Scripture:
Daniel 2:12-18
Mon, 6 March 2023

Calm Wisdom Facing Consuming Wrath

Observation:

How did Daniel respond to the crisis triggered by Nebuchadnezzar?

Deeper Reflection
As we live in a world that is hostile to God’s ways, we will face stress daily. In Daniel 2, we see two people who faced stress in totally opposite ways: Nebuchadnezzar with consuming wrath (vv.12-13) and Daniel with calm wisdom (vv.14-18). As for God, His wrath is the wrath of the only wise God (Rom 1:18; 16:27).Nebuchadnezzar, together with the wise men in his court, symbolise the power of the mightiest human being and the wisdom of the smartest humans. But all this crumbles just because of a dream. Unable to know the meaning of the dream, the most powerful man became utterly powerless and helpless, and all he can do is be angry and destructive (v.12). But one who is “slow to anger” “rules his spirit”, and is “better than the mighty” and “captures a city” (Prov 16:32). Patience is power.Daniel responded to the difficult and dangerous situation with “discretion and discernment” (v.14). We do not know what Daniel said and how he spoke to Nebuchadnezzar such that he was willing “to give him time” to declare his dreams and interpretation (v.16). It was an act of wisdom. However, this act of wisdom of Daniel was inadequate. It did not have the answer to Nebuchadnezzar’s problem. At times, wisdom enables us to see the big picture; sometimes, it is step by step. Having “the ability to keep calm under severe shock and pressure, to think quickly and exercise faith in a moment of crisis”10 , Daniel moved from discretion before the king (vv.14-16) to dependence on God (vv.17-18).
8  Proverbs 2:6 9 James 3:13; Matthew 11:29 10 Joyce G. Baldwin, Daniel, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1978), 89
Application:

How do wisdom and prayer come into place when I go through trials?

Prayer:
O God, teach me and help me to grow in wisdom, as I read and meditate on Your Word, for knowledge, understanding and wisdom come from Your mouth 8 ; and as I reflect on the experiences of life in walking with You. And help me to relate with people, especially difficult people, in the gentleness of wisdom and humility of heart.9
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders:
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
  • Pray for missions
 

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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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