Psalm 10

Psalm 10 - Daily Devotion - 13 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

1 Why, O LORD, do You stand far off?
Why do You hide in times of trouble?
2 In pride the wicked pursue the needy;
let them be caught in the schemes they devise.

3 For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him;
in all his schemes there is no God.
5 He is secure in his ways at all times;
Your lofty judgments are far from him;
he sneers at all his foes.
6 He says to himself, “I will not be moved;
from age to age I am free of distress.”

7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence;
trouble and malice are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages;
in ambush he slays the innocent;
his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless.
9 He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket;
he lurks to seize the oppressed;
he catches the lowly in his net.
10 They are crushed and beaten down;
the hapless fall prey to his strength.
11 He says to himself, “God has forgotten;
He hides His face and never sees.”

12 Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God!
Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why has the wicked man renounced God?
He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.”
14 But You have regarded trouble and grief;
You see to repay it by Your hand.
The victim entrusts himself to You;
You are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call him to account for his wickedness
until none is left to be found.

16 The LORD is King forever and ever;
the nations perish from His land.
17 You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their hearts.
You will incline Your ear,
18 to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed,
that the men of the earth
may strike terror no more.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 9

Psalm 9 - Daily Devotion - 12 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

A reminder: This month, we are using our do-it-yourself method for reading the Psalms. Each day, after the reading, I’ll ask you to reflect on two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A Psalm of David.
1 I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;
I will recount all Your wonders.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

3 When my enemies retreat,
they stumble and perish before You.
4 For You have upheld my just cause;
You sit on Your throne judging righteously.
5 You have rebuked the nations;
You have destroyed the wicked;
You have erased their name forever and ever.
6 The enemy has come to eternal ruin,
and You have uprooted their cities;
the very memory of them has vanished.

7 But the LORD abides forever;
He has established His throne for judgment.
8 He judges the world with justice;
He governs the people with equity.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name trust in You,
for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

11 Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion;
proclaim His deeds among the nations.
12 For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers;
He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

13 Be merciful to me, O LORD;
see how my enemies afflict me!
Lift me up from the gates of death,
14 that I may declare all Your praises—
that within the gates of Daughter Zion
I may rejoice in Your salvation.

15 The nations have fallen into a pit of their making;
their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
16 The LORD is known by the justice He brings;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.

Higgaion Selah
17 The wicked will return to Sheol—
all the nations who forget God.
18 For the needy will not always be forgotten;
nor the hope of the oppressed forever dashed.

19 Rise up, O LORD, do not let man prevail;
let the nations be judged in Your presence.
20 Lay terror upon them, O LORD;
let the nations know they are but men.

Selah

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 8

Psalm 8 - Daily Devotion - 10 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. According to Gittith. A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

You have set Your glory
above the heavens.
2 From the mouths of children and infants
You have ordained praise
on account of Your adversaries,
to silence the enemy and avenger.

3 When I behold 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,
or the son of man that You care for him?
5 You made him a little lower than the angels;
You crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler of the works of Your hands;
You have placed everything under his feet:
7 all sheep and oxen,
and even the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the air and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 7

Psalm 7 - Daily Devotion - 9 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.
1 O LORD my God, I take refuge in You;
save me and deliver me from all my pursuers,
2 or they will shred my soul like a lion
and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

3 O LORD my God, if I have done this,
if injustice is on my hands,
4 if I have rewarded my ally with evil,
if I have plundered my foe without cause,
5 then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me;
may he trample me to the ground
and leave my honor in the dust.

Selah
6 Arise, O LORD, in Your anger;
rise up against the fury of my enemies.
Awake, my God, and ordain judgment.
7 Let the assembled peoples gather around You;
take Your seat over them on high.
8 The LORD judges the peoples;
vindicate me, O LORD,
according to my righteousness and integrity.
9 Put an end to the evil of the wicked,
but establish the righteous,
O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

10 My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge
and a God who feels indignation each day.
12 If one does not repent,
God will sharpen His sword;
He has bent and strung His bow.
13 He has prepared His deadly weapons;
He ordains His arrows with fire.

