Scripture:
Genesis 25:21-23
Sat, 30 April 2022

Divine Mystery in Answering Prayer

Observation:

What do you observe about God and prayer?

Deeper Reflection
RUNNING THROUGH THE BOOK OF GENESIS ARE FIVE theological elements, which are often interrelated in diverse ways. Reality: Human experiences that we can identify with. Adversity: The trials of faith of God’s people. Sovereignty: God is always in sovereign control over everything. Destiny: Under His sovereignty, God is leading His people, in reality and adversity, towards a destiny – fulfilling His covenant purposes. Mystery: Divine ways that are inexplicable and unexplained – like how God answers prayer in verses 21 to 23.Isaac and Rebekah had a problem: Rebekah’s barrenness (v.21). So, Isaac prayed. God answered his prayer. Rebekah was pregnant. Problem solved. But the solution came with a problem: “the children struggled together within her” (v.22a). Rebekah was perplexed: “If it is thus [God’s answer to prayer], why is this happening to me?” (v.22b, ESV). How did God answer Isaac’s prayer? Solving one problem by creating another problem. How do you like God to answer your prayers like that? Isn’t it quite scary to pray then?We must know God here. How God answers our prayers is His prerogative. Yet, so often in our prayer we tell God very specifically what to do. And God answers prayers according to His purposes. When God answered Isaac’s prayer to solve a problem and in so doing created another problem, this problem was a problem with a divine agenda: Two nations and peoples were in Rebekah’s womb that would be in conflict with each other (v.23). What kind of divine agenda is that? It is God’s prerogative. And God’s ways are always perfect and right (Deut 32:4).
Application:

How do the ways that God answers my prayers help me in growing to know Him?

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 Church Board: To know God in the inexplicable mystery of God
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

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
 

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.