Wednesday, 28 August 2024
SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT AND STEWARDSHIP
And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation (Luke 19:44).
I want you to observe the word “visitation” in our theme scripture. Some have the idea that Jesus was talking about a mere “visit,” but that’s not it. That word is translated from the Greek "Episkopē," which conveys the meaning of "bishoprick" also spelt as "bishopric" or the office of an overseer. An overseer has something to watch over and take care of.
This sheds light on the Lord’s statement. The Jews weren’t watchful, hence missed the time of their visitation. It also brings to mind God's command to Adam to "dress and keep” the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15), signifying their responsibility to watch over and care for the garden.
Similarly, the Lord Jesus urged His disciples to "watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41, Mark 13:33). As the Church of Jesus Christ, we must be vigilant and attentive to our spiritual responsibilities. Individuals and nations today may face dire consequences if we neglect our responsibility to watch over their spiritual condition by interceding for them.
Matthew 26:41 AMPC says, "...Keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray…." 1 Timothy 2:1 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” To not carry out this instruction from the Lord means you’re not fulfilling your “bishopric,” your responsibility to watch over your nation and the people.
We have an understanding of God's Word and can discern the signs of the times; therefore, we must be watchful! Remember what the Bible says in Ezekiel 3:17, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.” We’re watchmen and women, and one of the ways we watch over and take care of God’s creation is through prayers. Paul reiterated this when he said in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." Also, in Colossians 4:2, he admonished, "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving."
Through prayer and spiritual discernment, we thwart the plans of darkness and usher in God's peace where there had been turmoil. Never undermine the importance of your spiritual oversight and stewardship in these last days!
PRAYER: Dear Father, I recognise the significance of my role as a watchman, and I thank you for the authority you’ve vested in me to keep the devil and his cohorts in check. I terminate their evil, vicious and malevolent activities in my environment and declare that only your peace and prosperity reign in and around me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV; Acts 20:28; Ezekiel 3:17 NIV
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 12 & Psalms 146-150
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 4:1-9 & Jeremiah 14