2 September 2015

Scriptures:

• Luke 2:1-21
• Daniel 3
• 1 Samuel 20
• Psalm 31

Observations:

In Luke, we have the account of Augustus' census, the birth of Christ, and the arrival of the shepherds. In Daniel, we have the classic story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, their refusal to worship the King's idol, and their protection when thrown into a furnace. In 1 Samuel, we have the story of how Jonathan saved David's life by gauging the temper of his father, Saul, and warning David of the danger. The psalm today is extolling God for being a refuge.

So, we see the coming of Christ, the reward of trusting in Christ and staying faithful, two men's faithfulness to one another before God in looking out for the well-being of the other and the other's family, and a psalm describing God as a refuge.

Application:

Definitely, I see the aspect of clinging to God and seeking refuge in him, to stand firm in my faith in him. I also see a reminder of the coming of Christ and, by the shepherds' reaction, the magnitude of that event. Lastly, I see exhortation for how to show love to my brothers and sisters in Christ through the example of Jonathan. In short, cling to God, stand firm in the faith, remember the magnitude of Christ's coming, and shelter others as God shelters us.

Prayer:

Lord, you know where I stand, with various circumstances and problems that have come up this week. I ask that you would give me the wisdom to navigate through them properly. Help me to cling to you and stand firm in my faith in you, that I might weather this set of circumstances and enable me to also be a shelter for others caught up in this with me.

Amen