September Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

September

2020 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Mark 9 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

2020

September

Mark 9 35

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Also available at www.cefc.org.sg and “Covenant EFC” mobile app.

Memory

Verses 20

January

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” MARK 1:11 (ESV)

February

And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” MARK 1:38 (ESV)

March

And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” MARK 2:17 (ESV)

April

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. MARK 3:14–15 (ESV)

May

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. MARK 6:34 (ESV)

4 // © 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H

June

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” MARK 8:34 (ESV)

July

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it. MARK 8:35 (ESV)

August

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? MARK 8:36–37 (ESV)

Septmber

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” MARK 9:35 (ESV)

October

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” MARK 10:29–30 (ESV)

November

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” MARK 10:45 (ESV)

December

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” MARK 14:36 (ESV)

Foreword

by Senior Pastors

20 20 WE WILL NEVER graduate from our personal discipleship. We must always return to the basics and fundamentals! But we must also ask God to take us to new heights.

YEAR OF GREATER DISCIPLESHIP

o as Senior Pastors, we will lead Covenant EFC in 2020 into a Year of Greater Discipleship to: • take our Personal Discipleship deeper (keep digging into God’s Word and obey Him); • take our Family Discipleship higher (keep modelling Jesus and grow together); and • take our Disciplemaking further (keep sharing our faith and disciple others). We believe that the Gospel of Mark ia an appropriate book to study together as a church to grow towards Greater Discipleship. Uniquely, Mark was the first Gospel written and the shortest one. It was written for a

Roman audience and moves very quickly with various snapshots of the Servant King’s ministry. What is intriguing is that it was written by John Mark. We first see John Mark in Acts 12. Thereafter, he went on a missionary trip with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 12:25; 13:5,13, but for whatever reasons, John dropped out halfway. When we come to Acts 15:36-39, we witness the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over taking John Mark on the second missionary trip. Because of him, the two spiritual giants parted company. This is the John Mark whom scholars believed wrote the Gospel of Mark through his close relationship with Peter. How amazing it is that John Mark who was regarded by Paul as a dropout and failure was used by God to write the very first Gospel! This only goes to demonstrate that it is not about us, but about the grace and

power of God. That sealed our decision to preach through the Gospel of Mark for 2020. May God greatly bless you as you use this Devotional Journal to spend time daily in worship, prayer, Bible reading, reflection and application. Our prayer for you is reflected in this very old song, “Day by day, O dear Lord, three things I pray — to see You more clearly, love You more dearly and follow You more closely, day by day!” St. Francis of Assisi wrote: “Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Whether it’s about our personal life, family, work or church discipleship, the wisdom of this quote applies. Let us grow in Greater Discipleship together! In Christ, Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo

St Francis of Assisi

“Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Guide To Using

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

PREPARE YOUR HEART IN GOD’S PRESENCE • Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed. • Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge God’s presence. Centre down. • Begin with a song of worship. Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided.) • Ask God to open your heart to hear Him.

The English Standard Version (ESV) is the default Bible version translation unless otherwise specified.

SOMETHING TO PONDER Examining your life is essential in your faith journey. Your redeemed life as a disciple of Christ deserves careful examining. May you take root and bear fruit in Him!

Step Two

ALLOW GOD TO S.O.A.P. YOU WITH HIS WORD AND SPIRIT • Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you. • Observation – Jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. You may use the guiding questions provided. The “Deeper Reflection” section is to aid your contemplation of the Scripture. It is not to replace your own observation, for the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scripture to you as you seek Him earnestly. • Application – Note down a specific and practical commitment to God’s Word for you. Is there a command to obey, a sin to avoid, an example to follow, or a principle to live out? Where appropriate, share your devotional entry with someone. • Prayer – Bring your heartfelt response to God in prayer. PRAYER POINTERS FOR 2020

We have provided prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff every Tuesday and for the Generations every Wednesday. Every Thursday, a prayer pointer is included for Outreach/ Missions/New Life Leaders. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for SGI Leaders (e.g. Zone Mentors, CG Leaders and Assistant CG Leaders). A prayer pointer for Church Board Members is included every Saturday. Please pray for each group as well as any specific individuals whom God may bring to your mind.

T H E

C H U R C H

B E Y O N D

Pray for Indochina Luke 11:9 (ESV)

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

esus went on to expound that if earthly fathers will give what is good to their children when asked, how much more will the heavenly Father give to us His children. However, in Luke 11:13, He did not go on to say that the Father will give us our earthly desires when we ask, but instead the Holy Spirit. During these troubled times in the midst of the pandemic, many of us may be desperately praying for our lives and livelihood. Nothing wrong with that, but let us cultivate Kingdom-mindedness. Ask for the Holy Spirit and for Him to lead us to ask, seek and knock for the nations; for those in our surrounding countries who desperately need Jesus, not just for their livelihood, but for their eternity.

Pray 1. For Nepal. For God’s grace and mercy. Nepal needs God’s intervention during this pandemic. Many people have lost their jobs, businesses and daily wages. Pastors have been hearing about increasing cases of suicide, rape, and violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. That the church will be able to effectively reach out to its members and the community via online platforms amid the challenge of unstable internet access. 2. For Thailand. For wisdom and discernment for pastors and leaders to disciple and mentor their members during these challenging times. Many people have lost their income and suicide rates are rising. For peace of heart and mind and for believers across Thailand to continue in their faith and to bless their communities. 3. For Vietnam. For our two partner churches in Hanoi. That God will develop spiritual depth in the church leaders and for unity among them. For the Lord’s provision for their daily needs. For God to raise up more church-planters and enable more churches to be planted. 4. For Myanmar. For the Hessed Community Church to be able to reach out and assist the 5,000 households in their slum community. For jobs and incomes to return. Wisdom for the church leaders to establish an online presence for the benefit of many people who own smartphones.

Worship Songs

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

LET THERE BE LIGHT

September-October

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD Verse 1 The splendour of the King, clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice Chorus How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, all will see How great, how great is our God Verse 2 Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands Beginning and the end, beginning and the end The Godhead, three in one: Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb Bridge Name above all names Worthy of all praise My heart will sing “How great is our God!” Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jesse Reeves © 2004 Wondrously Made Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)); sixsteps Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4348399 CCLI License # 324618

AMAZING GRACE MY CHAINS ARE GONE Verse 1 Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found Was blind, but now I see Verse 2 T’was grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Chorus My chains are gone, I’ve been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy rains Unending love, Amazing Grace Verse 3 The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures Verse 4 The earth shall soon dissolve like snow The sun forbear to shine But God, who called me here below Will be forever mine Chris Tomlin | John Newton | Louie Giglio © 2006 sixsteps Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4768151 CCLI License # 324618

HOW GREAT THOU ART Verse 1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath made I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed Chorus Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee: How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee: How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Verse 2 When through the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze Verse 3 And when I think that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin Verse 4 When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then shall I bow in humble adoration And there proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” Stuart Wesley Keene Hine © 1949 and 1953 Stuart K. Hine Trust (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 14181 CCLI License # 324618

GREAT ARE YOU LORD Verse You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore every heart that is broken And great are You, Lord Chorus It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only Bridge And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord (Repeat) David Leonard | Jason Ingram | Leslie Jordan © 2012 Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Open Hands Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6460220 CCLI License # 324618

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

IN CHRIST ALONE Verse 1 In Christ alone, my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand Verse 2 In Christ alone! Who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live Verse 3 There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory Sinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His, and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ

Verse 4 No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand: Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand Keith Getty | Stuart Townend © 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 3350395 CCLI License # 324618