14 Behold, the wicked man travails with evil;
he conceives trouble and births falsehood.
15 He has dug a hole and hollowed it out;
he has fallen into a pit of his own making.
16 His trouble recoils on himself,
and his violence falls on his own head.

17 I will thank the LORD for His righteousness
and sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

REFLECTIONS

Today, Stephen has written his own thoughts on the two questions.

One thing I related to was David’s longing for God to “put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous” (v 9). Sometimes we can feel like we are under attack from godless enemies – and we have many brothers and sisters who literally face physical violence from those who hate the Lord Jesus. God calls us not to fight back, but to pray “your kingdom come”, and to cling to him as our refuge, the one who will deliver us (v 1), and who will bring us to the security of his eternal kingdom.

There were so many things in the Psalm that reminded me of Jesus – especially that will return to judge the world. But the most precious reminder of Jesus for me was in verse 8: “The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity.” I could never pray that or claim that based on my own righteousness, because the New Testament calls Jesus “the Righteous One” (for example, Acts 7:52). But thinking some more, I remembered that on the last day, God will vindicate me and declare me innocent – not on the basis of a “natural” righteousness that’s in me, but on the basis of Jesus’ perfect righteousness. God has clothed me with Jesus’ righteousness through his death on the cross, so that when God sees me, he sees his righteous Son. What a miraculous gift!

So for me, the last verse was the perfect way to pray: “I will thank the LORD for His righteousness and sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”

Psalm 5 & 6

Psalms 5-6 - Daily Devotion - 8 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 5

For the choirmaster, to be accompanied by flutes. A Psalm of David.

1 Give ear to my words, O LORD;
consider my groaning.
2 Attend to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to You I pray.

3 In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice;
at daybreak I lay my plea before You
and wait in expectation.

4 For You are not a God who delights in wickedness;
no evil can dwell with You.
5 The boastful cannot stand in Your presence;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
6 You destroy those who tell lies;
the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.

7 But I will enter Your house
by the abundance of Your loving devotion;
in reverence I will bow down
toward Your holy temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make straight Your way before me.9 For not a word they speak can be trusted;
destruction lies within them.
Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit.

10 Declare them guilty, O God;
let them fall by their own devices.
Drive them out for their many transgressions,
for they have rebelled against You.

11 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
let them ever shout for joy.
May You shelter them,
hat those who love Your name may rejoice in You.
12 For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous;
You surround them with the shield of Your favor.

PSALM 6

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments, according to Sheminith. A Psalm of David.

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger
or discipline me in Your wrath.
2 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail;
heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is deeply distressed.
How long, O LORD, how long?

4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul;
save me because of Your loving devotion.
5 For there is no mention of You in death;
who can praise You from Sheol?

6 I am weary from groaning;
all night I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.
7 My eyes fail from grief;
they grow dim because of all my foes.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
they will turn back in sudden disgrace.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 3 & 4

Psalms 3-4 - Daily Devotion - 7 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

PSALM 3

A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom.
1 O LORD, how my foes have increased!
How many rise up against me!2 Many say of me,
“God will not deliver him.”

Selah
3 But You, O LORD, are a shield around me,
my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
4 To the LORD I cry aloud,
and He answers me from His holy mountain.

Selah
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
6 I will not fear the myriads
set against me on every side.

7 Arise, O LORD!
Save me, O my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.8 Salvation belongs to the LORD;
may Your blessing be on Your people.

Selah

PSALM 4

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.
1 Answer me when I call,
O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved my distress;
show me grace and hear my prayer.

2 How long, O men, will my honor be maligned?
How long will you love vanity and seek after lies[A] ?

Selah
3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself;
the LORD hears when I call to Him.

4 Be angry, yet do not sin;
on your bed, search your heart and be still.

Selah
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the LORD.

6 Many ask, “Who can show us the good?”
Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.
7 You have filled my heart with more joy
than when grain and new wine abound.
8 I will lie down and sleep in peace,
for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 2

Psalm 2 - Daily Devotion - 6 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together,
against the LORD
and against His Anointed One:
3 “Let us break Their chains
and cast away Their cords.”

