Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english 2 Timothy 2:8   Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel.   A pastor once said, "What is needed in the kingdom of God are not those with master or PhD degrees, but brave warriors, martyrs and those who are willing to give their all for  their faith." This is exactly why Paul encouraged Timothy to be steadfast by the grace of God. Although there are difficulties and pressures from all directions, we need to move forward with courage like a soldier with discipline ready for battle, or like a diligent farmer working in the field.  In doing so, we can then be good witnesses for the Lord in this wicked generation.   In sharing his key to victory, Paul suggested we should address the gospel of Jesus Christ because He who is the descendant of David risen from the dead, is the essence of this gospel. The descendant of David symbolizes human nature as Christ is a man able to understand human weaknesses as well as all the struggles in our inner spirit.  His resurrection from the dead symbolizes His deity that besides being a human, He is also God whose power is manifested through the resurrection of the Son.  "Risen from the dead" in the original Hebrew text is written in the present participle indicating a certain task has been accomplished and the impact of which remains today.    Paul not only wanted Timothy to remember Jesus had resurrected for us in the past, but  He is still living  and victorious today. He is the source of all our victories - victorious in the past and victorious at present!   Jesus, from being the descendant of David to His resurrection, symbolizes the journey from suffering to glory.  Paul reminded us in Philippians 2, " Who, being in very natureof God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross."  From suffering to glory, Jesus had set up an example for us, and as the followers of the Lord, we should also tread on this path of suffering and sacrifice in the remembrance of Him.                    Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank you for you had died and become glorious for us.  You had opened up a new and lively path for us so that we can also experience this journey from suffering to victory with you. May you become the strength of our lives.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!

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