Scripture:
Mark 15:1-5
Mon, 11 April 2022

Willingly Led to the Slaughter

Observation:

Why do you think Jesus “made no further answer” and did not try to defend Himself in the face of many accusations and charges?

Deeper Reflection
THIS WEEK WE WILL READ THE PASSION NARRATIVE IN Mark’s account of the Gospel and reflect on the journey of our Lord Jesus Christ to the cross and beyond. His trial, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. You cannot miss the dramatic twist of events in this final week. It was marked by the brutal irony of people’s extreme and absurd responses to Him. From Palm Sunday to Good Friday. From “Hosanna!” to “Crucify Him!” Adoration to condemnation. Waving palm leaves in their hands to driving cruel nails into His. The crowds following Him to everyone deserting Him. How do we make sense of this apparent madness?In The God Who is There, D.A. Carson wrote that “the man who is utterly powerless is transcendently powerful”16. Concerning the final week, all the parallel accounts in the Gospels consistently portrayed a reckless, almost irresponsible, passivity on the part of Jesus. He did not resist arrest or defend Himself. Betrayed by Judas, deserted by all His disciples, delivered to His enemies, denied by Peter, condemned by His people and ultimately even forsaken by His Father. Was everything out of control? Certainly not! Jesus could have availed Himself of more than twelve legions of angels, but chose not to (Matt 26:53-54). The Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29) could not be more focused on fulfilling His mission on earth than here in these final steps to His slaughter at the cross. Under the mighty hand of God, the very powerlessness of Jesus was His very power. People may see a senseless slaughter. But the Lamb saw His holy altar.
16 D.A. Carson, The God Who Is There (Baker Books, 2010), 156.
Application:

How can I learn to be focused on my God-given mission despite the trials and temptations that come my way?

Prayer:
O Lord, by Your grace, please make what seems to be impossible (in light of human nature) be possible for me. You know how little I am able to bear and how quickly I become discouraged when adversity rises up against me. Whatever trials may come upon me, help me to view them as pleasing and acceptable, for to suffer and be tested is exceedingly beneficial to my soul. Amen.15
15 Adapted from James N. Watkins, Thomas à Kempis’s The Imitation of Christ—Classic Devotions in Today’s Language (Worthy Inspired, 2015), 100.
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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