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord taunts them.
5 Then He rebukes them in His anger,
and terrifies them in His fury:
6 “I have installed My King on Zion,
upon My holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the decree
spoken to Me by the LORD:
“You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.
8 Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance,
the ends of the earth Your possession.
9 You will break them with an iron scepter;
You will shatter them like pottery. ”

10 Therefore be wise, O kings;
be admonished, O judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry
and you perish in your rebellion,
when His wrath ignites in an instant.

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 1

Psalm 1 - Daily Devotion - 5 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

This month, we are returning to the start of the book of Psalms, with our “do-it-yourself” devotion system. Instead of hearing someone else’s reflections, each day I’ll ask you to reflect on the Psalm yourself using some simple questions that you can use with any Psalm.

The two questions to think about are:

1. What things in the Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus? It could be something about his ministry, his suffering and death, his resurrection, his kingdom, or what God has done for us through Jesus.

But don’t worry if you can’t always think of something – just read, reflect and pray.

~~~

1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
or set foot on the path of sinners,
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the Law of the LORD,
and on His law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
yielding its fruit in season,
whose leaf does not wither,
and who prospers in all he does.

4 Not so the wicked!
For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD guards the path of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Luke 22:7-13

Luke 22:7-13 - Daily Devotion - 3 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

Note: We have been having some problems with sending devotions. Many apologies for things being late and bunched up! We’re trying to fix things up.

—

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover.”

9 “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked.

10 He answered, “When you enter the city, a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters, 11 and say to the owner of that house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there.”

13 So they went and found it just as Jesus had told them. And they prepared the Passover.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rebecca Lin

As I read this passage, the thing that stuck out to me the most was v13, which says “So they went and found it just as Jesus had told them.” I think it is because Jesus’ words to the disciples were not just a helpful suggestion about an appropriate place where they might be able to prepare the Passover meal, but rather a specific set of instructions about how to find a specific man, who would lead them to a specific house and then a specific room. And as the disciples followed those specific instructions, they found everything “just as Jesus had told them.”

This reminds me that every word Jesus says is trustworthy and true. Usually when I think about examples in the Bible that show that Jesus’ words are trustworthy, I tend to think of the many times Jesus told people that he would die and rise again before he actually did. But in this passage, Jesus’ words about something as small as finding a room to prepare a meal came true too! It is a reminder that Jesus has been completely faithful to every word that he has said and every promise that he has made, no matter whether it was big or small.

And this gives me confidence that Jesus is currently being faithful and will continue to be faithful to the promises he had made to us. Let’s spend time reflecting on and praising God for his faithfulness to his words and trusting that every promise will be fulfilled just as Jesus has told us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 22:1-6

Luke 22:1-6 - Daily Devotion - 2 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park


1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death; for they feared the people.

3 Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 Judas consented, and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Marcy Saw

The first thing that stands out to me in today’s passage is the matter-of-fact way Luke describes Satan entering Judas Iscariot. At first, that makes me feel uneasy – could I be susceptible to being taken over like that, to the point of betraying or forsaking Jesus? But it’s helpful to remember that followers of Jesus have received his Spirit dwelling in us, which means Satan cannot rule over us. At the same time, it challenges me to continue putting to death sin, and to not give Satan a foothold in my life (see Ephesians 4:26).

We may not fully know Judas’ reasons for betraying Jesus, but the passage suggests that one motive might have been a desire for monetary gain. The danger of letting sin into our lives through the temptation of wealth and materialism is particularly strong for us living in Australia, and especially for those whom God has blessed with plenty. I constantly need to remind myself to find my security in belonging to Christ, rather than chasing the empty promises of satisfaction from worldly riches.

