Scripture:
Nehemiah 4:1-9
Thu, 5 January 2023

The Generations on Our Knees: Our Real Fight

Observation:

How did Nehemiah (vv.4, 9) and God’s people (vv.6, 9) respond to the
opposition, intimidation, threats and challenges of rebuilding the broken
walls of Jerusalem?

Deeper Reflection
Seeing the concerted efforts of God’s people in the rebuilding project, Sanballat became very angry and fired five derisive questions to discourage them from continuing the work.3 Nehemiah responded to the opposition with prayer. Nehemiah’s prayer (v.5) did not stem from the desire for revenge but was uttered for the honour of God, who was the real object of the enemies’ insults.4 Facing fierce opposition, the rebuilding project should have been thwarted. Yet the faithfulness, diligence and resilience of God’s people enabled them to finish rebuilding the walls. They were deeply anchored in their faith in God.5Today, building the “broken walls” among the generations within the church and in society requires all of us to lean on God, pray unceasingly and continue the work faithfully. The evil one will oppose the Church with division, deception, discouragement and distraction. So let us get on our knees in humility, stand firm in faith and move forward in love to rebuild the “broken walls” among the generations for His glory.For we (the generations)6 do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12).
3 Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III, ed., Old Testament, vol. 1 of NIV Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 709. 4 ESV Bibles by Crossway, ESV: study Bible: English standard version., ESV ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008), 831 5 ESV Bibles by Crossway, ESV: study Bible: English standard version., ESV ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008), 831 6 The words in parentheses were inserted by the writer of today’s entry.
Application:

How should you respond to the opposition, intimidation, threats and
challenges of building the generations in the Church and in society?

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 Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To lead our church to proclaim the Gospel wherever God plants us
  • 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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