Scripture:
2 Peter 1:1-11
Sat, 1 January 2022

Preparing to Meet King Jesus

Past Week’s Review
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Church Board: To grow in Christlike qualities and be effective and fruitful as believers in Jesus Christ
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
Observation:

According to Apostle Peter, how should Christians prepare themselves to meet King Jesus in His eternal kingdom?

Deeper Reflection
THIS SECOND1 LETTER BY APOSTLE PETER WAS PROBABLY written in the early AD 60s to an unspecified group of Christians (v.1).2 In it, Peter took pains to remind them of foundational truths and warn them of dangerous deceivers who sought to destroy their Christian faith.3 Thus, Peter prepared his hearers and readers to meet King Jesus at His return.4In this passage, Peter highlights two foundational truths to which Christians must hold fast if they want to live effective and fruitful lives as they await Christ’s Second Coming and have confidence that they will enter His eternal Kingdom (vv.8-11).5 First, Jesus Christ is fully God – the deity of Christ! In verse 1, one divine person was referred to: “…our God and Saviour Jesus Christ”6. Then in verse 2, two distinct divine persons were referred to: “…of God and of Jesus our Lord”. Clearly then, the Lord Jesus is fully God – the second divine Person of the Trinity – even as He is fully human7. True believers put their faith in the true God and Saviour.Second, true Christians develop Christlike character. The saving knowledge of Jesus Christ provides Christians with the divine power to grow in Christlikeness (vv.3-4). However, believers must make strenuous and sustained personal efforts (“make every effort”, v.5) alongside God’s divine work within them, to grow and increase in Christlike qualities. Seven are mentioned here: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love (vv.5-7). Decisive actions and continual practice are required. Over time, the true believers will develop a Christlike character that is distinct from the world and glorifies God.
1 2 Peter 3:1. 2 Likely the same recipients identified in 1 Peter 1:1. Peter had previously ministered to them through preaching (2 Pet 1:16) and now when he was anticipating his impending death (2 Pet 1:14; presumably from persecution). 3 2 Peter 1:12-15; 2:1-3; 3:1-3. 4 2 Peter 3:10-14. 5 The fruitfulness of a Christian’s life provides evidence of salvation. 6 Likewise, Titus 2:13. 7 The apostles and early disciples were first-hand witnesses of the fact that Jesus had lived, walked and ate with them and the people, and had taught, ministered and served among them.
Application:

Which qualities among the seven listed (in vv.5-7) does God want me to make special effort to grow in this year and what am I going to do about this?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:7-17
Wed, 31 May 2023

Answering God’s Call in Vocation

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
Daniel did not choose to serve Babylonian kings in Babylon. It was circumstances – a national crisis of his country – that compelled Daniel to be where he was and doing what he was doing. Daniel did not have the privilege, opportunity or freedom to pursue a career of his own desire. However, it was out of these adverse circumstances, that Daniel discovered God’s call for him: To serve God through serving Babylonian kings. And God gave him the specific competency to fulfil God’s call (Dan 1:17). After Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar about his dream and the interpretation, he was “promoted” to be “ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon” (Dan 2:48).When Belshazzar gathered his wise men to interpret for him the inscription on the wall, Daniel was not among them. Daniel was not unknown to Belshazzar.59 He knew him as “one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah” and “appointed him chief ” over all the wise men of Babylon (vv.11-12). It was only when the queen mentioned Daniel to him, that Belshazzar called for him (vv.10-11). Belshazzar “deliberately ignored Daniel”60 . Daniel was sidelined. How do you respond to being sidelined? For Daniel, he felt secure. Daniel was secure because he had no ambition to climb the corporate ladder. He had no interest in rewards and promotion. Daniel said to Belshazzar, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else” (vv.16-17). But Daniel interpreted the inscription for Belshazzar. Daniel was answering God’s call for him.
59 Ernest C. Lucas, 131 60 Ernest C. Lucas, 131
Application:

What positive attitudes do I need to cultivate in my workplace?

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: To view their vocation as answering God’s call for their lives
  • Pray for self
 

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