Scripture:
Luke 1:57-80
Thu, 22 December 2022

Fulfilling Our Roles in the Kingdom of God

Observation:

John the Baptist’s birth, recognised as remarkable and having the Lord’s favor,
was essentially to prepare the way for another, Jesus Christ himself (v.76).

Deeper Reflection
THE PARALLEL ACCOUNTS OF JOHN (THE BAPTIST) AND Jesus follow the prologue: the prophecy of the birth of John is followed by the prophecy of Jesus’ birth; the birth of John (vv.57-66) has a parallel in the birth of Jesus (Lk 2:1-21); Mary’s Song − the Magnificat (“glorifies”) − is paralleled in Zechariah’s Song – the Benedictus (“praise be”). Why the precedence of John the Baptist over Jesus in their birth accounts? If the Gospels are essentially a record of Jesus’ life and ministry, why did Luke start his birth narratives with the prophecy of the birth of John the Baptist?Perhaps one explanation is this: John the Baptist is intentionally depicted as the one who has come to fulfil his role as the forerunner of Jesus the Christ, as promised in Scripture (Lk 1:17, 76; cf. Matt 3:1-3). This is certainly plausible in view of Luke’s description of how he carefully researched and thoughtfully recorded eyewitness testimonies (the text reads “carefully and methodically write” in the original Greek language); cf. Luke 1:1-4. If correct, this has several implications: (1) John the Baptist’s precursory role was clearly articulated in God’s plan; (2) John fulfilled his given role without comparison nor complaint (see Matt 3:11-12; Jn 3:30); and (3) John came to reconcile fathers to children, make wise the disobedient and to “make ready for the Lord a people prepared”. Do we know and are actively and joyfully fulfilling our God-given roles in the Kingdom of God? Are we readying ourselves and others to meet King Jesus? It may simply be sharing our story this Christmas. Let’s be ready!
Application:

Am I readying myself, like John the Baptist, to “make ready a people prepared
for the Lord” (Lk 1:17) through praying, studying and teaching the Word as we
await the coming of King Jesus?

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 Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To have effective strategies and the right motivation to lead our church to proclaim the Gospel to unbelievers and disciple the nations
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 6:1-10
Wed, 7 June 2023

Consistent Daily Devotion to God

Observation:

What does verse 10 tell us about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
For Daniel’s distinguishing competency and character, and commitment to ensuring that the king suffered no loss in his empire, Darius “planned to appoint” him “over the entire kingdom” (v.3). But out of jealousy, Daniel’s fellow-commissioners and the satraps attempted to accuse him of “negligence or corruption” in “government affairs” (v.4a). They could find nothing, because Daniel was “faithful” (v.4b). So, they planned to make accusation against him “with regard to the law of his God” (v.5). And they maliciously instigated Darius to establish a law that “anyone who makes a petition to any god or man” besides the king “for thirty days, shall be cast into the lion’s den” (vv.6-9).Then, “when Daniel knew that the document was signed…he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v.10). This was Daniel’s spiritual discipline with a structure of regular “three times a day”. He kept it daily. We can say that Daniel never missed his quiet time. The most important words in the verse may be “when Daniel knew that the document was signed”. They indicate the context of Daniel’s spiritual discipline: A discipleship challenge where his life was at stake. Daniel’s spiritual discipline was no mere religious ritual and routine. He could have skipped his quiet time “for thirty days” and be safe. He didn’t. Daniel’s spiritual discipline manifested his consistent daily devotion to “his God”: “he continued…three times a day…as he had been doing previously.” At the heart of this spiritual discipline was Daniel’s relationship and fellowship with “his God”.
Application:

How can I cultivate a consistent daily devotion to God?

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: That young people will seek to be devoted to God consistently
  • Pray for self
 

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