Scripture:
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Mon, 8 August 2022

A Theocentric Focus in Suffering

Observation:

How is the righteous judgement of God expressed?

Deeper Reflection
BIBLICALLY, IT IS A GIVEN, THAT WHEN WE FOLLOW THE Lord faithfully, we will suffer “trials of various kinds” (Jas 1:2). We have to embrace this biblical “given”. We suffer because we are faithful to the Lord and when we suffer we remain faithful to the Lord – “your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in all the afflictions that you are enduring” (v.4). Note the word “all”, which indicates the extent of the Thessalonians’ sufferings.In our suffering, it is easy for us to focus on the pains that we feel, the causes of the sufferings and our struggling to endure. If we are not careful, this can lead to self-absorption and wallowing in self-pity, and we begin to doubt and question God. A theocentric focus in our suffering will prevent us from spiralling down to this unhealthy spiritual condition.One important theocentric focus in suffering is: God is righteous. God is a “God of faithfulness and without injustice, good and upright is He” and “His work is perfect, for all His ways are just” (Deut 32:4). Paul points the Thessalonians to “the righteous judgment of God” in their suffering (v.5a). Our faithful endurance in trials (v.4) is “plain evidence” of God’s “righteous judgment” (v.5a). In other words, we see God’s “righteous judgment” in our faithful endurance. God’s “righteous judgment” is, we are “considered worthy of the kingdom of God” – by God Himself (v.5b). “Christ established the pattern of faithfulness in suffering leading to worthiness”7: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Rev 5:12) for being a “faithful witness” (Rev 1:5).
7 G. K. Beale, 1-2 Thessalonians, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (IVP Academic, 2003), 185
Application:

What does it mean for me to be considered by God as worthy of His Kingdom to suffer for it?

Prayer:
O Lamb of God, You are worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing, because You suffered and were slain in doing Your Father’s will.6 I thank You for this divine grace, that You consider me worthy of You and Your Kingdom when I follow You faithfully in Your pathway of the cross.
6 Revelation 5:12
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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