Scripture:
Revelation 1:1-8
Mon, 10 January 2022

Disciple Singapore

Observation:

In this passage, what descriptions are there of the identity of the Apostle John’s readers and hearers, both then and now (see vv.1, 4-6)?

Deeper Reflection
THIS WEEK WE WILL REFLECT ON REVELATION 1 TO 3 AS we think about Faith Exploit 2 – Disciple Singapore. May the Lord our God lead us in the action steps to be taken as individual Christians, families and a local church in Singapore. Our beloved country is a city-state known for many strengths.28 However, more than 80% of the people have yet to believe in the Gospel.29The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation to bear witness to all that he saw, as shown by Jesus Christ through an angel (vv.1-2). John probably received this revelation around A.D. 95, in the context of persecution of Christians by the Roman Emperor Domitian.30 John’s message was first given to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia (v.4), but is also meant for all churches.31 Jesus Christ is “the ruler of kings on earth” (v.5). Indeed, He is the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev 19:16)! Jesus has made all His disciples “a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (v.6). Therefore, we are to tell our fellow Lion City-dwellers (Singapore citizens, permanent residents and foreigners who live here for work or study) about King Jesus who is coming again soon to judge the world in righteousness (“Behold, He is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him,…and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him”, v.7; Psa 96:13). That day is much sooner than when John wrote Revelation.32 So, with love and compassion, let us urgently implore people to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ while there is still time.
28 E.g. world-class education, healthcare and transport; low crime levels, strong political stability and forward-thinking economic strategy. In 2021, Singapore was the fourth strongest nation brand in the world, scoring particularly high for Global Soft Power Index pillars of Business & Trade, and Governance: https://brandirectory.com/rankings/nationbrands/ 29 According to the Singapore Census of Population 2020, 18.9% of the population 15 years and over in 2020 identify themselves as Christians: https://www.singstat.gov.sg/-/media/files/visualising_data/infographics/c2020/c2020-religion.pdf 30 https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-revelation/ 31 https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/introduction-to-revelation/ 32 Cf. “the things that must soon take place” (v.1); “the time is near” (v.3).
Application:

What are the implications of me being a priest of God in Singapore (or wherever God has placed me in this world)?

Prayer:
Almighty God, You are the Alpha and the Omega, who is and was and who is to come. Thank You for the First Coming of Your Son Jesus Christ. We are so grateful that Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood. We anticipate His Second Coming soon. Until then, please empower us by the Holy Spirit to be Your priests and faithful witnesses in Singapore or wherever we are.
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 5:17, 25-31; 6:1-2
Mon, 5 June 2023

Serving from Babylon to Persia

Observation:

What is the significance of Daniel serving in the Babylonian and Persian
courts successively?

Deeper Reflection
God’s word to Belshazzar that He would “put an end” to his kingdom and give it “over to the Medes and Persians” was fulfilled immediately – “that same night” (v.30) – after Daniel’s interpretation of the inscription on the wall (vv.25-31). God can fulfil His Word immediately or after a long time. Whatever time God may take to fulfil His Word, He is “trustworthy in all His promises and faithful in all He does” (Psa 145:13b, NIV).The demise of the Babylonian hegemony was not just a historical event, but primarily a theological one. Nebuchadnezzar was “My servant” whom God raised to judge His unfaithful people in the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:8-9, 11). When God had accomplished His purpose through Babylon, “I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation” (Jer 25:12). This is how God deals with arrogant and evil nations: “And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” (Isa 13:19).The end of Babylon does not mean an insecure future for Daniel. However drastically our circumstances may change, God’s call for our lives remains when we walk with Him faithfully. We are secure in God’s call, because it is God’s call. Daniel became one of “the three commissioners” in Persia (Dan 6:1-2). It wasn’t that having lost his job Daniel applied to serve the Persian king. Daniel couldn’t do that. It was purely by royal appointment. But behind the “It seemed good to Darius to appoint” (Dan 6:1) was God’s call for Daniel to serve Him from Babylon to Persia.
Application:

How do I relate God’s call for me in drastic changes of my life situations?

Prayer:
Lord, I believe You have a calling for my life which You have intended to be distinctive for me. I want to live my life with a deep sense of answering Your calling. Help me to walk with You faithfully, knowing that as I do so, You will unfold Your plans for me in that calling. Grant me wisdom and understanding to discern Your calling for my life.
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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