Scripture Union Daily Guide 29 April 2021, Thursday Message
TOPIC: The Fruit of Unfaithfulness
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Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 10:1-14
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES
King David is the Old Testament symbol of Jesus Christ, the King of kings. The Chronicler was writing primarily for the benefit of the Jews who had returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. They already knew the story of 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings. His purpose was not merely to retell the story but to emphasise certain themes in it, the themes that would help them re-establish true worship in Israel, and to aspire to the ancient glory of kingship. This, for instance, is why he ignores the Northern Kingdom after the reign of Solomon. Find time to read the first nine chapters. These consist of the family trees in a summary form, from Adam up to the generation of Micah, the grandson of King Saul (9:39-40). Our reading starts where the actual narratives of the Chronicles begin, on the battlefield, where King Saul was killed.
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow? • Is there any warning for me to heed?
The Israelites suffered total defeat in the hands of the Philistines. Saul, the man anointed by God to be the first king over His people Israel, killed himself to avoid being captured by his enemies. A very sad end indeed! See also what the Philistines did to Saul’s corpse (vs.8-10) and imagine what they would have done to him if he were to be captured alive!
Read 1 Samuel 13:8-14 to find out why he came to such a terrible end. He chose to please himself rather than God. Here is a warning for every child of God. Think seriously about vs.13-14 and remember that Saul’s unfaithfulness brought disaster to his whole house (v.6) and the entire people of God (v.7).
Saul consulted a medium for guidance. Some Christians are not aware that it is sinful to consult people who practice spiritism, stars gazers, palm readers, etc, to find out about the future, but God’s word is against these practices. See Deuteronomy 18:9-15.
God has given us Jesus Christ through whom we can be in constant touch with the Father. Let us listen to Him alone. Notice the courage and zeal exhibited by the men of Jabesh Gilead (vs.11-12). How such men of courage are needed today to stand for the course of Christ and defend many people of God who are callously maltreated everywhere.
Practice/Word Application
• So: Never consult any medium for guidance.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Pray for God’s help to always be faithful to Him so that He will establish His purpose in your life. • Pray against the syndrome of sit-tight leadership in some countries.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Num. 5-6; Rev. 16
Scripture Union Daily Guide 29 April 2021. 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.