I GIVE YOU MY HEART Verse This is my desire To honour You Lord, with all my heart I worship You All I have within me I give You praise All that I adore Is in You Chorus Lord, I give You my heart I give You my song I live for you alone Every breath that I take Every moment I’m awake Lord, have Your way in me Reuben Morgan © 1995 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 1866132 CCLI License # 324618

O PRAISE THE NAME (ANÁSTASIS) Verse 1 I cast my mind to Calvary Where Jesus bled and died for me I see His wounds, His hands, His feet My Saviour on that cursed tree Verse 2 His body bound and drenched in tears They laid Him down in Joseph’s tomb The entrance sealed by heavy stone Messiah still and all alone Chorus O praise the Name of the Lord our God O praise His Name forevermore For endless days we will sing Your praise Oh Lord, oh Lord our God Verse 3 Then on the third at break of dawn The Son of heaven rose again O trampled death, where is your sting? The angels roar for Christ the King Verse 4 He shall return in robes of white The blazing sun shall pierce the night And I will rise among the saints My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face Benjamin Hastings | Dean Ussher | Marty Sampson © 2015 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7037787 CCLI License # 324618

YOU ARE GOD ALONE Verse 1 You are not a god Created by human hands You are not a god Dependent on any mortal man You are not a god In need of anything we can give By Your plan, that’s just the way it is Chorus You are God alone From before time began You were on Your throne You are God alone And right now In the good times and bad You are on Your throne You are God alone Verse 2 You’re the only God Whose power none can contend You’re the only God Whose name and praise will never end You’re the only God Who’s worthy of everything we can give You are God That’s just the way it is Bridge Unchangeable Unshakable Unstoppable That’s what You are Billy J. Foote | Cindy Foote © 2004 Billy Foote Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4243463 CCLI License # 324618

HERE I AM TO WORSHIP Verse 1 Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness Opened my eyes, let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You Chorus Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me Verse 2 King of all days, all so highly exalted Glorious in heaven above Humbly You came to the earth You created All for love’s sake became poor Bridge I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross Tim Hughes © 2000 Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For Use Solely With The Songselect Terms Of Use. All Rights Reserved. Www.Ccli.Com CCLI Song # 3266032 CCLI License # 324618

MIGHTY TO SAVE Verse 1 Everyone needs compassion Love that’s never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Saviour The hope of nations Chorus Saviour, He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever, Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave Verse 2 So take me as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender Bridge Shine your light and let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory of the risen King Jesus Ben Fielding | Reuben Morgan © 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 4591782 CCLI License # 324618

Notes

CELEBRATING

Y EAR S

of God’s faithfulness The global pandemic environment will be very different and very difficult as COVID-19’s reverberations exact their toll on everyday lives, relationships, livelihoods and economies all across the world. As Covenant EFC celebrates her 42nd Anniversary this week, all of us are trying to cope with the immense impact of COVID-19 in our “Year of Greater Discipleship”.

s Christ’s disciples in our local church family and as an Intentional Disciplemaking Church (IDMC), we may have been used to canoeing the rivers, but now we have to learn to canoe the mountains of a COVID-19 environment. To do so, we must remain as one IDMC family and stay true to our IDMC calling. Our relationship with God and with one another must be deepened and strengthened. Our spiritual compass must point to the true north of Jesus Christ the Son of God, so that we will keep looking to “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2). We must “hold fast the confession of our hope” (Heb 10:23) in Christ and reproduce disciples of A Certain Kind, in order to multiply them to win the world for Christ. Without wavering in the face of adversity, we are to “stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb 10:24-25). But who must hold fast to us so that we can “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Heb 10:23)? God the faithful One must hold fast to us, otherwise we will waver, stumble and fall. We are dependent on God. In humble dependence, we must go to God in fervent prayer for our church, families and ourselves. In His steadfast love and faithfulness, God will hear and answer us. By His grace and power, God will enable us to hold fast, stand united and emerge victorious! It will not be our own efforts alone, no matter how intelligent we think we are or how inventive we imagine ourselves to be. The amounts of our resilience and resources will not secure our future. Our self-help will not ensure our unity, integrity, perseverance and deliverance. We must depend on God who alone is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa 46:1). May God by His grace and empowering Spirit work mightily in us, so that we may grow in godliness and glorify Him with spiritually transformed lives that are fully committed to His mission in the world! Happy 42nd Anniversary, Covenant Family!

20 20

Canoeing the Mountains

TUESDAY 1 September

S CRIPTURE Joshua 1:1-9; Isaiah 43:18-19

O B S E RVAT I O N What would you imagine to be some new things that the Israelites experienced as they entered the Promised Land?

“

Deeper Reflection

ANOEING THE MOUNTAINS” is a Christian leadership book by Tod Bolsinger. It was used last year by our Senior Pastors with the Church Board to consider leadership in the new era. The central imagery comes from the famous Lewis and Clark expedition to find a water route that may unite the eastern and western shores of the United States. The team brought canoes with them on the Missouri River, only to encounter not the Pacific Ocean but the Continental range of mountains! Consequently, they had to abandon the canoes and climb the mountains instead! The only way forward was to abandon old ways, adapt and adopt new approaches. Likewise for Joshua and the people of Israel. For forty years, they journeyed over sand and rocks, but now their first obstacle would be a major river crossing into the Promised Land! They were provided with daily manna from heaven, but now they would have to learn to farm the land! Letting go of the past and moving into uncharted territory is a frightening prospect. But that is often God’s way for His people (Isa 43:18-19). COVID-19 has changed many things for us. What has gotten Covenant EFC here over the past 42 years will not take us into God’s future for our church. We must be willing to abandon old ways, learn and relearn new ones. We believe that God has spoken to our church leadership in preparation for these changes. The way forward is unknown, uncertain. Not only must we be willing to “canoe the mountains”, but most importantly we must “canoe the mountains” with God! He beckons us! Let’s go!

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What are some changes that I have experienced in church life since COVID-19 hit our nation? How have I changed?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To be willing to keep growing and changing to become more and more Christlike Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Canoe the Mountains by Building Relationships

WEDNESDAY 2 September

S CRIPTURE Genesis 5:21-24

O B S E RVAT I O N What was the phrase used to describe Enoch’s relationship with God? What does that involve?

Deeper Reflection

T THE ANNUAL CHURCH STAFF RETREAT in January this year, we watched a short video entitled “Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known”1. It was about a pastor discovering what true ministry involved – the pace of knowing people and ministering to them. Thereafter, some staff commented that while that pastor could spend much unhurried time with people in small Scottish towns, we would find it impossible to do so in our fast-paced modern metropolis. A few weeks later, COVID-19 struck! Soon it became a global pandemic. Our economy came to a virtual standstill. People reeled from the sudden change of pace. Disoriented, disrupted from our way of life, partially locked down and socially isolated. Everything slowed down. One of the things that I believe that God was saying to us is this: remember what ultimately matters – people, especially your loved ones, your family. Without the “circuit breaker”, most of us would not get to have many meals together with our spouses, children, siblings or parents. We were forced to share time and space with family members. Regrettably, for some families this situation caused their relationships to worsen, not improve. Family relationships take effort and time to build, one meal at a time, one conversation at a time. Indeed, it takes the pace that COVID-19 has afforded us. It is living life with our “three-miles-an-hour God”2. It is walking with God at His pace, as well as with one another, that we truly know and become known. In doing so, we become what God is calling Covenant EFC to be and to do in the next season ahead. Godspeed to you!

