Topic: The Venom of Jealousy [Tuesday December 8, 2015]
Text: John 11:47-57
Key Verse: “Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles” (John 11:47).
The action of the chief priests and Pharisees, in today’s text, was not only borne out of jealousy but also shows the ridiculous extent jealousy can go to bring down its target. Christ had just performed one of the greatest miracles of raising Lazarus from death four days after burial. Expectedly, this brought so much joy and excitement in Bethany and beyond. As a result, many Jews believed in Him.
It is unimaginable that a few of the observers of this miracle were mischievous enough to make report of it to Christ’s arch-detractors with the intention of instigating them against Him. The Pharisees and chief priests sat in the council to determine what to do against Christ. “This man doeth many miracles; if we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him”, they said. Uncomfortable with Christ’s increasing exploits and fame, they decided that He should be killed. Of course, God had already planned to use Christ’s vicarious death as a channel for the salvation of mankind even as unwittingly prophesied by Caiaphas. Their jealousy and malice only fueled Christ’s glorification while His detractors fizzled out miserably. Jealousy is as strong as death and poisonous as venom. The trouble with it is that it unleashes more harm on the person harbouring it than its target.
No matter how you are tempted, do not let the devil drop this deadly venom in your heart. If you are the target of jealousy, lean on God and be rest assured that He will cause its venom to water the plant of your life to success.
Thought for the day: Another person’s promotion does not mean your demotion until you confirm it with jealousy.
Bible Reading in one Year: Isaiah 26-29
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.
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