DCLM Daily Manna October 23, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Come Down!

Topic: Come Down! [October 23, 2016]

Text: Lamentations 3:42-54

Key Verse: "Till the Lord look down, and behold from heaven" (Lamentations 3:50).

The story of Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus is instructive. He was a rich man of high social status, but diminutive in size. He was a sin- stricken man who needed his life to be touched by the Sin-bearer. He wanted a contact with Christ but felt the crowd would pose a hindrance because of his short stature. He therefore, took an option of climbing a sycamore tree so that he could catch a glimpse of him as he was passing by. Jesus spotted him on top of the tree and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down...". He came down from the tree and entered into an experience with Jesus.

In our text today, prophet Jeremiah was lamenting the ordeal of the people of Israel, particularly, the daughters of Jerusalem, as a result of their sin. Their transgressions and rebellion pushed the face of God away from them and caused the enemy to pursue them. God left them alone because they had decided to join themselves to idols (Hosea 4:17). But when their affliction became unbearable, the prophet cried out on their behalf. Today, many believers go through diverse challenges as a result of meddling with sin. Some had even unknowingly joined themselves to idols and brought severe consequences upon themselves. Jeremiah bore the burden of the calamity of Israel.

They suffered from a national depression, and the future looked so bleak. In reality, the nation was dead! You may have lost your joy as a result of your soured relationship with God, but if you wholeheartedly seek His face and humbly, like Zacchaeus, make a desperate attempt, He will pardon you. But you must first come down from the tree. To become what God destined you to be, come down from your height with haste! He is waiting to pick you up at the base.

Thought for the day: Jesus forgives and forgets.

Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 5-6

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.