Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th February 2021 for Thursday Message
Topic: Working for Growth and Continuity of the Church
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, may the entrance of your word bring light and life to all I will do today.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:5-19
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any command for me to obey? • Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 18th February 2021 Message
Notice the purpose of levirate marriage – (meaning – a marriage between a widow and her deceased husband’s brother) in Israel (vs.5-6)? The only way a person was recognised in Israel was through his lineage (vs.6-7). Remember that everything that happened in the Old Testament was a shadow and a preparatory ground for the reality manifested in the New Testament (Colossians 2:17).
Observe the shameful treatment to be meted out to the man who refuses to carry out his responsibility to his late brother (vs.7-10; Genesis 38:9-10). What do you think of the punishment prescribed in vs.11-12? Disobedience to the Word of God attracts punishment both on this earth and in eternity. Although these laws are not applicable directly to us as New Testament believers, the principles are.
Each Christian should work for the growth and continuity of the Church. If we shy away from our responsibilities or attack and injure one another spiritually, we will hinder the growth and continuity of the church. Think of actions that can be injurious to the church and other believers that we must avoid. See what we are commanded to do in Rom. 14: 19. Read vs.13-16 again.
In some cultures, cheating is considered as being “smart” if you do it and get away with it. The Lord detests dishonesty in all its forms (Leviticus 19:35-36; Proverbs 11:1). As believers, we cannot like or promote what God detests.
Practice/Word Application
• For further study: Read the full account of Tamar and Judah in Genesis 38 and the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:3.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, help me to always work for the growth and progress of the body of Christ by my daily actions and relationship with others. • Pray against sexual exploitation and religious intimidation in IDP/refugee camps; pray for the Christians among them to withstand such pressures; also ask for adequate provision and protection in these facilities.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• Ex. 4-6; Mark 15:26-47
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.