Christmas with Compassion | Day 14
Day 14 - Thursday, December 19
Read 2 Samuel 11
Highlight
Chapters 11 and 12 can be read together and a chiastic structure can be seen between the two stories. Yet, for the Genealogy of Jesus, we will focus on chapter 11 and the sin of David.
Yesterday, we read of the promise God gave to David. Today, we see that time has passed. David still follows God, but it seems that he has not kept himself accountable or in check lately. He has allowed himself to drift from what God has called him, as king, to do. This happens to all of us at times. But David’s sin and attempt to handle it himself caused great distress, heartache, and loss of life. It is one of the lowest points in David’s reign. And this is what Matthew decides to highlight in Jesus’ genealogy over any of the great, noble things David is known for. Matthew highlights that “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife” (Matthew 1:6).
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan, we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone who has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read 2 Samuel 11
Highlight
Chapters 11 and 12 can be read together and a chiastic structure can be seen between the two stories. Yet, for the Genealogy of Jesus, we will focus on chapter 11 and the sin of David.
Yesterday, we read of the promise God gave to David. Today, we see that time has passed. David still follows God, but it seems that he has not kept himself accountable or in check lately. He has allowed himself to drift from what God has called him, as king, to do. This happens to all of us at times. But David’s sin and attempt to handle it himself caused great distress, heartache, and loss of life. It is one of the lowest points in David’s reign. And this is what Matthew decides to highlight in Jesus’ genealogy over any of the great, noble things David is known for. Matthew highlights that “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife” (Matthew 1:6).
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan, we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone who has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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