God, so he goes to Jesus in search of the way to eternal life.
His quest, as a man looking for God, is shared by many people across the world. There are people seeking God, looking for God; they want to find salvation, eternal life, and a relationship with God. But sometimes, that question can be asked of the wrong person. In this case, the person asked Jesus, but what if he had asked someone else, perhaps a Pharisee, a Sadducee, or a scribe? The answer they would receive would be very different from what Jesus gave to this rich young ruler.
There is nothing more comical than a person who finds themselves lost. For example, you might go to a neighborhood and get lost, then ask somebody for directions who is clueless about the area but still wants to provide guidance. You follow their instructions and end up even more lost than before. Then you find another person, ask for directions, and they take you further away from your destination.
Sometimes, in life, we seek guidance from the wrong people. It may not just be the wrong people; it could also be wrong beliefs or even wrong religions. There are people seeking God in the wrong places and, therefore, do not find the way to Him. There are individuals looking for salvation from those who themselves are lost, who don’t know the way and have no means of pointing you in the right direction. The way to God is through Jesus Christ.
As we focus on guidance this week, the greatest guidance we need is the guidance to eternal life-to have life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the one who points us to Jesus Christ. He speaks to our hearts, convicts us of our sins, and helps us recognize Jesus for who He is. Jesus Christ is known through the Holy Spirit, and whenever you feel a prompting in your heart that directs you to Christ, it is the Holy Spirit guiding you. May God guide all who are seeking the way to eternal life to find Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, it’s not just about the salvation of our souls and eternity; God also wants us to make godly choices here and now. He desires for us to enjoy a good life, and the way to that is for Him to guide us in the way of life.
So, on this day, I pray that God will guide everyone searching for the way of salvation to find it in Christ Jesus, and everyone who is looking for a better life will not seek the wrong person or the wrong place. May they discover the better life in the right way, with the help of the Holy Spirit. May He guide you, order your steps, and help each of us find a way of peace with God, the way of eternal life, and the way of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Let us pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, I receive the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Lead me towards life and abundance. In Jesus' name, amen.»
May the Lord guide you and order your steps to know Christ and the way of abundant life. In Christ’s name, I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.