A P P L I C AT I O N During the circuit breaker period or work-from-home arrangements, how did my family relationships develop? How can I intentionally grow these relationships?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

Pray for singles: To build their relationships with God, family and friends Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

1 2

“Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known”: https://vimeo.com/200206468 (the video is about 35 minutes). Author Kosuke Koyama.

20 20

Canoe the Mountains by Being One

THURSDAY 3 September

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:4-13

O B S E RVAT I O N As disciples, what makes our assembling together as a church so important, necessary and distinctive?

Deeper Reflection

E WERE CREATED for community,3 called into community,4 commanded to walk in community5 and commissioned to reach out as a community.6 Finally, we will be gathered to the Lord as a community at His return.7 God Himself exists eternally in a community of three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.8 We are called to be one – one church family under Christ who is the head.9 We became part of the spiritual family of God when we believed in Jesus Christ.10 Covenant EFC is a local representation of that spiritual family in Christ; the Covenant Group (CG) is a microcosm of the local church. The authentic disciple and the intentional disciplemaker of “a certain kind” does not walk alone, but always in community with fellow disciples. “Canoeing the mountains”11 is about adapting to new conditions presented by uncharted territories in the journey towards a desired destination. COVID-19 is truly an unprecedented black swan event that has completely disrupted the world in every way possible. The Church is not spared. In the present and future realities, the form of doing church and the manner of discipleship and disciplemaking may change, but the essence of being an Intentional Disciple Making Church (IDMC) and the substance of being and making disciples must not. How do we “canoe the mountains” in a COVID-19 world? Together as an assembly, together being one church family under Christ in God. The point of verse 25 is that the church must not to stop meeting together as a family, whether virtually or physically, to be that one IDMC family that God has called Covenant EFC to become.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What are some intentional, tangible and constructive things I can do in order not to neglect assembling together with fellow Covenanters in a COVID-19 environment?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To keep meeting together as leaders for mutual encouragement in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Genesis 1:26; 2:18. 1 Peter 2:10. John 13:34-35. 6 1 Peter 2:9. 7 2 Thessalonians 2:1. 8 John 1:1-2; Luke 3:21-22; John 14:26. 9 Ephesians 4:11-16. 10 John 1:12-13; Ephesians 1:3-14. 11 Tod Bolsinger, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Expanded edition (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2018). 4 5

20 20

Canoe the Mountains by Staying True

FRIDAY 4 September

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

O B S E RVAT I O N If our assembling together as a church family is so important, what are we called to be (as opposed to do)?

Deeper Reflection

HIS IS WHAT WE ARE TO DO: “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together…but encouraging one another” (vv.24-25, NASB). And the urgency of doing so is seen in this phrase: “and all the more, as you see the day drawing near” (v.25, NASB). But why do we do what we do? What is our calling as a church and family? Tod Bolsinger wrote insightfully: “The core ideology of any group functions as both a charter and an identity statement. This is who we are, we say. If we stop being about this, we stop being.”12 Our hope in God is what defines us as the church family of Jesus Christ. According to N.T. Wright, this is “the hope that looks forward eagerly to what God is finally going to do for us, the hope that we ‘confess’ as part of our badge of identity”13 If we stop being a Christ-confessing community, we stop being the community of Christ. All that Hebrews calls us to do in verses 24 to 25 flows from the fact that God’s people are to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (v.23). As we “canoe the mountains” of a COVID-19 world, let us stay true to our calling as God’s people, “for He who promised is faithful” (v.23). All God’s promises in Christ are true and trustworthy. Therefore we have hope! Let us hold fast the confession of our hope in Christ and confess it out loud to a world in need of hope!

A P P L I C AT I O N How may I “hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering” where God has placed me in my vocation? How do we do this as a church family?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To hold fast the confession of our hope in God without wavering despite facing adversity Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

12 13

Tod Bolsinger, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Expanded edition (Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2018), 149 (emphasis added). Tom Wright, Hebrews for Everyone (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 117 (emphasis added).

20 20

Canoe the Mountains by Standing Sure

SATURDAY 5 September

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 10:19-25; Philippians 3:7-14; 2 Timothy 2:1-2

O B S E RVAT I O N What attributes of God stand out for you in the three passages?

Deeper Reflection

HERE IS one fundamental attribute of God that is common to these three different passages: Grace. It was God’s grace that Jesus’ blood was shed on the cross and by the blood of Jesus “we have confidence to enter the holy places” (v.19). Jesus’ sacrificial death opened for us “the new and living way” that brings us “through the curtain” into the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwells (v.20 cf. Heb 9:1-3). Indeed, Jesus is our great priest who both offered the sacrifice and was Himself the sacrifice for our sins (v.21), so that having been fully cleansed we can now draw near to God, entering into His very presence. What grace from God! It was God’s grace that allowed us to “gain Christ and be found in Him” and receive “the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (Phil 3:8-9). Indeed, we belong to Christ and in Him we have received the upward call of God (Phil 3:12, 14). It is God’s grace in Christ Jesus that strengthens us for the task of multiplying disciples and disciplemakers (2 Tim 2:1-2). Ultimately it is God’s grace in Christ that holds fast to us! God’s grace ignites our passions, propels us to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (v.23) and inspires us to remain faithful as we “see the Day [of the Lord] drawing near” (v.25). Our Lord is faithful (v.23) and He is coming again! That is our greatest, deepest and brightest hope as we canoe the mountains as one united family, staying true to our IDMC calling and standing sure upon God’s grace in Christ!

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What can I do in the next 30 days to rediscover Jesus Christ as my greatest love, my deepest confidence and brightest hope?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To stand sure upon Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grace as they live for God and serve His purpose Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 6 September

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE POWER WITHIN: BEGINNING*

My purpose comes from God. Scripture: Judges 13

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to show photos from their childhood and get them to share their sweet childhood memories. For parents, share your aspirations for each child. At the end of the session, invite everyone to share their thoughts to the question, “What is God’s aspiration for you and me?”

CHAT TIME Q1: How does it feel to know that God has a plan for us even before we are born? Q2: How do we know God’s plans for us? Q3: Will God ever change His plan for us? How do we keep ourselves in God’s plan?

LEARNING POINT Manoah and his wife were childless. An angel visited Manoah’s wife and told her that she would be pregnant with a son. Her son would save the Israelites from the Philistines. Truly, Manoah’s wife gave birth to a boy and they named him Samson. Even before Samson was born, God had a plan for Samson. Likewise, God knows what He wants us to be even before we are born. Our purpose on earth is to do what He wants us to do and bring glory to His Name. God has a good plan for everyone. It’s for us to believe and joyfully accept what He desires us to be.

ACTION POINT Discuss as a family God’s plan for your household. Create a family collage using recycled materials (e.g. old magazines, newspapers and so on), paints and crayons that reflect everyone’s views. Place the finished artwork at a common place that is visible to everyone.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Ask God to reveal His purpose for us. Pray that God will teach us to listen and obey His Word so that His purpose will be fulfilled through us. *Adapted from “The Power Within” by River Valley Network https://open.life.church/resources/3663-the-power-within-go-kids

20 20

Salvation by Keeping the Law?

MONDAY 7 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:13-22

O B S E RVAT I O N Why does Mark place the story of verses 17 to 22 immediately after what Jesus teaches in verses 13 to 16?

