Scripture Union Daily Guide 27th May 2021, Thursday Message
TOPIC: Misunderstood Intention
Opening Prayer: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 19:1-19
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow? • What is God revealing to me in this passage?
We again have a situation where David’s good intention was misunderstood. Nahash had shown David kindness (probably when David was running from King Saul), so David wanted to reciprocate that kindness to Hanun (v.2).
Notice how Hanun responded and why (vs.3-4). Hanun acted foolishly based on the counsel of his advisers. We need to sift counsels that we receive through the word of God and the help of the Holy Spirit before acting on them, to avoid this kind of foolish action and its repercussions.
What do you think of the Ammonites’ action in v.6? What should they have done instead to avert the war, destruction and waste of national resources that followed (vs.7-17)? Every time we refuse to acknowledge our errors, we are behaving like the Ammonites. Many family, business, church, ethno-religious, and political crises will be averted if we would simply acknowledge our mistakes, apologise and seek peace (cf. Hebrews 12:14-15).
Read vs.9-14 again. What lessons can we learn from the way Joab organised and fought the war?
Practice/Word Application
• And So: Be quick to hear but slow to act.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Dear heavenly Father, give me grace to willingly accept my error and seek peace when I am offended. • Praise God for who He is – the King of kings, Almighty, Holy and Righteous, all Powerful, Unchangeable, Kind and Merciful beyond measure, beautiful for every situation.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• 2 Kings 15-16; Matt. 14:22-36
Scripture Union Daily Guide 27th May 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.