Scripture:
1 Samuel 30:9-10, 21-31
Sat, 11 December 2021

Standing United in God’s Purpose

Observation:

What is the significance of David’s acts of dividing the spoil equally among his 600 men (vv.9-10, 21-25) and sending gifts from the spoil to the elders of Judah and his friends (vv.26-31)?

Deeper Reflection
AS 1 SAMUEL DRAWS to a close, David was on his way toward fulfilling God’s call for him to be Israel’s next king (2 Sam 1-2). In his present circumstances, David needed to ensure and establish unity among (vv.21-25) and with (vv.26-31) the people who would follow and support him when he becomes king. Some “wicked and worthless men” among the 400 who fought the Amalekites with David were opposed to his idea of sharing the spoil equally with the 200 who were “too exhausted” to join them in battle (vv.9-10, 21-22). David needed to stop dissensions among his people. He did so by pointing them to God and His grace, that their victory over the Amalekites and the spoil they had acquired was because “the LORD has given us…has kept us and delivered into our hand” (v.23). And he called them to recognise “corporate equality”7, that the one “who goes to battle” and the one “who stays by the baggage” “share alike” (v.24). They were to recognise that “successful military operations require the performance of different tasks” and that “each job is vital to the success of the whole effort”8. This is also true for the Body of Christ in fulfilling God’s purpose (Eph 4:11-16). David sought to strengthen relationships with the elders of Judah and his friends by sending them gifts from the spoil (v.26). Strong relationships, built with humility, gentleness, patience and loving forbearance, are vital to diligent keeping of “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3).
7 Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, The New American Commentary (B & H, 1996), 279
8 Robert D. Bergen, 279

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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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