Deeper Reflection

RICH MAN CAME TO JESUS to make a spiritual enquiry by calling Him “Good Teacher” (v.17). Jesus’ response was: “Why do You call Me good? No one is good except God alone” (v.18). Jesus’ statement does not reflect a consciousness of sinfulness on His part, nor is it a disclaimer of goodness or divinity.14 As one who throughout His life was concerned to exalt and glorify God, Jesus was simply pointing to God as the supreme example of goodness and the source of all good things.15 The man asked Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (v.17). Jesus’ answer gives the impression that one inherits eternal life by keeping the Law – the 10 Commandments (v.19) − whereupon the enquirer responded, “I have kept all these things from my youth up” (v.20). Mark places this story immediately after Jesus’ teaching that one receives and enters the kingdom of God “like a child” (vv.13-16), who has nothing and can do nothing, to show a contrast. Mark’s point is: one inherits eternal life by God’s grace, not by doing and keeping the Law. Is there, then, no place for keeping the Law, since we are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9)? We are not saved by keeping the Law (Rom 3:20; Gal 2:16), but we are saved to keep the Law (Rom 13:8-10). “Love is the fulfillment of the Law” in discipleship (Rom 13:10).

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I place God’s grace and God’s law in my discipleship journey?

2020

P R AY E R

of Christ to keep the Law and live out that righteousness in Christ.

14 15 16

James A. Brooks, Mark, The New American Commentary (Broadman, 1991), 162 James A. Brooks, 162 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; Philippians 3:9

Christ.16 Empower me through the Spirit

become the righteousness of God in

an Giv d et pr ha ais n e ks

righteousness, so that we might

nee

the Law perfectly to attain Your

se in

divine curse due us for not keeping

Tho

became sin on our behalf and bore the

Significant people

the crucified Christ who knew no sin

Leaders

God of my salvation, I thank You that

20 20

Why the Missing Tenth Commandment?

TUESDAY 8 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:17-22; Exodus 20:12-17

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did Jesus leave out the tenth commandment (v.19; Exo 20:17) in His conversation with the enquirer in verses 17 to 22?

Deeper Reflection

HE 10 COMMANDMENTS consists of two parts: the first four commandments pertaining to man’s relationship with God (Exo 20:3-11) and the other six pertaining to human relationships (Exo 20:12-17). Jesus’ answer to the man’s question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (v.17) was “You know the commandments” (v.19a); whereupon He cited all the commandments in the second part of The Decalogue (v.19b), except the tenth commandment: “You shall not covet” (Exo 20:17). Jesus assumed the enquirer understood that “the commandments” refer to the full 10 Commandments, including the tenth commandment, which Jesus deliberately left out. The enquirer claimed that he had “kept all these things from my youth up” (v.20), including “You shall not covet”. To his claim Jesus pointed out: “One thing you lack” (v.21). Mark the contrast: “all” (v.20) and “one” (v.21). Jesus was alluding to the tenth commandment in the “One thing you lack” – which He particularised as “Go and sell all you possess and give to the poor” (v.21). The enquirer was unwilling to do that (v.22). What has “Sell all you possess and give” to do with “You shall not covet”? Covetousness is more than just not having an inordinate desire for what belongs to another. To Jesus, when we are not willing to sell all that we possess to give away, there is covetousness in us.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the forms of covetousness that I find in me and how will I deal with them?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To guard their hearts against covetousness Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Our Treasure and Our Trust

WEDNESDAY 9 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:17-25

O B S E RVAT I O N What do the rich enquirer’s encounter with Jesus and the words of Jesus say about wealth?

Deeper Reflection

HE RICH ENQUIRER’S ENCOUNTER with Jesus began with the enthusiastic “he ran up to Him and knelt before Him” (v.17), but ended with an anti-climax: “he was saddened, and he went away grieving” (v.22). Reason: Owning “much property” (v.22), he discovered that it was too costly for him to “enter the kingdom of God” (v.21) – to submit to and live under the kingship of God. Perhaps, we should not be too quick to rejoice over an enthusiasm in following Jesus until it passes the test of paying a cost of discipleship, which is biblically normal. Such untested enthusiasm may soon prove to be superficial. It is “hard” for the “wealthy to enter the kingdom of God” (vv.23-25). Riches are a temptation, a hindrance and a diversion, and provide “a false sense of security that make radical trust in God difficult”17. God does not condemn riches as evil in themselves, but “the love of money”, which is “a root of all sorts of evil” (1 Tim 6:10). Jesus’ command to sell everything and give to the poor (v.21) is not be universalised and applied literally to every Christian. For some, this is the way to go by way of divine necessity. But we must keep what we have with open hands before God, ready to give them all up as God wills. It is an issue of what we treasure (v.21) and what we trust in. And this applies to anything else besides money: a vocation, a relationship, a lifestyle or a sinful passion.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I understand the Lord who can call me to give up all my possessions to follow Him?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For singles: To be strengthened to surrender all to Jesus Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, 164

20 20

A Total Portrait of Salvation

THURSDAY 10 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:17-27

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the four expressions – “eternal life” (v.17), “follow Me” (v.21), “enter the kingdom of God” (vv.23-25) and “be saved” (v.26) − being used in the story?

Deeper Reflection

N THE GOSPELS, when Jesus made the call, “Follow Me” (v.21; Mk 1:17), was it a call to discipleship or a call to conversion? Such a question is asked because of a rather flawed distinction that modern Christianity has made between the two. Biblically, this is not the case. The rich enquirer asked Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (v.17). To that desire, Jesus called him to “sell all you possess…and come, follow Me” (v.21). When the rich enquirer failed to respond to Jesus’ call, Jesus said, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God” (vv.23-25). Upon hearing that, Jesus’ disciples rather perplexedly asked, “Then who can be saved?” (v.26). Jesus and His disciples understood these four expressions, “eternal life”, “follow Me”, “enter the kingdom of God” and “be saved” as theologically interrelated, virtually synonymous, all pointing to one reality. Jesus defines “eternal life” as to “know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (Jn 17:3). In proclaiming “the Gospel of God”, Jesus makes the call to “repent and believe in the Gospel” and enter “the kingdom of God” – that is, to submit to and live under the kingship of God (Mk 1:14-15). Mark immediately expands on this call in terms of “Follow Me” (Mk 1:16-20). Biblically, through faith one is to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour – not first as Saviour and then later on as Lord.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in understanding and practice with regard to salvation and discipleship?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be empowered to submit to Jesus as Lord daily Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

A Hundred Times as Much!

FRIDAY 11 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:28-31

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises discipleship according to Mark in verses 28 to 31?

Deeper Reflection

AN WE ECHO these words of Jesus’ disciples: “Behold, we have left everything and followed You” (v.28)? This is a discipleship challenge for us. “Everything” is to be understood as anything that the Lord has called us to leave specifically and anything that we are ready to leave at the Lord’s command. Biblically, the normal Christian life includes paying the cost and making sacrifices to follow Jesus. To be otherwise will be abnormal. But as far as Jesus is concerned, “to conceive discipleship solely in terms of its costs and sacrifices is to conceive it wrongly”18. In response to His disciples’ utter devotion to Him, Jesus emphasised reward “in the present age…and in the age to come” (v.30). The mention of “persecutions” in the list of blessings in the reward is noteworthy (v.30). Sacrifices and suffering go together. Christian existence is not utopia and Christian faith is not an insurance policy against adversity and hardship. Jesus promised that we “will receive a hundred times as much” for everything that we “have left…for My sake and for My gospel’s sake” (vv.29-30). Anything that we have sacrificed and suffered for the Lord are nothing in comparison to the returns, as Paul puts it: “far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4:17; Rom 8:18). Do we want to be “first” now and then become “last”, or be “last” temporarily and become “first” eternally (v.31)? It is a choice we have to make now.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in my perspective and posture regarding sacrifices and suffering in discipleship?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To see the incomparable glory in discipleship sacrifices and suffering Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans, Apollos, 2002), 316

20 20

On the Way to Jerusalem

SATURDAY 12 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:27-34; 9:30-32; 10:32-34

O B S E RVAT I O N How are these three passages (verse 27 to 34; Mk 9:30-32; 10:32-34) interrelated in the Gospel of Mark?

