Scripture Union Daily Guide 23 February 2024 || The Danger of Hard-Heartedness
Daily Guide Devotional For Today 23 February 2024 (Thursday)
Do You Know That? Daily Guide Reading is published by Scripture Union Press & Books Ltd, an arm of Scripture Union Nigeria. Daily Guide is a true nondenominational, interdenominational Christian Bible engagement/reading aid – meditate on the Bible without denominational colorations. May the Lord bless you as you study!
TODAY’S TOPIC: THE DANGER OF HARD-HEARTEDNESS
Opening Prayer: Sanctify my life dear Lord as I study your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: JOHN 11:46-57
46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
55 And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 23rd February 2024
One would have expected that the miracles and good work Jesus was doing in the community would cause the leaders to rethink their stand. Instead, they were planning to stop Him at all costs, including execution. Even though they acknowledged His good work (v.47), notice the reasons they were determined to stop Him (v.48a). What do you make of this?
Caiaphas spoke prophetically without realizing it (vs.49–51)! It is wonderful what God can do. Note in this case that God used him to speak because of his office (v.51). What lessons are there for us?
It is disheartening to observe that the intrigue against God’s Son was hatched by the very people who should discern the mind of God and lead people to do His will. Such intrigue is not uncommon in the church today – leaders ganging up against those whom God is using to bring needed change in the system. Fights and enmity are prevalent in the church. Are you involved in any of these?
Jesus was certainly not afraid of death (v.54). He must continue His mission until the time appointed for Him to die. His withdrawal was an opportunity to spend quality time with His disciples.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, grant me true discernment to understand and always align with your move.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 40:31
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 54 – Numbers 1-2
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FEBRUARY 23, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING. FOCUS – THE CHURCH
“And upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.
Matthew. 16:18
THANK GOD FOR:
• Jesus Christ is Lord over the church
• His continuous revelation for who He is in His church.
PRAY FOR:
• Every believer in Christ will receive the revelation of who Jesus Christ is.
• God will purge the church from compromise
• Righteousness, Grace and commitment on believers
PRAY AGAINST:
• Whatever presents itself as the gates of hell opposing and preventing the church from moving on.
National Day of Prayer And Fasting
Today is National Day of Prayer & Fasting
