Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:1-9, 25; Romans 3:21-26
Tue, 8 March 2022

Passing on God’s Covenant to the Next Generation

Observation:

How are God’s people to pass on the knowledge of His covenant to their next generation (vv.6-9)?

Deeper Reflection
DEUTERONOMY 6 IS PART OF MOSES’ SPEECHES GIVEN to the next generation of Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In verses 1 to 9, Moses exhorted them to fear, obey, worship and love God alone. The people were to hear and observe all the covenantal requirements that God had given them, and to pass them on to future generations. God’s covenant with His people was to permeate family life in two dimensions. First, the knowledge of God’s covenant was to be diligently passed on to future generations (v.7a). The Shema (vv.4-5)5 is central in this passage and reminded the Israelites about the exclusivity of God – God’s people were to worship no one else and to love God with their whole being by being careful to obey all His commandments (vv.1-3, 6, 25). The Israelites throughout their generations were to remain devoted exclusively to the Lord their God and not be seduced by false gods. By uttering and teaching the Shema, the Israelites and their descendants repeatedly pledged to God their total allegiance, undivided devotion and full obedience. Christian parents bear the primary responsibility of diligently passing on to their children the knowledge of the new covenant of the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:21-26).Second, the knowledge of God’s covenant was to be consistently taught throughout all of family life (vv.7-9). From family devotions, mealtimes and bedtimes, to schooling, attending worship services and playing sports – everything was to be founded upon and interpreted through God’s words. God’s words were to be relevantly applied to every aspect of life and consistently shared at any given opportunity.
5The Shema was traditionally recited by the Jews at least twice a day – morning and evening. To learn more about the Shema, see https://bibleproject.com/blog/what-is-the-shema/
Application:

What is one intentional and sustained action that I can take to be diligent and consistent in passing on the knowledge of God’s covenant in Jesus Christ to my children, grandchildren or the next generation in my church?

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 pastors and staff: To be diligent and consistent in telling the next generation about God’s covenant in Jesus Christ
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
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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