“

Deeper Reflection

N THE WAY” is a key phrase in Mark’s Gospel to denote the discipleship journey as exemplified by Jesus and to be followed by His disciples. It is “on the way” to the cross. It is “on the way… to Jerusalem” (Mk 10:32) where Jesus would be crucified (Mk 10:33-34). The passion predictions of Jesus are mentioned thrice in Mark, with each one having “on the way” as the context (v.27, 31; Mk 9:31, 33; 10:32-34). The cross is central in discipleship (Mk 8:34). Every disciple of Jesus has his or her God-given distinctive way of the cross to journey to the glory of God (Jn 21:19). The way of the cross can be hard to understand as the way of God. Like Peter, we are prone to look at God’s ways through human ways (vv.31-33). Hence, the way of the cross can be hard to journey on. “Perplexed, but not despairing” (2 Cor 4:8) is a critical discipleship lesson that God wants us to learn. The way of the cross can be a frightening thing. Those who “followed” Jesus “on the way to Jerusalem” were “fearful” (Mk 10:32). But the key in this discipleship journey is: “Jesus was walking on ahead of them” (Mk 10:32). Jesus was resolutely and steadfastly pressing toward His goal. In our discipleship journey, the Spirit of Jesus is always “walking on ahead” of us and at the same time alongside us: “Lo, I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). May the Lord direct our hearts into the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thess 3:5).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What is the way of the cross that I believe God has given to me to walk in and how will I continue the journey?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To know deeply and walk faithfully in the way of the cross Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 13 September

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE POWER WITHIN: BATTLES*

My strength is found in God. Scripture: Judges 15:9-20

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to arm wrestle each other. After the activity, get everyone to share their experiences and thoughts on the question, “Where does our strength come from?”

CHAT TIME Q1: From where and whom do our talents and abilities come? Q2: Why does God bless us with talents and abilities? Q3: What will you do with the talents and abilities that God has given you?

LEARNING POINT In Judges 13 to 16, God gave Samson the gift of strength that enabled him to kill a lion with his bare hands. Samson’s strength would be used to save God’s people from their enemies in the future. God gives everyone special abilities. Your abilities may or may not be similar to others. We are to use these gifts and abilities wisely and not boast about them, but do what God wants us to do, such as helping others or overcoming obstacles to do His work.

ACTION POINT Get each family member to list down their strengths and share how they will use it to help others.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for giving us different talents and abilities to do His work and help others. Pray for more opportunities to use our talents for His glory. *Adapted from “The Power Within” by River Valley Network https://open.life.church/resources/3663-the-power-within-go-kids

20 20

Irony of Egotism in Discipleship

MONDAY 14 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:35-37

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about the request of James and John to Jesus?

Deeper Reflection

RUE DISCIPLESHIP can be defined as “He must increase, I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). It is fundamentally “he must deny himself…and follow Me” (Mk 8:34). In other words, there is no place for the ego in true discipleship. Hence, egotism in discipleship is a contradiction of terms. But the reality is, it does happen. So, we must be very watchful over this in our discipleship. This happened to James and John: “Grant that we sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory” (v.37). Apparently, Jesus’ disciples expected Jesus to establish His kingdom and enter into His glory when He reached Jerusalem. James and John wanted the most prominent place in the messianic earthly kingdom. In Jewish custom, the place of the highest honour was at the centre of the company, followed by the right and the left, with the right position having greater prominence than the left (cf. Psa 110:1).19 The two brothers knew that Jesus had chosen them together with Peter to be in His inner circle (Mk 5:37; 9:2). There was a presumptuousness in their request. And they excluded Peter! It was a spirit of elitism that was callous and self-serving.20 We see in this irony of egotism in discipleship a heavenly vision mixed with fleshly ambition, with the latter being primary. “How easily worship and discipleship are blended with selfinterest; or worse, self-interest is masked as worship and discipleship.”21

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the elements of the self in my heart that I need to deal with in my discipleship journey?

2020

P R AY E R Oh God, it is idolatry that the

Prayer Pointers

self should take the place of

Give thanks and praise:

pre-eminence in my heart and in my life! But how much greater and more evil is the idolatry that the self and

Pray for leaders:

self-interest is masked as worship and discipleship, that I promote my name in the name of the Lord! Deliver me from

Pray for significant people:

the subtle idolatry of putting myself first through “putting God first” in my life! Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

19 20 21

James R. Edwards, 322 James R. Edwards, 321 James R. Edwards, 322

20 20

How God Answers Our Prayers

TUESDAY 15 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:35-38

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about Jesus’ response to the request of James and John?

Deeper Reflection

E CANNOT MISS the strong element of the self in the request of James and John to Jesus: “We want You to do for us whatever we ask You to do” (v.35). It sounds almost like a demand. But for sure, it is not a humble request. Surely, Jesus could discern the spirit and posture of these two disciples behind the request. But Jesus’ response was rather surprising: “What do you want Me to do for you?” (v.36). Here is God revealed in Jesus: humble and gracious. This is a question of the Servant-God. What a contrast to James and John! The request of the sons of Zebedee came as it were from transcendence, whereas Jesus responded to them in condescension. When James and John made known their request, “Grant that we sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory” (v.37), Jesus’ response was: “You do not know what you are asking” (v.38a). This can be true of us too, that in our prayer we do not know what we are asking. What we ask from God is also what we seek after and it can be that we do not know what we are seeking after. God is kind, gracious and wise to refuse our “whatever” requests, which may cause us to feel disappointed with God or even unhappy with Him. Indeed, “how wretched we should be if God granted every request for which we foolishly prayed”22. Our heavenly Father gives only “what is good” for His children (Matt 7:11).

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I respond to God when He does not seem to answer my prayer?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To rest in the heavenly Father who gives what is good Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 322

20 20

Accepting Hardships in Following Jesus

WEDNESDAY 16 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:37-40

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about discipleship in the conversation between the Zebedee brothers and Jesus in verses 37 to 40?

Deeper Reflection

O JAMES AND JOHN’S seeking to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in His glory (v.37), Jesus responded: “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink…?” (v.38). In the Old Testament, a “cup” usually symbolises something allotted by God (Psa 16:5), but more frequently it signifies God’s judgment and wrath (Psa 11:6; 75:8).23 The two meanings are bound up in the “cup” that Jesus must “drink”. Jesus must drink God’s wrath on human sin in His impending suffering and death for the atonement of the sin of all humanity. And Jesus must drink it because it was ordained and willed by God, a role assigned to Him. Thus, James and John were unable to drink Jesus’ “cup” which Jesus alone was able to, despite their claim, “We are able” (v.39a). Nonetheless, they would be given the cup of sacrifices and suffering in discipleship to drink, but not the glory that they sought, because “it is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared” (v.40). Disciples of Jesus do not decide to accept or reject hardships on the basis of future rewards that come with them (Mk 10:29-30). We make sacrifices and accept suffering on the sole basis that it is the way of Jesus. “The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer, but that their suffering might be like His.”24 This is one vitally important dimension of Christ-centredness.

A P P L I C AT I O N What is a particular cup that I sense the Lord has given or is giving to me to drink in my following Him?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For singles: To courageously embrace discipleship suffering in the Lord Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

23 24

James R. Edwards, 322 James R. Edwards, 322-23 – citing George MacDonald

20 20

Divine Sovereign Purpose and Prerogative

THURSDAY 17 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:40-41

O B S E RVAT I O N What can you learn about God in discipleship from these words of Jesus, “but it is for those for whom it has been prepared” (v.40)?

