What was the common theme occurring in what were said by Priest Jethro, King Davidand Apostle Paul across today’s three passages?
JETHRO REMINDED Moses about his strategic spiritual leadership responsibility over Israel. David prayed for personal deliverance and guidance. Paul exhorted the Ephesian Christians to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the church. Three different messages by three different leaders, in three different contexts and in three different eras. Yet they held a common perspective and a shared value that must also define our discipleship today. Be it our discipleship in the marketplace, family or life in general, a biblical and godly mandate and mission must anchor and energise us. The mandate is the way in which we are to walk as Christian disciples − to do so in a manner worthy of God’s calling for us in Christ. The mission is the work we are to do as God’s people − to do God’s will in and through our life and vocation. Mandate is the alignment of one’s life to God. Mission is the assignment God has for us. However, mandate must precede mission and mission must proceed from mandate. In other words, our being validates our doing and our doing verifies our being. “I must first BE, then I can DO” is a fallacy. The principle of our mandate (being) preceding our mission (doing) is not a matter of sequence but of substance. As we walk in the Lord authentically, we work for the Lord intentionally! As we work for the Lord, we grow in our walk in the Lord! Our mandate cradles our mission. Authentic inside-out discipleship always expresses itself through, and is always marked by, intentional outside-in endeavours. Can you see this clearly in the context of marketplace discipleship?1
What changes do I need to make in my attitudes towards my mandate (being) and my mission (doing) as a Jesus-follower in the marketplace?
Dear Lord, please tutor me in Your ways, so that I may know how to walk in a manner worthy of my calling in Christ. Grant me a deep desire to live in full obedience and faithfulness to You. And in all the work that I do, whether in the marketplace or at home, please help me to discern and do Your will even when it costs me much. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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What significant observations can you make about Daniel being called “man of high esteem” (vv.11, 19)?
What does being highly esteemed by God mean to me?
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