Daily Guide 15th December 2023 | Scripture Union Devotional
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Today’s Topic: The marvellous grace of God
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, make me more like you through the power of your word as I meditate on it.
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 1:1-17
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q 3: Is there any command for me to obey?
• Q 7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 December 2023
Introduction to Jonah
Jonah, the son of Amittai, was one of the prophets in Samaria during the days of King Jeroboam, the son of Joash (2 Kings 14:23,25). Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria so his message could well be to the entire nation of Assyria. God assigned Jonah the unusual job of announcing His judgment to this heathen, godless and hostile nation.
Jonah detested and rebelled against this but had to do it, albeit reluctantly. The book shows that God loves people of every nation, every tribe and race. He judges sin but He is also full of mercy and compassion for anyone who repents and seeks His forgiveness. The book is a real-life story as our Lord Jesus Himself attested to when he made reference to it (see Matthew 12:39-41).
The story of Jonah demonstrates the marvellous grace of God shown to wilful, disobedient, and run-away sinners, like Jonah and us. It tells us that God is concerned not only for the salvation of the Jews but also for those of Ninevites and the whole world. Sin has consequences. Jonah’s sin of disobedience resulted in God sending a great storm that affected not only Jonah but the sailors, crew, and all those in that ship. However, through Jonah’s sin and the calamity it brought to him and his fellow travellers, the sailors also discovered that they too could benefit from God’s grace.
If the disobedience of Christians to witness to the unsaved around them, would not deter God from reaching them, how much better and joyful it would be when Christians obey God’s commands of sharing their faith with unbelievers. Jonah showed that it is not sufficient to know the truths about God without obeying Him. Jesus said, “if you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). It is ironic that the pagan sailors believed the God of Jonah more than Jonah himself, for they feared Him and offered sacrifices and made vows to Him (v.16).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, help me not to be a reluctant or disobedient Christian witness.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 145:18
One-Year Bible Reading Plan:
2 Peter 2, 3; Psalms 133.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 15TH DECEMBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: THE ECONOMY
And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philemon 4:19
THANK GOD FOR:
►For little drops of economic progress recorded in Nigeria in the past.
PRAY FOR:
►God will give wisdom to our leaders, to make policies that will attract correct investors into our Nation
►There will be more jobs for our young people
►Sustainable growth will begin to be recorded in the Nigerian economy
PRAY AGAINST:
►Forces and networks that cause violence and insecurity, those militating against, and discouraging investors at all levels from investing in Nigeria.
