Scripture Union Daily Guide 16 July 2020
Topic: Political Crises ─ Cause and Effect
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you sanctify my spirit, soul and body as I read your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:19–37
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any prayer for me to remember?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 16 July 2020 Message
Our politicians promise heaven on earth to win an election even though their only interest lies in gaining power by fair or foul means. Also, many of them freely call on the name of God while they’re involved in ungodly practices. Three thousand years before them, Absalom had the same ideas.
Read vv.2–6 and note the steps he took to win the people’s confidence. What makes his case even worse is that he was plotting against his own father (vv.4–6). He did not lack supporters, including one of the king’s trusted counsellors, although many were deceived into joining the crowd (vv.11–12).
Reflect on some other forms of conspiracy in your society or nation. How did David react to the crisis? With blind panic! This is similar to what the prophet Elijah too did when threatened by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1–3). It contrasts markedly, however, with Jesus Christ on the night of his arrest. With quiet dignity, he turned to the Father, requesting him to change the situation, but he was also prepared to suffer if that was what his Father demanded of him (Matthew 26:39).
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• What about us? When crises strike, do we react with panic or with prayer?
1. Pleasant are Thy courts above,
In the land of light and love;
Pleasant are Thy courts below,
In this land of sin and woe;
O, my spirit longs and faints
For the converse of Thy saints,
For the brightness of Thy face,
King of Glory, God of grace.
2. Happy souls, their praises flow
Even in this vale of woe!
Waters in the desert rise,
Manna feeds them from the skies;
On they go from strength to strength,
Till they reach Thy throne at length,
At Thy feet adoring fall,
Who hast led them safe through all.
Prayer Points
• When we must deal with wolves in sheep’s clothing, Lord, please teach us to rely on our Good Shepherd.
• Pray for daily devotional publishers who are helping Christians to meet God daily through bible reading and prayer.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Joshua 1:8
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 18–19; Acts 13:1–25
Scripture Union Daily Guide 16 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