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 7:13-18, 25-27; 11:29-36
Sat, 2 December 2023

The Triumph

Observation:

What characterises the triumph of God’s people in tribulations under tyrants?

Deeper Reflection
God’s people living under tyrants and suffering tribulations under them can triumph – whether we are delivered from or destroyed in tribulation. The triumph rests on a threefold confidence.We know the conclusion of evil. It is repeated in manifold ways in Daniel that evil that comes through inhuman kings – no matter how great and how long – will definitely come to an end: “he will be broken” (Dan 8:25), “he will be found no more” (Dan 11:19), “yet he will come to his end” (Dan 11:45) and “all these events will be completed” (Dan 12:7).We know God’s calling for us: To be a suffering people – to be captured, plundered, burned or killed (Dan 11:33). But in our suffering, we can be strong as “people who know their God” (Dan 11:32), knowing that God is purging and purifying us to become a sanctified (Dan 11:35; 12:10) and shining people who “shine brightly” with heavenly brightness in the hostile world (Dan 12:3). And we will be a steadfast people who “keep waiting and attain to the 1,335 days” (Dan 12:12) – until we become a sovereign people who “receive and possess the kingdom forever” from “the Ancient of Days” (vv.13-14, 18, 27).We know who is in control. The tribulations under the tyrants in Daniel 7 to 12 are all subject to and subsumed under “that which is decreed will be done” (Dan 11:36; 9:26, 27) “at the appointed time” (Dan 11:27, 29, 35).We conclude Daniel with this theological-discipleship summary statement: We can triumph in tribulations under tyrants when we trust with tenacity in the One who is on the throne.
Application:

How can I triumph in tribulations?

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 Church Board: To grow in the faith and perseverance of overcomers in Christ
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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