Scripture Union Daily Guide 10 May 2020
Topic: It is Good to Serve the Lord
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, fill me with the power of the Holy Ghost as I study your word.
Scripture: Jeremiah 40: 1–16
Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 10 May 2020 Outline:
In today’s text, Gedaliah, a Jew, the son of Ahikam was appointed Governor of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, while Jeremiah is released from bondage by Nebuzaradan, the commander of the Babylonian army. We observe that these men Jeremiah, Nebuzaradan and Gedaliah were true to their callings. Nebuzaradan as commander of the army ministered to Jeremiah through his words of encouragement (vv.2–3).
It seems that this man, Nebuzaradan, may have had some faith in, or knowledge of, God or at least he allowed himself to be used by God. He was also used by God to show Jeremiah favour and to give him good advice and provisions (vv.4–5).
Jeremiah followed the advice and went to live with Gedaliah. Gedaliah however did not follow the warning he was given (vv.13–14). This was later to lead to his downfall. Do you listen to advice? It is good to listen to advice.
However, we need to consider carefully the source and import of the advice to know whether it is in line with God’s word. See Proverbs 19:20.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• So What: These men demonstrated faithfulness in the discharge of their various responsibilities. They served with passion and love. Let us, like them, serve the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Patience
Patience is the ability to bear sufferings, difficulties or hardships without complaints. It denotes endurance, lenience, forbearance, fortitude or long suffering. It describes a person who has the power to exercise revenge but instead exercises self– control. This attribute is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit fully controls the life of a Christian, He (the Holy Spirit) produces this grace in him or her.
Prayer Points
• Grant me, dear Lord, wisdom to identify godly advice and the humble spirit to accept and act upon it.
• Thank God and pray for Scripture Union (SU), Children Evangelism Ministry (CEM) and other specialized ministries to Children and youths.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with John 14:13
Read the Bible in one Year
Jonah; Matt. 5:27–48