Deeper Reflection

FTER HEARING what the sons of Zebedee had audaciously asked from Jesus and Jesus’ response to them, “the ten began to feel indignant with James and John” (v.41). Why? Because they harboured similar ambitions. Like the twelve, there is so much of the self in us that needs to be demolished in our discipleship. A vital key to this is recognising God’s sovereign purpose and prerogative in our discipleship: “it is for those for whom it has been prepared [by God]” (v.40). It is not “will prepare”, but “has been prepared”. God has already decided. The whole matter of rewards and glory must be surrendered to God’s hidden purpose and sovereign prerogative. The purpose of God cannot be thwarted, nor can it be deciphered beforehand. We are not to follow Jesus because we know what will happen in advance or because of what we hope to get. We only follow Jesus as He leads us. Who are “those” “for whom it has been prepared” (v.40)? “The perceptive reader of Mark will not overlook the irony that although James and John requested privileged positions on Jesus’ ‘right’ and ‘left’, when Jesus was crucified, it will be the rebels: ‘one on His right and one on His left’ (Mk 15:27).”25 That this is true is not surprising. For this is so characteristic of the sovereign subversive God.

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to live under God’s hidden purpose and sovereign prerogative in my discipleship journey?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To walk steadfastly by “Not my will, but Your will” Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Craig A. Evans, Mark 8:27 – 16:20, Word Biblical Commentary (Nelson, 2001), 118

20 20

The Kingdom of God Oxymoron

FRIDAY 18 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:41-44

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises the kingdom of God?

Deeper Reflection

N POINTING OUT to His disciples that “the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them” (v.42), Jesus revealed that this was how His disciples viewed greatness and glory in the kingdom of God. Emperors, kings and government officials in the first century A.D. ruled and governed with a heavy hand, seeking to gain mastery and power over people under them. In calling His disciples to make a radical paradigm shift, He said, “It is not this way among you” (v.43a). Jesus was not admonishing His disciples to behave in a certain way, but describing what actually characterises the kingdom of God: Greatness is be a “servant” and a “slave of all” (vv.43b-44). The way up is down. To fail to be a servant is “not simply to fall short of an ideal but to stand outside of an existing condition that corresponds to the kingdom of God”26. Jesus is talking about greatness in service, not of power, prestige and authority. It is ironic that greatness belongs to one who is not great: a “servant” (Greek: diakonos) − one who waits on tables. To be great by being not great. A “slave” (Greek: doulos) – “one totally owned by another and possessing no rights except those given by the master”27 − was inferior even to a “servant” and was the last and least of all in ancient society.28 So, for a “slave” to be “first” (v.44) was an oxymoron! Yes, it is the kingdom of God oxymoron.

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways is the kingdom of God oxymoron a reality in my life?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To be filled with the vision of the Servant God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

26 27 28

James R. Edwards, 325 James A. Brooks, 170 James R. Edwards, 326

20 20

Servants of the Servant God

SATURDAY 19 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:41-45; Daniel 7:13-14

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of what Jesus said about Himself (v.45) and what He said to His disciples (vv.42-44)?

Deeper Reflection

HE MOTIVATION to be a “servant” and a “slave of all” ought not to be wanting to be “great” and “first” (vv.43-44), for a heavenly vision can be easily mixed with fleshly ambition, as the Zebedee brothers have shown (Mk 10:35-37). We simply cannot trust our own heart. To be “great” and “first” is for God to give and not for us to get. It is a gift of God given by His sovereign grace. The greatest impetus and purest motivation is Christological – a Christological vision: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (v.45a). God is a servant God. Jesus’ messianic self-revelation is a portrait of the supreme Son of Man in Daniel’s vision (Dan 7:13-14) merged with the suffering Servant of the Lord in Isaiah (Isa 53:1-9). Note the order in Jesus’ words: “did not come to be served, but to serve.” His first emphasis is “not…to be served”. Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man is: “all nations and people of all language might serve Him” (Dan 7:14). The Son of Man is expected to be served. But Jesus denied Himself of that messianic honour and came only to serve, with suffering and sacrifice: “to give His life as a ransom for many” (v.45b). Do we expect to be served? Do we serve with no expectation to be served in return? The test comes when no attention or appreciation is given to us. And being a servant and serving like the Servant God involves sacrifices and suffering.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to be a servant and serve in following the Son of Man?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To be filled with the Spirit of the Servant God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 20 September

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE POWER WITHIN: BAD DAYS*

Pride keeps me from God. Scripture: Judges 16:4-21; Galatians 5:22-23

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to crumple up old newspapers into paper balls. Then gather some baskets or pails and place them at different distances from everyone. Get them to throw as many newspaper balls as possible into these baskets or pails. After the game, invite everyone to share their thoughts on the question, “If God is the target (basket), what is stopping us (the distances) from moving closer to God?”

CHAT TIME Q1: What is pride? Is it good or bad? Q2: How does pride prevent us from listening and obeying God? Q3: How can we keep our pride from preventing us from obeying God?

LEARNING POINT Samson was very proud of his strength and believed that no one could harm him. One day, Samson fell in love with a Palestine girl who tricked him into revealing the secret of his strength. Samson was caught by the Philistines and his strength left him. Pride keeps us away from God and His plan for us. Pride tells us that we can do it by ourselves and don’t need anyone to help, including God. Pride causes us to forget that our strength and abilities come from God and very soon our careless hearts will make us fall into temptation and sin.

ACTION POINT The opposite of the qualities in Galatians 5:22-23 are what is preventing us from listening to God. Get your family members to share which fruit of the spirit is the hardest to develop and how they will take small steps to make a change.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Ask God to strengthen our hearts and minds to overcome sin. Pray for a willing heart that remains humble before God. *Adapted from “The Power Within” by River Valley Network https://open.life.church/resources/3663-the-power-within-go-kids

20 20

Your Posture Matters

MONDAY 21 September

S CRIPTURE Colossians 3:22

O B S E RVAT I O N What does the apostle Paul teach here regarding the attitudes that Christians should have towards those in authority over us in the workplace?

Deeper Reflection

HE GREEK WORD that is translated as “bondservants” could also be rendered as “slaves” (so the NIV and NASB). In New Testament times, some bondservants could have voluntarily subjected themselves to slavery for a fixed length of time in order to pay off their debts. Others could have been sold into slavery, or taken into lifelong slavery through military conquest. Given their position vis-a-vis their masters, we might find the apostle Paul’s exhortation rather surprising: Why did he even need to tell them to obey? They do not have a choice, do they? We need to understand what Paul was saying. He wanted them to have an obedience that flowed from genuine sincerity. It is a different posture of heart. Not merely outward obedience nor grudging compliance. But honouring their masters from the heart. Was that easy for the bondservants? Definitely not. Did they have a choice over this? Absolutely. It is like how being brought down or debased does not necessarily produce humility in a person. One can remain very self-absorbed and prideful. Genuine humility — the kind where we think about ourselves less − is always a matter of personal conviction and choice. Therefore, Christian bondservants had to make that choice regarding the attitudes of their hearts. Why? Out of “fearing the Lord”. It is not about them and totally not about whether their masters deserved it. It is ultimately about honouring the true Master of their lives. This posture of the heart tempers our self-will, nurtures our spirit and honours God. It enables us to shine as disciples of Christ, right in the workplaces where God has placed us.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How has my heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s posture been towards my boss and seniors in the workplace? Have I honoured them from the heart even when I think they do not deserve it?

