This week’s devotional thought is about remembering to focus on prayer, especially as we remember to pray for God’s people, Israel. As we consider the following Scriptures, we are reminded of God’s watchful eye, His unique plan for His people, and His unfailing for Israel. At the same time, we are reminded that God, in His grace, has a perfect purpose for all who turn to Jesus Christ.
First, we find these words from the pen of Moses: “For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.”
—Deuteronomy 32:9–10
Here, we discover that God not only leads and instructs His people, but keeps them with the utmost care, as one would guard the very apple of the eye.
Secondly, we see that King David recognized God’s special care and goodness toward His people and later prayed: “I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, from the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.” —Psalm 17:6–9
David’s prayer reminds us that we, too, can come before the Lord with confidence, knowing that He hears and protects those who trust in Him.
Thirdly, we find that God gave this word of prophecy regarding His intimate love for Israel, as Zechariah records: “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.”
—Zechariah 2:8
Friends, we see that Scripture continually emphasizes the tender love and compassion God has for His people, using the phrase “apple of the eye.” This expression highlights how closely God watches over His people, Israel. We also find that God’s plan for Israel will one day be fulfilled, according to the words of King David: “For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession. The seed also of his servants shall inherit it: and they that love His name shall dwell therein.”—Psalm 69:35–36
As we meditate on these truths, let us take hold of the promise given to us: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”—Psalm 122:6
May we be a people who remember, who pray, and who trust in the faithful purposes of God. Praying you have a blessed week!
Thank very much Dr. Chapman. It is true this is the time we need to pay hard. We the Lord to take care of the situation on earth. Many people have no regards of what the scriptures said concerning human life. We thank God for He is in control of all his creation and it’s our prayer to serve him till he call us home. Thank you for the encouraging messages. God bless you
Lord God, thank you for your watchful eye and your unique plans for me and your Grace reflected in your Perfect purpose. O God, Thank you for your Love shown in your Son Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Thank you for your Leadership, Guidance and Divine Instructions. Let me be one of your portion and incline your ear and listen to the prayer of your people. Keep me as the Apple of your eye. Thank you for your Special care in my family. Lord God the Giver of the Peace, remember to give peace to your ” Family”. I pray this in Jesus Name Amen and Amen. Be blessed Mightily Brother. Pass my warm greetings to your family, Rev. Steve’s family and the Church.