Scripture Union Daily Guide 14 July 2020
Topic: Unrepentant Sinner
Please support 5dailydevotional.com so we can continue publishing impactful and uplifting content daily. GIVE HERE
Opening Prayer: As I read your word O Lord, grant me an insight and grace to do your will in Jesus name.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 14: 25–33
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 14 July 2020 Message
The Bible teaches us that repentance comes before forgiveness. We have the good example of Zacchaeus in the New Testament. He did not only turn away from his evil ways but decided to do restitution ─ repay all the people he had wronged; and then Jesus declared him forgiven (Luke 19:1–10). The man whom Joab brought back home by his clever trick was different. He did not admit that he had done anything wrong and yet he wanted to be fully restored, to be in good standing with the king whose son he had killed! He was a vain man with a habit of grooming himself in a manner we would normally associate with a lady, (v.26).
David’s refusal to accommodate him in the royal court implied that he did not consider him as heir to the throne and had not granted him total forgiveness. This will account for his desperation. Notice the criminal method he used to compel Joab to intervene with the king on his behalf, (v.30). It worked, because the king did not hold him to account. God is not like that. He loves sinners and longs for them to return to him. That is why he took upon himself our punishment on the cross. If we refuse to repent, however, God punishes sin!
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• For reflection: Why do you think that God insists on repentance before forgiveness? (See Isaiah 30:15; 2 Chronicles 7:14).
Prayer Points
• Help me, dear Lord, to always take responsibility for my sins and turn from them in full repentance.
• Pray for yourself to be a faithful steward of time, talents, gifts, resources, power and influence God has entrusted to you.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Deuteronomy 11:14
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 13–15; Acts 11
Scripture Union Daily Guide 14 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.