2020

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, please tutor my heart. Make my heart true

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

and sincere in honouring others. Nurture within me a posture of heart such that I can genuinely esteem others above myself. And,

Pray for leaders:

whether or not I think this is deserved, please help me to direct these God-honouring attitudes toward my earthly

Pray for significant people:

boss. Lord, bless him (or her) through me. Amen.

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Work Heartily

TUESDAY 22 September

S CRIPTURE Colossians 3:23

O B S E RVAT I O N When are Christian employees to “work heartily” and what does it involve?

Deeper Reflection

HE GREEK WORDS that are translated as “heartily” are ek psuches. Psuche 29 means the soul. So, the apostle Paul was literally telling the Colossian Christians, “from the soul, work!” That involves being fully present at work. Paul was not advocating overwork, but calling the Christians to bring all of who they were into their work: body and soul. In other words, “put your heart into your work” or “work heartily”! But wait, did Paul really mean that when referring to the work of bondservants? They played a range of roles, but most of them carried out work that was menial and quite unexceptional. Their work was not usually seen as significant, let alone eternally significant, like the “kingdom” work of preaching and evangelism. Paul did not make a distinction between “kingdom” work or mundane “secular” work: “whatever you do”! In doing all our God-given work, Christians are to work from the soul “as for the Lord and not for men”! But earlier in the same letter, did Paul not tell the Christians to set their minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Col 3:1-2)? Surely that meant we are to place less importance on earthly work? No, Paul meant that Christians are not to be enchanted and driven by the prizes, praises and pleasures of this world. We are to live as citizens of heaven, looking forward to the coming Kingdom of God. We must maintain a healthy detachment from the allurements of the world, while taking seriously our God-given work of service and responsibilities, not dismissing them as inconsequential or disengaging from them as earthly.

A P P L I C AT I O N How am I devoting myself to serving God through my service to others? How can I work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To be strengthened by God to work heartily for Him, whether in times of joy or discouragement Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

From this Greek word, we derived via Latin our English word “psyche”, which means the human soul, mind or spirit: Oxford Dictionary.

20 20

Heavenly Reward

WEDNESDAY 23 September

S CRIPTURE Colossians 3:23-25

O B S E RVAT I O N What reward can we expect from our Lord Jesus for our work on earth?

Deeper Reflection

HAT DID THE APOSTLE PAUL MEAN when he told the Christian bondservants that they can expect to ultimately receive from the Lord “the inheritance” as their reward (v.24)? Consider also verse 25, in which Paul explained that there will be a just recompense for what we do during our lifetimes. Taking both verses 24 and 25 together, Paul appears to teach this: Even if you are not fairly rewarded for your work now, nonetheless work heartily as for your true Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, because He will ultimately give you the promised inheritance, along with a just reward for the work you have done for Him. An assurance of a heavenly reward for our earthly work! A common misconception is that certain roles or job titles (e.g. priest, pastor or missionary) deserve a greater heavenly reward. But note that Paul was addressing bondservants, not people in prominent positions. It is not about the role or title! First, every person who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ and obeys Him will ultimately receive the promised glorious inheritance as a child of God (see also Eph 1:3-18). Second, it seems clear that each Christian’s heavenly reward will include a reward for how we have served the Lord (see also 2 Cor 5:10). We will also be rewarded according to the extent to which we have done our work obediently and faithfully in service to the Lord, regardless of our position or place of service. These two aspects of our heavenly reward should give us much reassurance while we live and work in a fallen world with injustice all around us.

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I do my work under the Lord’s direction, in His way, as worship to Him and for the glory of His name?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

Pray for singles: To work not for the approval of people, but with the goal of always bringing joy and delight to the Lord Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

When Christ Is Your True Boss (1)

THURSDAY 24 September

S CRIPTURE Colossians 3:24

O B S E RVAT I O N What does it mean to be a worker “serving the Lord Christ” rather than some other boss?

Deeper Reflection

F CHRIST OUR MASTER is the one whom we are ultimately serving in the course of our work, what does this mean for us? First, it means that in our work, we are not to be serving ourselves. Worldly wisdom tells us that our work is about advancing our careers, impressing others and enriching ourselves. As a result, many people have become trapped in competition and comparison, envy and avarice, drivenness and overwork. Not so for the disciple of Christ! If we ultimately serve Him, we are to be far more concerned with honouring Him through our work, and far less concerned with seeing our names in the spotlight or pursuing success for ourselves. Our work is about Him, not about ourselves. Second, making Christ our ultimate Master means that we come to view our human bosses differently. For many, our human bosses hold much power over us. We are ever-watchful over whether we are in their good books. We feel elated by their affirmation and become crushed by their disapproval. We even see them as deciding our livelihood and future. But that must not be! Like Christ before Pilate (Jn 18:28-19:11), though we live under the reality of other people’s authority over us, we must not be fearful, rattled or cowed before man, for we serve a higher authority. Our times are in God’s hands (Psa 31:14-15). He alone holds our future! Surrendered to the Lord, our true boss, we gain a quiet steadfastness and strength that is uncanny. Instead of fear and intimidation, we are liberated to serve our human bosses with sincerity, honouring them from our hearts.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in the way I view and relate to my human boss(es)?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To make their work and ministry all about the Lord Jesus Christ, serving Him as their true boss Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

When Christ Is Your True Boss (2)

FRIDAY 25 September

S CRIPTURE Colossians 3:24; Ephesians 6:7-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What does being a worker “serving the Lord Christ” mean for us in terms of the nature of the work we do and the quality of the work we produce?

Deeper Reflection

E EXPLORE two other implications when we work as Christ’s servants. First, our work becomes our sacred Godgiven vocation. Consider Dorothy Sayers’ words, written in 1942 but still pertinent today:30 “Let the Church remember this: that every worker is called to serve God in his profession or trade – not outside it. The apostles complained rightly when they said it was not [right] they should leave the Word of God and serve tables; their vocation was to preach the Word. But the person whose vocation it is to prepare the meals beautifully might with equal justice protest: It is not [right] for us to leave the service of our tables to preach the Word.” Indeed, all disciples of Christ are to faithfully serve God through their work, each one in whatever vocation God has given him or her. In this way, each of their vocations is sacred. Second, Sayers reminds us about the importance of work done well, for it is Christ we are serving: “The Church’s approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to exhorting him not to be drunk in his leisure hours and to come to church on Sundays. What the Church should be telling him is this: that the very first demand that his religion makes upon him is that he should make good tables...The only Christian work is good work well done. Let the Church see to it that the workers do their work well.” To be worthy servants of our King, our work must be done well and honourably. Therefore, make no room for incompetence, dishonesty or sloppiness.

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I start affirming daily that I am the Lord’s servant in my office or kitchen, for every deal or meal I handle, and with every person I meet or serve?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To work and minister as the Lord’s servants, honouring Him with their diligence and excellence Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dorothy Sayer’s full article, “Why Work?”, can be accessed at https://tnl.org/wp-content/uploads/Why-Work-DorothySayers.pdf

20 20

Exercise Power with Care

SATURDAY 26 September

S CRIPTURE Colossians 4:1; Ephesians 6:9

O B S E RVAT I O N How should having God as our ultimate Master affect the way Christian employers treat their employees in daily life?

