Scripture Union Daily Guide 6 July 2020
Topic: A Soured Relationship
Opening Prayer: Help me dear Lord to meet with you as I meditate on your word in Jesus name
Scripture: 2 Samuel 10:1–19
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
David wanted to show kindness to Hanun in return for the kindness of his father, Nahash. What did David do in v.2b? In this, David did not enquire of the Lord since the Ammonites were an enemy nation. Although Nahash showed kindness to David during his exile, see what he had wanted to do to Israel in 1 Samuel 11:1–3. David’s genuine gesture was misunderstood, and his men were very badly treated, utterly disgraced (vv.4–5).
Why was Hanun so easily influenced by his advisers? It is important to be careful what advice you listen to, especially when you are in leadership position. So many people have become innocent victims because leaders (in church and state) have been wrongly advised. Some advice is based on the counsellor’s selfish ambition. Are you guilty of offering wrong advice or a victim of this? D
avid sent to console his disgraced ambassadors (v.5) but mustered his army against the impending attack of Hanun and his Syrian allies. Instead of waging a war, what should have been the honourable thing for Hanun to do when he realised his mistake? His continued foolishness led to their total defeat (vv.13–19). How often are we like him?
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• And so: Decide today, to restore all soured and ungodly relationships with people even when you are right.
Prayer Points
• Lord, give me wisdom to know what advice to take.
• Pray for the conversion of unbelieving members of your family and extended family. Pray that God will send them witnesses they can believe.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Proverbs 26:2
Read the Bible in one Year
Deut. 30–31; Acts 7:22–43
Scripture Union Daily Guide 6 July 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, 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.