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:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
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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