Deeper Reflection

OW SHOULD THOSE with power over others handle that power? Masters in the apostle Paul’s day had virtually unbridled power over their bondservants. But Christian masters had to remember that they come under a higher power. Their Master in heaven required them to act justly and fairly. Even if you are not a master over bondservants, this is still applicable to you in two ways. First, those who are bosses or hold positions of authority obviously have power over others. Act firmly where you need to. But you do not have to dominate others or assert yourself loudly. Exercise power with humility and empathy. Do not be blinded by pride nor enamoured with power. Die to yourself. Use power to advance the well-being of those your organisation serves and the people under you. Protect your people from overwork. Employers of domestic workers must especially heed God’s warnings to Israel about how they are to treat foreigners in their midst (e.g. Exo 22:21; Lev 19:33-34; Deut 27:19). Second, even if you are not a boss, you may hold power over others like office cleaners, restaurant waitstaff, retail outlet sales staff, or even racial minorities or migrant workers. Be the same person of humility, sincerity and respect to all. Granted, certain contexts call for higher levels of formality. But your posture of heart should be the same whether you are speaking to the least in the corporation or your CEO. Do not operate out of a false sense of superiority. Do not act like you are entitled. Not when you, like them, have a Master in heaven who is Lord over all.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways do I need to change how I exercise power over others, given that I will one day have to give an account to God?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To exercise power in ways that reflect, please and honour God as they serve to build up His Church Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 27 September

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2020

THE POWER WITHIN: BROKEN*

Forgiveness leads me to God. Scripture: Judges 16:22-31

ACTIVITY BITE Take an egg and break its contents into a bowl. Discuss with your family members how you can put the egg back together again as if it wasn’t broken, if it is possible at all.

CHAT TIME Q1: Can a wrong that we’ve done disappear as if it didn’t happen? Q2: Why do we pray to God when we do something wrong? Q3: What does it mean to confess and repent?

LEARNING POINT Samson realised his mistakes and broke God’s heart. His heart was broken too and he was very sorry for what he did. So he asked God for forgiveness. God forgave Samson and returned his strength to him. Samson used his strength for the last time and brought the Philistines down. Although Samson had sinned, God’s plan and love for Samson remained. When we repent from our mistakes, God will make things right again and bring us back to Him.

ACTION POINT Get your family members to spend some time in solitude with God. Parents may accompany children who need guidance. Ask God to reveal the sins in us. Confess and ask for God’s forgiveness. Ask everyone to share what went on during their time in solitude with God.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for staying by our side during the bad times even though we do not deserve it. Pray for God’s protection against sin. *Adapted from “The Power Within” by River Valley Network https://open.life.church/resources/3663-the-power-within-go-kids

20 20

“He Kept Crying Out”

MONDAY 28 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:46-50

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about the verbs – the action words − in verses 46 to 50?

Deeper Reflection

LIND BARTIMAEUS, living in total darkness for a long time of his life, was “sitting by the road” (v.46). To him, it would be just another day of begging, hoping to receive alms sufficient for his needs for the day. Suddenly, “he heard” a commotion. Loud sounds of human movements. But more particularly, “he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene” (v.47a). Apparently, Bartimaeus was familiar with “Jesus the Nazarene”. He must have heard of Him. It was no coincidence that Jesus was at this place at this moment. Little did Bartimaeus know that it was divine providence and divine appointment for him. Do we, like Bartimaeus despite his blindness, sensitively and sharply sense the presence of Jesus in the hurried, busy and noisy world that we live in everyday? Then, Bartimaeus “began to cry out” to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (v.47b). No immediate response from Jesus. Instead, “many” in the crowd were “sternly telling him to keep quiet” (v.48a). It could be that he was creating a disturbance,31 or they tried to prevent him from coming to Jesus (see Mk 10:13).32 Undeterred, Bartimaeus “kept crying out all the more” (v.48b). Will it be in vain? What we see next is: “And Jesus stopped” and called for Bartimaeus to come to Him (vv.49-50). Our cry to the Lord for His mercy will never go unheeded, albeit not in the way and timing of our preference.

A P P L I C AT I O N What keeps me from losing heart in crying out to God and how will I deal with them?

2020

P R AY E R Surely, Lord, my daily desperate cry to You in my

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

dire situation, “Lord, have mercy on me!”, will not be ignored or forgotten by You, although Your silence

Pray for leaders:

for now seems to tell otherwise. I trust in You who are full of compassion and merciful. You have taught me to pray at all times and

Pray for significant people:

not lose heart.33 Indeed, those who hope in You and wait on You will not be disappointed.

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

31 32 33

James A. Brooks, 173 James R. Edwards, 330 Luke 18:1

20 20

“Have Mercy on Me!”

TUESDAY 29 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:46-48

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Bartimaeus’ cry “Have mercy on me!” mean and imply?

Deeper Reflection

T IS ONLY IN THIS STORY in Mark’s Gospel that Jesus was explicitly called “Son of David” and by Bartimaeus (vv.47, 48). “Son of David” carries explicit messianic overtones and it shows that Bartimaeus recognised and looked to Jesus as the Messiah who can bring healing and wholeness.34 Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus “Have mercy on me!” twice. It is a prayer commonly found in Psalms: “Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer” (Psa 4:1, NIV); “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint” (Psa 6:2, NIV). It is a cry directed to God by the afflicted, pleading for God’s goodness, compassion and kindness in their serious and desperate needs. It is a cry out of utter helplessness and powerlessness, just like Bartimaeus in his blindness, where there was absolutely nothing that he could do to change his condition. It is not just a desperate cry to God. It is a humble cry. It has no place for God to answer on demand. It is an utter dependence on God with assurance and confidence that He will respond. It has to do with who God is. God is a God of “great mercy” (1 Pet 1:3) who is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4). God invites us to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” to “receive mercy and find grace to help” us “in time of need”, because we have Jesus, the merciful and faithful high priest, who can “sympathise with our weaknesses” (Heb 4:15-16).

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the situations in my life that I need to cry out, “Lord, have mercy on me!”?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To be rich channels of God’s mercy in ministry Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 330

20 20

Jesus Says, “Take Courage!”

WEDNESDAY 30 September

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:46-51; Matthew 9:20-22; John 16:33

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the two words “take courage” in these passages?

Deeper Reflection

NDETERRED BY THE DISCOURAGING WORDS, “Be quiet!”, Bartimaeus “kept crying out” to Jesus to have mercy on him (vv.47-48). Jesus “stopped” and called for Bartimaeus to come to Him (v.49a). With these two words, “take courage”, some in the crowd told him that Jesus was calling for him (v.49b). “Take courage” (Greek: tharseō) occurs seven times in the New Testament, six of which are out of Jesus’ mouth (Matt 9:2, 22; 14:27; Mk 6:50; 10:49; Jn 16:33; Acts 23:11). Although Jesus did not speak the two words to Bartimaeus directly (v.49b), “the effect is the same”35. To “take courage” is “to have confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or testing”, “to not move”, “to be deaf to threats” and “to have a heart of iron”36. Hear Jesus speaking to you: “Take courage!” Have you have fallen into sin and feel guilty? Jesus says to you, “Take courage, your sin is forgiven”, just as He said to the paralytic (Matt 9:2). Have you been enduring a pain for a long time – like the woman who “had been suffering from a haemorrhage for twelve years” (Matt 9:20) – but are still standing in your faith in the Lord? Jesus says to you, “Take courage!” (Matt 9:22). In the midst of turbulent storms, Jesus says, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid” (Mk 6:48-50). We will have tribulations in the world, but Jesus says, “Take courage; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the situations in your life that you need live by these two words of Jesus, “take courage”?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For singles: To be courageous in overcoming the world through Jesus Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

35 36

James A. Brooks, 173 Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, Second Edition, Volume 1 (United Bible Societies, 1988, 1989), 306