Scripture Union Daily Guide 23rd September 2024 (Monday) Devotional Message
Daily Guide Devotional For Today 23rd September 2024 (Monday)
TOPIC: The Ark of God Versus Dagon
OPENING PRAYER: Make my life oh Lord a reflection of you as I study your word.
SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 5:1-12
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
* Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
* Q8: Is there any other Biblical passage that can help me understand this passage better?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 23rd September 2024 Outline
Syncretism (combination of different beliefs or religions) was a common practice among the Philistines. They worship a combination of many idols. Having won the battle against the Israelites, they probably thought it was okay to add the Ark to their display of gods. But they soon found out that the God of the Jews does neither share His glory with any other nor will He allow anyone to dishonour His name. Dagon did not only fall in homage to God, it lost its head and hands too (vs.2-4). There was no doubt which God was in charge!
Dagon was not the only one to suffer – the people were struck down with tumours, probably bubonic plague carried by rats (v.6). At first, they did not acknowledge that this was at the instance of the God of Israel. They moved the ark from city to city. Eventually they were forced to admit that the ark was causing disaster and decided to send it back to Israel (vs.10,11). The Lord, our God reigns supreme.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, please help me not to take your presence in my life for granted.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Jeremiah 33:6
“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 267- Esther 6-10
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 23 SEPTEMBER 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
ISRAEL
And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and in my people and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her nor the voice of crying. Isa. 65:19.
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The total restoration of Israel’s joy and peace as a nation.
‣ The Lord will keep giving them victories in all their battles.
‣ The Lord will increase the leadership with might to secure her territories from external attacks.
‣ The fulfillment of God’s covenant with his people.
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.