Scripture:
1 Samuel 27:1-4; 28:1-2, 15-19; 29:1-2
Mon, 29 November 2021

A Tale of Three Perspectives

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about David (vv.1-4; 1 Sam 28:1-2; 29:1-2), Saul and God (1 Sam 28:15-19), who were involved in the interrelated events narrated in 1 Samuel 27:1-29:2?

Deeper Reflection
THE INTERRELATED EVENTS narrated in 1 Samuel 27:1-29:2 happened around three persons: David, Saul and God – represented by the prophet Samuel. What each of the three persons thought, did and said construct a tale of three perspectives. It all centres on one thing: David will be the next king of Israel. God had anointed David to be Israel’s next king (1 Sam 16:12-13) and had assured him through Jonathan that he “will surely be king” (1 Sam 24:20) – and even, ironically, through his arch-enemy, Saul: “You will both accomplish much and surely prevail” (1 Sam 26:25). But still David feared that he would one day perish in Saul’s hand, and fled to Gath from the land of his destiny, Judah,47 for self-preservation (vv.1-3), and put himself into a tangled web (1 Sam 28:1-2; 29:1-2). That was David’s perspective on his circumstances. As for Saul, his relentless pursuit after David’s life stopped only when David had fled to Gath (v.4). Saul’s perspective was: He had the kingly power to get what he wanted. What Samuel said to Saul points to God’s perspective on the whole matter (1 Sam 28:16-19): “The LORD has done accordingly as He spoke…the LORD has torn…and given…the LORD has done… the LORD will give….” God alone, His Word and His purpose, stand (Psa 33:9-11; Isa 14:27). How we look at things determines how we live our lives. Fundamentally and ultimately, it has be to see as God sees.
47 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 178
Application:

What changes do I need to make in my life regarding how I look at things?

Prayer:
Help me, O God, to see things as You see, for what I see and how I see by my own eyes of human logic and reasoning may not be true reality. And You have revealed in Your living Word how You see things. Teach me that I may learn this from the Scriptures. Open my eyes through Your enlightening Word that I may see as God sees.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 6:1-10
Wed, 7 June 2023

Consistent Daily Devotion to God

Observation:

What does verse 10 tell us about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
For Daniel’s distinguishing competency and character, and commitment to ensuring that the king suffered no loss in his empire, Darius “planned to appoint” him “over the entire kingdom” (v.3). But out of jealousy, Daniel’s fellow-commissioners and the satraps attempted to accuse him of “negligence or corruption” in “government affairs” (v.4a). They could find nothing, because Daniel was “faithful” (v.4b). So, they planned to make accusation against him “with regard to the law of his God” (v.5). And they maliciously instigated Darius to establish a law that “anyone who makes a petition to any god or man” besides the king “for thirty days, shall be cast into the lion’s den” (vv.6-9).Then, “when Daniel knew that the document was signed…he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v.10). This was Daniel’s spiritual discipline with a structure of regular “three times a day”. He kept it daily. We can say that Daniel never missed his quiet time. The most important words in the verse may be “when Daniel knew that the document was signed”. They indicate the context of Daniel’s spiritual discipline: A discipleship challenge where his life was at stake. Daniel’s spiritual discipline was no mere religious ritual and routine. He could have skipped his quiet time “for thirty days” and be safe. He didn’t. Daniel’s spiritual discipline manifested his consistent daily devotion to “his God”: “he continued…three times a day…as he had been doing previously.” At the heart of this spiritual discipline was Daniel’s relationship and fellowship with “his God”.
Application:

How can I cultivate a consistent daily devotion to God?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: That young people will seek to be devoted to God consistently
  • Pray for self
 

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