ODJ: Undivided Devotion

October 10, 2017 

READ: 1 Cor. 10:14-23 

You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too (v.21).

When I started dating the man who would one day become my husband, I experienced feelings stronger than I’d ever known before. The more I got to know Francisco, the more I wanted to be with him. I would go to sleep at night thinking about getting a message from him in the morning. I intentionally prioritised my schedule to be with Francisco. I grew to be so in love with him that I couldn’t conceive of being interested in another man.

During this season of my life, Jesus showed me how much He loves me and wants my undivided devotion. This same truth was one that Paul wanted to teach the church in Corinth. The cultural practices of their time made it difficult for the Corinthian believers to fully devote themselves to Jesus. They attended pagan temples and joined in feasts in which the food had been offered to idols. Though they were sharing in “the Lord’s Table”, they were also “at the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:16,21).

Paul used a logical and culturally relevant argument to show that their thinking wasn’t right. He said that just as they experienced unity with one another and with Jesus when they took communion, in the same way, when they participated in pagan rituals, they had unity with demons (v.21). The issue wasn’t that “idols are real gods”, but that those who worshipped idols instead of the real God were honouring demons (v.19).

What the Corinthians did with their love and devotion affected Jesus’ heart (v.22). As a bridegroom can’t wait to marry his bride, Jesus can’t wait to have us in His presence (Revelation 19:6-9). Out of the overflow of His love for us, may we love and serve Him well today!

—Estera Pirosca Escobar

365-day-plan: Acts 3:12