1 Chron 1 is also part of God's divinely inspired Word and each name has been placed there for a reason. It reminds us that God knows each person in each generation, and they have a role to play in His mission. God is not just a big picture person interested in getting His work done in broad strokes. He is also detail-oriented, working with and in the lives of each person listed in this genealogy. Nothing escapes His sight!
What do you think is the biggest problem that countries have to address? For some, it could be a corrupt government and political instability. For others, its economic downturn and rising inequality, or even war and unrest. But, the Bible reminds us that our greatest problem is sin, and salvation comes not by our works but only through faith in Jesus Christ.
Who is supposed to carry out the Great Commission? This is not a trick question – many of us Christians would have read in the gospel of Matthew or heard in sermons that all who believe are called to this mission; Jesus was clearly directing His command to believers “to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20) who would far outlive His faithful eleven disciples. One way to live this out, where we are, is to reach out to and pray for the nations who have come to us, here in Singapore. Singaporeans are blessed with economic prosperity and physical safety, both conditions that make Singapore attractive to foreigners, many of whom have not heard the gospel.
Civilisations and countries then and now all seek political, social and economic stability in order to flourish and grow. These are good things, but the Psalmist recognised something else in this Psalm. Israel as God's people was to be different. They knew that their ultimate trust and hope was not in providing for and protecting themselves, but in the name of the Lord. This God hears and saves His people. What will we trust in to save us today?
God promises that His word will accomplish His work. Praise God for His wisdom, sovereignty and power. We too, have experienced the power of His proclaimed Word. We in Singapore received the gospel because years ago, Christians believed in this promise and shared the gospel faithfully. Let us also continue to be people that boast in nothing but the cross, and share this good news with the nations!
The Creator God with all power to fashion the stars also promises to heal the broken, hurting hearts of His people. God knows and sees the hurts in this world and He will act justly. Some of the nations at this World Cup are struggling from a war-torn past, or even with disunity and injustice in the present. Other nations are at the pinnacle of technological development, but still find that technology still can't heal broken hearts. We all need the Lord. Pray that the gospel will go out into the world!
Today, God is reigning and looking down from heaven. He sees all that's going on in our world, even every single match that has been going. He sees the citizens of the bustling cities, and also the nomads in the desert. He sees us going about our lives in busy Singapore, and He also sees the unreached and unknown people group tucked away in the jungles of the Amazon. None of our deeds escape Him! Praise God for His might and power and pray that more will come to know Him for who He is.
On this Lord's Day, Christians all over the world regardless of where they are, what language they speak, what kinds of socio-economic backgrounds they come from, gather to sing praises to the one who is worthy of all praise! Isn't it wonderful that we have brothers and sisters in Christ who come from all over the world?
As the nations gather for the World Cup, we should notice that the spotlight doesn’t just fall on our favourite players. We might see men in neon, brightly-coloured tees appearing at the peripheries of the broadcasting camera. They occasionally come on screen to blow a whistle. They are tasked with making difficult decisions in the spirit of enforcing the rules of the game.
Jesus was sent by the Father and He willingly obeyed the Father to complete the task for which He was sent. Praise God for His grace and steadfast love that extends to all the nations. As we consider these countries today, let's also remember that within these countries are also those that will hear the voice of the Good Shepherd.
God will be known and exalted among the nations! This is the promise that we have at the end of Ps 46. Thank God for the security that we have in Him that can withstand even the worst destruction of nature (Ps 46:2-3). But as we participate in the excitement of this sporting season, let's also remember the far greater spiritual reality that is at stake.
A quick note before we begin - prayer can often be intimidating (what do I say? where should I pray?), and tends to feel like a Spiritual Activity that we launch ourselves into as we block out the world around us. We initiate it, we sustain it, and we often force it. But a short piece that I read by Glen Scrivener reminds me that I'm not the author and perfecter of prayer. God is.
