DCLM Daily Manna

Monday, September 7, 2026

Not a Tall Order

KEY VERSE
“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).

Bible Reading:
Hebrews 13:15-17 (KJV)

15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

MESSAGE

Asking persecuted persons in an evil world to rejoice and do good and not seek retaliation would appear an insensitive charge. To plead with them to share with others of the little left to them by those maltreating them would sound callous. Counselling them, finally, to honour spiritual leaders teaching them all these acts of restraint amid death-dealing challenges would seem a tall order impossible to meet.

Not so for the Hebrews in diaspora, receiving these instructions from the writer of the epistle. It was not a tall order. They knew their calling as saved, sanctified and Spirit-filled Christians who had been taught to follow the footsteps of their Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He was reviled and pierced; He did not hit back. He was poor, but He still made many rich and sufficient as He met their needs. He respected the temple leaders by urging His disciples and the people to observe their laws, but not to imitate their deeds. It was also not unusual to ask the Hebrews to rejoice and be grateful to God in times of hardship. Their Redeemer always looked up gratefully to heaven when in dire depths.

The way Christians can convince the world of their total and true deliverance from the carnal habits of vindictiveness, ingratitude, rebelliousness and selfishness is to display the exact opposite of these vices in their lives. Our preaching will be more persuasive and penetrating if it is aided by our noble actions in line with Christ’s teachings. We have to be intentionally determined to express the new nature the Lord’s death and resurrection gave us. Our salvation is hollow without impactful works accompanying it.

Christ’s expectations from His followers today are precisely captured in this last chapter of the epistle to the suffering Jewish Christians outside Jerusalem. He is watching out for those who would not compromise in a world filled with hatred, contempt and calumny for those who choose to faithfully stick to the narrow way. We must not disappoint Him.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God’s presence with you in the fire makes the fire harmless

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Leviticus 21-24

COMMENTARY

1. The Call to Rejoice and Do Good – The devotional acknowledges that rejoicing and doing good in the midst of persecution seems humanly impossible. Yet, for believers who are saved, sanctified, and Spirit-filled, it is not a tall order. The grace of God enables us to respond with love and gratitude even when facing hardship.

2. Following Christ’s Example – Jesus was reviled but did not retaliate. He was poor but made many rich. He respected authority even when it was corrupt. Believers are called to follow His example. Our actions, not just our words, demonstrate the reality of our transformation. Christlike behavior is the most persuasive evidence of genuine salvation.

3. Sacrifices That Please God – The text mentions three sacrifices that please God: the sacrifice of praise, doing good, and sharing with others. These are not optional add-ons but essential expressions of our faith. A salvation that does not produce these fruits is hollow.

4. Honoring Spiritual Leaders – The passage also calls believers to obey and submit to those who watch over their souls. This is not a burden but a blessing. When we honor our leaders, we make their work joyful and profitable for us. This is part of the Christian walk.

5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Practical Christianity – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes that faith must be demonstrated through good works. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must show the reality of their new nature through acts of kindness, generosity, and submission. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to live out their faith in tangible ways.

About DCLM and Daily Manna

The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and practical Christian living.

DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to live out their faith through actions that please God.

Prayer Reflection
Lord, help me to rejoice and do good even when I face hardship. Fill me with Your grace so that I can respond with love instead of retaliation. Let my actions demonstrate the reality of my salvation. Help me to honor those who watch over my soul. May my life be a pleasing sacrifice to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.