Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4
Tue, 12 July 2022

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Observation:

What does it mean to “rejoice always”?

Deeper Reflection
PAUL’S EXHORTATION, “REJOICE ALWAYS” (V.16), IS FOR THE Thessalonians who were suffering “much affliction” (1 Thess 1:6; 2:14; 3:3). It is “not a sugar-coated call for putting on a happy face in the midst of difficulties”27. Paul’s “emphasis here is not so much on the experience of joy, but on the active expression of joy”28 in God’s presence. This rejoicing is possible when it is expressed in unceasing praying and constant thanksgiving to God (vv.17-18). It is a rejoicing in our relationship and fellowship with God. As human followers of Jesus, we can be emotionally disturbed when undergoing suffering. But we can “rejoice in the Lord” (Phil 4:4) without having to bury our feelings.29 With holistic realism, Peter juxtaposes “rejoice” with “distressed” in undergoing trials (1 Pet 1:6). God considers us “blessed” when we “remain steadfast” in suffering, and in this blessedness, we can rejoice (Jas 1:2-3; 5:11).Recently, I was reflecting on and seeking to apply Psalm 31:7 in facing the daily emotionally draining challenge over my son in his special needs condition: “I will rejoice and be glad in Your steadfast love, because You have seen my affliction; You have known the distress of my soul.” The words “You have seen my affliction; You have known the distress of my soul” minister to me. But I struggled to practise “I will rejoice and be glad in Your steadfast love”. Then I realised that to practise that, I must learn to see with eyes of faith God’s steadfast love and faithfulness in my son’s challenging condition. I have not arrived, but am growing, in the practice.
27 Gordon D. Fee, The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, 2009), 215 28 Gordon D. Fee, 214 29 Gary S. Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2012), 224
Application:

What areas in my life do I need to rejoice in the Lord always?

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 grow deeper in rejoicing in the Lord always
  • 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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