rule – Shofar Durbanville Bible Studies

The aim of this devotional study is to consider that man was made “in the likeness of God” and the consequences thereof.

Scripture

Genesis 1:24-31

24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds–livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.

31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Observation

What do we learn about mankind in each of the following verses?
1. Verse 26
2. Verse 27
3. Verse 28
4. Verse 29
5. Verse 31
Now summarize what you observe in this Text about God’s original intent of mankind (in terms of role/ purpose).
From this creation account, what distinguishes mankind from animals?

Personal Reflection

Man was created “in the image of God” and “very good”.
1. How should impact your self-image?
2. How should that impact your relationship with God?
3. How should that impact your relationship with your neighbor?
Man was created to “have dominion” over everything in earth.
1. How does that impact your attitude towards your environment and nature in general?
Why are people precious to God?

Prayer

Pray this prayer of David to God, and then pray that God will re-adjust your attitude to the people around you in accordance with His view of them.

Psalms 8:1-9

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens… 3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on stewardship and God’s provision in power and authority.

Scripture

Daniel 4:29-37

29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.”

33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws. 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Observations and reflections

Note: This account chapter 4 follows Daniel’s interpretation of the king’s dream with the essence ‘repent of your ways, and know that “heaven rules”’ (v27). At the time this was recorded by Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar was a great emperor who ruled many kingdoms in the Middle East and Europe, including Israel.

From the decree by the “voice from Heaven” (v3-32) what do we learn of God’s providence and power in human lives (as in each of these phrases)?
1. “The kingdom has departed from you”
2. “you shall be driven from among men”
3. “your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field”
4. “you shall be made to eat grass like an ox”
What is the intended lesson from this account?

Application

How does this account challenge your attitude towards the ruler of your country?
Consider your current circumstance – what is entrusted to you, your influence and your authority. How does it feel that God knows where you are at, and that he is the one that has entrusted to you authority and power, your relational influence, where you live and your mental faculty?
1. How does that influence your perspective on the successes in your life?
2. How does that influence your perspective on the challenges you face?

Prayer

Pray firstly for the ruler of your country – for grace that He may recognize and serve God in his rules.

Then thank God for the authority, influence and even intelligence you have, and pray that you may serve Him well where you are. Then bring the challenges you have in prayer to God.