Scripture Union Daily Guide 30 July 2020
Topic: Keep the Charge of the Lord Your God
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, fill me with the power of the Holy Ghost as I study your word.
Scripture: 1 Kings 2:1–25
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 30 July 2020 Message
Death has been described as the most democratic event. It happens to everyone regardless of who you are. David, by his statement in v.2 appears fully prepared to depart. What steps are you taking to be prepared when your time to die comes? Notice King David’s final advice to his son (vv.2–4).
It is still good advice for us today. David did not take God’s promises for granted. He was aware that it depends on a condition and took care to draw the attention of Solomon to that condition in v.4. It is however unfortunate that David would teach his young son to avenge in a time of peace crimes committed in a time of war (vv.5&8). Shimei, in particular, had begged for forgiveness and David had promised he would not be killed (2 Samuel 19:23).
So, this final act of vengeance is a sad blot on David’s character. How faithfully the Bible portrays our heroes of faith as fallible human beings like the rest of us. This is the reason we should not follow anyone but Christ. Adonijah makes a true statement in v.15. However, his request for Abishag had a hidden motive. Taking possession of the harem of a deceased king signified the right to succession. Solomon understood Adonijah’s request as a way of gaining the throne through the back door, hence the execution of Adonijah.
Practice/Word Application
• And so: Like Solomon, our leaders often make difficult decisions affecting people’s lives.
HYMN – Jesus, keep me near the cross
1. Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Refrain
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
2. Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.
Prayer Points
• Pray for God’s wisdom for your leaders now.
• Pray to walk in the power that raised Jesus from the dead.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with 1 John 4:4
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 54–56; Acts 21:1–17
Scripture Union Daily Guide 30 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.