Scripture:
1 Samuel 22:11-19; 2:27-36
Fri, 17 September 2021

Truthfulness of God’s Word Proven

Observation:

What is the significance of Saul’s slaughter of the priests (vv.18-19) in the light of 1 Samuel 2:27-36?

Deeper Reflection
AHIMELECH, THE PRIEST of the LORD, defended his innocence when Saul charged him of conspiring with David against him: “May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, for I knew nothing at all of any plot against you” (vv.13-15, NLT). But Saul still ordered Doeg to kill the priests of the LORD (v.18). While Saul’s slaughter of the priests was unjust and brutal, one cannot look at it without recalling the prophecy of 1 Samuel 2:30-36 (especially 1 Sam 2:31-33).30 Doeg’s butchery of the priests fulfilled the word of God against the house of Eli – spoken perhaps 40 or 50 years before.31 Ahimelech and the priests were Eli’s descendants. But God was not the author of this evil. God holds Saul and Doeg fully responsible for daring to kill “the priests of the LORD”. But in their wicked slaughter of God’s priests they nevertheless fulfilled the word of God. “God’s enemies prove the truthfulness of His word. In their hostility against Him they carry out His will.”32 This truth is “clear even if mysterious; it is plain though not simple”33. This mysterious divine sovereign way was demonstrated on the cross. It was God’s enemies who crucified Jesus, but it was “by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God” that Jesus was “delivered over” to be crucified (Acts 2:23). God will keep His word, be it His word of judgment or consolation. God’s Word is truthful as God Himself is faithful (cf. Heb 11:11).
30 Dale Ralph Davis, 227 31 Dale Ralph Davis, 227 32 Dale Ralph Davis, 228 33 Dale Ralph Davis, 228
Application:

In what ways do I live my life by the truthfulness of the Word of God?

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 SGI leaders: To live faithfully by the trustworthy Word of God
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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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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