Scripture:
2 Peter 1:12-21
Tue, 4 January 2022

Reminders of the Truth

Observation:

Why was the Apostle Peter so intent (vv.12, 13, 15) on giving reminders to the hearers and readers of his letter?

Deeper Reflection
THE APOSTLE PETER WAS BENT ON REMINDING HIS HEARERS of the truth of God’s Word: “…I intend always…” (v.12); “…as long as I am in this body…” (v.13); “I will make every effort…” (v.15). The reminders were to protect them from various deceptions (see 2 Pet 2-3). What Peter (and the other apostles) had to offer were eyewitness accounts of what they had seen and heard concerning the Lord Jesus Christ (vv.16-18).11 In addition, they had the reliable prophetic word, i.e. the Old Testament Scriptures, which were inspired by the Holy Spirit (vv.19-21).People everywhere in every generation would do well to pay attention to the divinely inspired Scriptures, because it is as “a lamp shining in a dark place” (v.19a)12 that will bring clarity to their sight and hope to their hearts (“until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts”, v.19b). Peter probably used “the morning star” to refer to the ultimate Davidic king, Jesus the promised Messiah.13 So the Scriptures reliably reveal Jesus Christ, who can be received by faith into the hearts of the hearers or readers of the Scriptures.In addition, Peter makes an all-important point about the source of the Scriptures. The source was God, not man. The prophets did not think up the words for themselves and originate the Scriptures (vv.20-21). The men were chosen mouthpieces and spokesmen who “spoke from God” (v.21). Every biblical prophecy was inspired by the Holy Spirit (v.21). The Scriptures are a divine product. Therefore, God’s Word in totality and in every part is truth that lasts forever (Psa 119:160).
11 Peter, James and John had personally witnessed the majesty of Jesus’ divine glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:1-8; Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36). 12 God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psa 119:105). 13 Numbers 24:17; Matthew 2:2.
Application:

What will I do this year to know the Scriptures better, so that I can remind people of the truth of the very words of 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
  • For pastors and staff: To be faithful students and effective communicators of God’s Word
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 10:11-12, 14-19
Tue, 26 September 2023

A Man of High Esteem

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Daniel being called “man of high esteem” (vv.11, 19)?

Deeper Reflection
One of the heavenly beings called Daniel “man of high esteem” (v.11). This honour was bestowed on Daniel emphatically, in that it was repeated twice (v.19). This “high esteem” did not come from man, but from God Himself. God gave this honour to Daniel toward the end of his life when God called him to “enter into rest” (Dan 12:13). As a youth, Daniel “made up his mind not to defile himself with the king’s choice food” (Dan 1:8), and as an old man, he was faithful to God in spending time with Him in his “three times a day” devotion, even if it means to be thrown into the lions’ den (Dan 6:10). Daniel was finishing well in his life with “humbling yourself before your God” (v.12). When we think of finishing well in terms of successful accomplishments, we must be careful that we are not exalting ourselves.It is not for us to see ourselves in any way as a person of high esteem before God. It is for God to say that to us (2 Cor 10:17-18). Daniel never saw himself as a “man of high esteem”. A key emphasis in Daniel 10 is Daniel being greatly overwhelmed by the holiness and glory of God represented by the heavenly being with an awesome appearance (Dan 10:5-10, 15-18). And it was in this encounter with God when he was called “man of high esteem” that Daniel said, “How can such a servant of my Lord talk with such as my Lord?”50 (v.17). The man highly esteemed by God saw his unworthiness before God.
50 I have theologically translated “my lord” to “my Lord”, since the heavenly being is a representation of God.
Application:

What does being highly esteemed by God mean to me?

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 able to see oneself as God sees
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.