Scripture:
1 Samuel 20:18-23, 35-42
Sat, 28 August 2021

Covenant Peace in Spiritual Friendship

Observation:

What do Jonathan’s parting words to David, “Go in peace” (v.42), mean?

Deeper Reflection
JONATHAN SET UP a signal system to communicate to David stealthily if his life was in danger (vv.18-23). At the place of his “appointment with David”, Jonathan shot the arrow in the direction that signalled to David that Saul was seeking his life (vv.35-40). The two met, and they “kissed each other and wept together” over the unavoidable painful departure from each other (v.41). Jonathan saw the departure as a divine necessity: “go, the LORD has sent you away” (v.22). Jonathan parted with David by saying “Go in peace” (v.42). “Go in peace” while Saul was stalking David’s life? Jonathan did not mean that all will be peaceful for David or that he will not meet any more dangers. It is the peace in a relationship under a covenant bond that holds fast when all else may be in flux and confusion.44 Paul puts it as “with all humility and gentleness, with patience showing tolerance for one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3) – in our marriage and family, and Christian community. Biblical peace “is not often a general tranquillity but rather a rightness at the centre in the midst of much turmoil”45. We have this peace because One who is greater than Jonathan has made His covenant with us by His blood (Matt 26:28): “In the world you have tribulation, but in Me you have peace” (Jn 16:33). The key is “In Me” – Christ’s covenant relationship with us.
Application:

What are the relationships in which I find difficulty having peace and what will I do about it?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • For Church Board: To have peace in Christ
  • 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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