Scripture:
Luke 1:46-55, 67-79; 2:22-40
Fri, 23 December 2022

Songs That Mark Our Lives

Observation:

Whether it was Mary, Zechariah, Simeon or Anna, they all sang songs of
salvation concerning the coming of the Christ-child, the fulfilment of the
long-awaited promise of the God of Israel.

Deeper Reflection
LUKE’S INFANCY NARRATIVE FOCUSES ON THE INTERTWINING destinies of Jesus and John the Baptist. The stories of their births are extended into three hymns of praise in Mary’s “Magnificat”, Zechariah’s “Benedictus” and Simeon’s “Nunc Dimittis”. These songs focus on the hope of Israel’s restoration, the joy of eschatological salvation and identification of Jesus as the promised Davidic Messianic-Saviour. Mary’s song is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, an expression of trust in God. These three songs in Luke’s infancy narratives are full of theology, instructing us on the nature of God and what he has done (e.g., God is Saviour, compassionate, mighty and holy).What about us? Do we have songs that are theologically rich and shape the fabric of our devotional life? Do we have songs that inform us about God’s character and serve to anchor our lives in good times and in challenging times? Reverend Dr David Wong, veteran pastor and respected author and leader in church circles in Singapore, recently shared with a group of pastors that he has a song each year to anchor his life and ministry. This is a wonderful practice as it serves as a compass for God’s guidance and provides comfort and encouragement in times when God’s grace is needed the most. What about you? Do you have some special Scripture or a song or two that mark your life as milestones of God’s grace and goodness? Begin to ask God for these Scriptural texts (that we can memorise) and songs (that we may regularly sing) to mark your life.
Application:

Do I intuitively turn to Scriptures to connect the blessings of God − or indeed
life’s circumstances − to what God is saying to me as a disciple of Christ?

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 grow as authentic disciples, mature in Christlike character and effective in leading others to grow spiritually
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:17, 25-31; 6:1-2
Mon, 5 June 2023

Serving from Babylon to Persia

Observation:

What is the significance of Daniel serving in the Babylonian and Persian
courts successively?

Deeper Reflection
God’s word to Belshazzar that He would “put an end” to his kingdom and give it “over to the Medes and Persians” was fulfilled immediately – “that same night” (v.30) – after Daniel’s interpretation of the inscription on the wall (vv.25-31). God can fulfil His Word immediately or after a long time. Whatever time God may take to fulfil His Word, He is “trustworthy in all His promises and faithful in all He does” (Psa 145:13b, NIV).The demise of the Babylonian hegemony was not just a historical event, but primarily a theological one. Nebuchadnezzar was “My servant” whom God raised to judge His unfaithful people in the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:8-9, 11). When God had accomplished His purpose through Babylon, “I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation” (Jer 25:12). This is how God deals with arrogant and evil nations: “And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” (Isa 13:19).The end of Babylon does not mean an insecure future for Daniel. However drastically our circumstances may change, God’s call for our lives remains when we walk with Him faithfully. We are secure in God’s call, because it is God’s call. Daniel became one of “the three commissioners” in Persia (Dan 6:1-2). It wasn’t that having lost his job Daniel applied to serve the Persian king. Daniel couldn’t do that. It was purely by royal appointment. But behind the “It seemed good to Darius to appoint” (Dan 6:1) was God’s call for Daniel to serve Him from Babylon to Persia.
Application:

How do I relate God’s call for me in drastic changes of my life situations?

Prayer:
Lord, I believe You have a calling for my life which You have intended to be distinctive for me. I want to live my life with a deep sense of answering Your calling. Help me to walk with You faithfully, knowing that as I do so, You will unfold Your plans for me in that calling. Grant me wisdom and understanding to discern Your calling for my life.
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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