Beyond the Weekend

October 11 | The Disaster

October 11, 2022

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand. Daniel 1:1-2a

Read: Daniel 1:1-2
Listen: 
Daniel 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

People in the ancient world believed their gods were a significant part of protection and blessing. King Nebuchadnezzar and his army defeated the Israelites, probably making them feel humiliated and scared. This likely disrupted the faith of God’s chosen people (Israelites), causing them to ask several questions about God. Questions like: Is God weak? Does God see what is happening to us? Does God care? Can we trust God in the future to protect us?

The Israelites faced a siege and deportation. We face other challenges. It might look a bit different for each of us, but we all face massive disruptions to our lives that cause us to ask similar questions about God.

These challenges cause us to do two things: (1) turn toward God and find comfort or (2) push him away. Maybe our most recent challenge came out of the loss of a job, relationship, loved one or even our own health. For others, it might be fear of the future as things get tighter financially, and we wonder if God will provide. Or maybe life feels smooth right now, but it is helpful to recognize the best time to prepare is when there isn’t massive disruption. For us all, the first step is to turn toward our God with the loss, fear or planning to handle the next difficulty that causes us to question God.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

We all have the opportunity to turn toward God in challenging seasons. One of the best places to start is worship. Sing with us the song “Jesus Paid it All” today. May the words remind you of all God has done and that God deserves our trust.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

MICAH 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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