Scripture:
Colossians 1:15-29; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 50-58
Fri, 7 April 2023

History Rushing to Its Final Destiny

Observation:

What is the final destiny of all creation?

Deeper Reflection
There are many things we do not know about what the end of history will look like. But we do get some sneak previews in our Scripture passages today. Verses 15 to 23 provide us a compelling end-to-end summary of the grand Biblical narrative. At least two things are worth pointing out.First, the emphasis is on “all creation”. Jesus is the firstborn over “all creation” (v.15). He created “all things”. “All things” were created through Him and for Him. He is before “all things”. In Him, “all things” hold together. It only makes sense, therefore, that God would reconcile “all things” through Jesus Christ. This is the vast cosmic expanse of redemption, the vast cosmic efficacy of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross (v.20). Paul would even go on to say that the Gospel has been proclaimed to “all creation” under heaven (v.23; the same Greek words for “all creation” as those used in v.15).Second, God’s mission is “reconciliation”. Paul begins with the cosmic reconciliation of all things (vv.19-20), then moves to the reconciliation of human beings who have faith in Christ (vv.21-23). All belong to God (recall Monday’s devotional), and therefore all are to be reconciled by God through the death of Christ (vv.20 and 22)3 .Being reconciled to God, we have a task reclaimed from the original mandates in Genesis 1-2. We, like Paul, become servants of this Good News. We willingly join in Christ’s afflictions (v.24) to present the Word of God in its fullness (v.25). Our goal? To present everyone fully mature in Christ (v.28). Now, that, is a final destiny worth pursuing.
3 Note the phrases, “by the blood of His cross” (v.20) and “in His body of flesh by His death” (v.22).
Application:

Consider verses 28 to 29 and 1 Corinthians 15:58. What holds me back from
the intensity of commitment to God as seen in the Apostle Paul’s example
and exhortation?

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 SGI leaders: To stand firm, always devoting themselves wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord, thus inspiring fellow Christians to do likewise
  • 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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