Scripture:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-19
Mon, 23 May 2022

The Source of Injustice

Observation:

What resulted from Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience to God’s command?

Deeper Reflection
THIS WEEK LEADS UP TO NEW LIFE FRIENDS’ DAY. AS WE reflect on social justice, we recognise that there is a significant amount of injustice around us, such as poverty, discrimination, neglect, bullying, violence, abuse and exploitation. God requires us to do good works, even as we uphold the centrality and indispensability of the Gospel for God’s redeeming and transforming work in the lives of people. Let us start by considering the source of injustice.Human beings are created in the image of God.40 As God’s image-bearers, we are unique among God’s creatures. We have God-given capacities to relate to God and to serve Him by ruling over the rest of creation as His vice-regents.41 God, the King of creation, is good, benevolent and kind. His intention is to bless humankind and all living creatures, and provide for their needs and flourishing.42But God’s good design was corrupted by sin − humankind’s rebellion and disobedience against God’s rule and command (vv.15-17; Gen 3:1-6). Everything went downhill from there. We started to experience shame and guilt.43 As a result of the corruption of sin, humankind experienced pain in life and work, as well as physical death (Gen 3:16-19); depravity from idolatry (Rom 1:21-32); a violence-filled earth (Gen 6:11-12); and a broken created order (Rom 8:19-22). Further, all kinds of injustice began to characterise human relations and experience, such as envy, anger, murder and revenge killing.44 People had great wickedness and their thoughts devised nothing but evil all the time.45 Clearly, therefore, the source of injustice is sin, the fall of humankind. And ultimately the solution is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.46
40 Genesis 1:26-27. When God the Creator created the universe, the earth, vegetation and living creatures, He saw that it was good (Gen 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21 and 25). After God created humankind − the pinnacle of creation − He saw that all that He had created was very good (Gen 1:31). 41 Genesis 1:26, 28. 42 Genesis 1:22, 28, 29-30. 43 This can be seen in Adam and Eve’s attempts to cover their naked bodies from each other’s sight and hide physically from God’s presence (Gen 3:7-8. Cf. Gen 2:25). 44 Genesis 4:8, 23-24. 45 Genesis 6:5. 46 Romans 1:16-17.
Application:

How do the sinfulness and fallenness of humankind inform my views regarding the source of and solution for injustice in society and the world?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the forgiveness of my sins when I put my faith in Jesus. On account of His atoning sacrifice on the cross, You have declared me righteous in Your sight. I am a new creation in Christ and have eternal life in Him.37 I no longer face condemnation and have crossed over from death to life.38 I praise You with all my heart for the salvation I have in Christ!39 Amen.
37 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:16. 38 Romans 8:1; John 5:24. 39 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.
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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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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