The Compass of a Leader

Introduction

1 Samuel 27 – A tri-focal perspective for clarity and coherence:

A. APPRECIATING THE NARRATIVE HISTORICALLY

B. ASSESSING THE NARRATIVE THEOLOGICALLY
TWO IMPLICATIVE Principles:

1. When God is silent, it doesn’t mean that God is absent!

2. God expects us to use the faculties that He has already given to us!

C. APPROPRIATING THE NARRATIVE PERSONALLY

Application 1. Put God in the equation of your life!

Application 2. Master your inner script!

Application 3. When you have nowhere to run to, you must know where to run!

Conclusion.

Knowing God is the key!

Daily Devotional Journal

Scripture:
Daniel 2:36-39, 44-45; 3:1-2

Tue, 21 March 2023

God’s History or Your History?

Observation:

What is the difference between the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream
(Dan 2:31-33, 38) and the statue that Nebuchadnezzar made (Dan 3:1)?

Deeper Reflection
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream troubled him so much that he had sleepless nights (Dan 2:1). And he was so desperate to know its true meaning that he made an unreasonable demand on his wise men that was impossible to meet, and he would destroy them all should they fail in the task (Dan 2:5, 10-12). But now that Daniel had made known to him both the content and the meaning of his dream, it was a great relief – given by God – for the king.After that, Nebuchadnezzar “made a statue (selem ²² ) of gold” (Dan 3:1). God had revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in his dream His plan of world history, which is symbolised by “a single great statue (selem)” (Dan 2:31). The statue is made up of a golden head, silver arms, bronze thighs, and iron legs with feet made up of a mixture of iron and clay (Dan 2:32-33). God said to Nebuchadnezzar clearly: “You are the head of gold” (v.39). But Nebuchadnezzar rejected God’s plan of world history. He did not want to be just a “head of gold”. He wanted to be a “statue of gold”! God said to him, “After you there will arise another kingdom”, symbolised by the silver arms (v.39). As a “statue of gold”, there is no such thing as “after you” for Nebuchadnezzar. And the shattering stone outside human control, representing God’s everlasting Kingdom (vv.44-45), was ignored and forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar the “statue of gold” was resisting the supreme kingship of God. What foolish and futile arrogance!Do you want God’s history for your life or do you want to write your own history?

²² In Aramaic

Application:

How do I deal with my not wanting to be just a “head of gold” but a “statue
of gold”?

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 pastors and staff: To be highly conscious of God’s story in their lives
Pray for significant people
Pray for those in need
Pray for self

The Compass of a Leader

Add Covenant Evangelical Free Church to your Homescreen!

Daily Devotional Journal

God’s History or Your History?

²² In Aramaic

DJ – 3 月2023 年

The Compass of a Leader

Add Covenant Evangelical Free Church to your Homescreen!

Daily Devotional Journal

God’s History or Your History?

22 In Aramaic

DJ – 3 月2023 年

²² In Aramaic