Scripture:
Psalm 2; Isaiah 40:12-18
Mon, 9 January 2023

All Nations in God’s Hands

Observation:

What observations can you make about God in relation to the nations in
these passages?

Deeper Reflection
This week, we will explore the theme “Singapore in God’s hands” in our Devotional Journal entries. To understand how Singapore is in God’s hands, we need the global perspective that all nations, large or small, are in the hands of God the true King.We turn therefore to Psalm 2, a psalm that was probably sung in conjunction with the coronation of an Israelite king. The background of Psalm 2 may be foreign to us because we do not live under a monarchy. Three parties speak in this psalm: (1) the kings of the earth (v.3); (2) the Lord in heaven (v.6); and (3) the Lord’s king on earth (vv.7-8). In those days the anointed king was understood to be God’s representative and even called the “son of God” (vv.2,7,12).The sovereignty of God over the nations is evident in Psalm 2, as it is in Isaiah 40:12-18. Isaiah 40:17 does not mean that nations and civilisations are completely worthless. Rather, we see a comparison in Isaiah 40:18 – the greatness of God far transcends the glory of the nations. A recent song by CityAlight sums it up well:“Though the nations rage, kingdoms rise and fall There is still one King reigning over all So I will not fear for this truth remains That my God is the Ancient of DaysNone above Him, none before Him All of time in His hands For His throne it shall remain and ever stand All the power, all the glory I will trust in His name For my God is the Ancient of Days.”Click here to listen to the song “Ancient of Days by CityAlight”.
Application:

As we pray for Singapore and seek the shalom of this city and nation, we take
heart that God is the true King of the Nations who reigns over all.

Prayer:
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
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 5:7-17
Wed, 31 May 2023

Answering God’s Call in Vocation

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
Daniel did not choose to serve Babylonian kings in Babylon. It was circumstances – a national crisis of his country – that compelled Daniel to be where he was and doing what he was doing. Daniel did not have the privilege, opportunity or freedom to pursue a career of his own desire. However, it was out of these adverse circumstances, that Daniel discovered God’s call for him: To serve God through serving Babylonian kings. And God gave him the specific competency to fulfil God’s call (Dan 1:17). After Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar about his dream and the interpretation, he was “promoted” to be “ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon” (Dan 2:48).When Belshazzar gathered his wise men to interpret for him the inscription on the wall, Daniel was not among them. Daniel was not unknown to Belshazzar.59 He knew him as “one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah” and “appointed him chief ” over all the wise men of Babylon (vv.11-12). It was only when the queen mentioned Daniel to him, that Belshazzar called for him (vv.10-11). Belshazzar “deliberately ignored Daniel”60 . Daniel was sidelined. How do you respond to being sidelined? For Daniel, he felt secure. Daniel was secure because he had no ambition to climb the corporate ladder. He had no interest in rewards and promotion. Daniel said to Belshazzar, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else” (vv.16-17). But Daniel interpreted the inscription for Belshazzar. Daniel was answering God’s call for him.
59 Ernest C. Lucas, 131 60 Ernest C. Lucas, 131
Application:

What positive attitudes do I need to cultivate in my workplace?

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: To view their vocation as answering God’s call for their lives
  • Pray for self
 

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