The second thing that stands out is how God achieves his purposes despite the sinful intentions of people and Satan’s plots. The chief priests were motivated by jealousy at Jesus’ popularity and fear that people would rise up to follow up him; Judas was driven by selfish gain, and Satan by his opposition to God’s plans. But it is God who orchestrates this scene and is in charge of its setting. The timing of these events near the Passover reminds me of God’s past deliverance of his people in Egypt from the angel of death. God is so great that he uses even sinful motives and Satan’s schemes as part of his plan to deliver us from the curse of sin through Jesus’ death for us.

Let’s ask God to keep guarding our hearts from the allure of wealth and the deceit of sin. Let’s also praise him that even when we fall short, his grace in Jesus is greater than our sin.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mercy is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 21:34-38

Luke 21:34-38 - Daily Devotion - 1 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. 36 So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 Every day Jesus taught at the temple, but every evening He went out to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 And early in the morning all the people would come to hear Him at the temple.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Dania Mourad

Today is the final part of Jesus’ teaching about signs of the end. This last section serves as a clear reminder to all believers living in the last days. Jesus urges us not to be weighed down by worldly concerns — “dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life” (verse 34). This made me reflect on how often I fall victim to anxiety — ungodly worry about the unknown future, fear of how plans will unfold, and scenarios I can’t control. It’s easy to get caught up in fearing the worst. I also think of those who turn to drunkenness or other temptations as a way to cope with the world’s pressures.

I am especially thankful for verse 36, which reminds us to “pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen.” This is a clear instruction to keep our focus on God, by praying and staying alert. We are given both the responsibility and the solution to overcome being weighed down by the world’s concerns. This reminds me of 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” How incredible it is that we can lay our worries before God in prayer, a sacred time of communion with our Father, and know that he hears and answers out of love for us.

This world is imperfect, sinful, and full of despair, but we hold on to the promised hope we have in Jesus. When we believe in Him and surrender our lives, we can rest assured in the future He has for us, a future beyond our comprehension. I pray that we all choose to seek God, who cares for us, loves us, and provides peace in a world that gives into sin. May we lean fully on Jesus in all seasons of life and remember that our lives ultimately belong to Christ. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dania is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 21:29-33

Luke 21:29-33 - Daily Devotion - 30 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

29 Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 So also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

Understanding things is very important, especially understanding God’s Word. But sometimes it’s just as important to know what things you don’t understand. Today’s passage is a great example: I don’t understand verse 32. In fact, I suspect nobody today knows for sure what Jesus meant when he said, “this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.” Who did he mean by “this generation”? Maybe he meant that the climactic signs of his coming will not last longer than one generation – those who “see these things happening” (verse 31) will also see the end itself. Or maybe he was using “this generation” to talk about this entire age of evildoers who persecute his people and cause violence and bloodshed in the world – they will keep doing those things right up to the end.

I don’t know – which is good for me. Keeps me (and hopefully all of us) humble before God’s Word.

But I still find this passage very encouraging! Because Jesus tells us two things we can know for sure: we can know that the kingdom of God will come, and that Jesus’ words will never pass away. We can know because we have already seen the signs.

Jesus tells a little parable about how trees can show you what’s just around the corner: when they sprout, you know summer is near. When we lived in Chile, the street just around the corner from us was lined with trees that were bare through the winter. But in spring, out of nowhere, they would all suddenly burst into the most beautiful display of cherry blossoms. It was a certain and reliable sign that summer was coming.

There may be signs in the future that Jesus’ return is near – the things Jesus has talked about earlier in this chapter. I don’t understand everything there either! But we have already seen the most important signs of the coming of God’s kingdom: Jesus the Messiah died for our sins and was raised to life in glory, to fulfil all the Old Testament Scriptures. God did those things publicly, as signs that Jesus has already established God’s kingdom. We are only waiting for it to be finally revealed.

The signs have happened: This generation and this whole creation will pass away, but God’s kingdom, and Jesus’ words, will last forever. So, as Peter says, “you ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our senior minister.

Luke 21:25-28

Luke 21:25-28 - Daily Devotion - 29 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

25 There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. 26 Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Sam Wee

When I was much younger, I used to be absolutely terrified of Jesus coming back. The images of judgement, fire, death, and so on, made me really worried about what would happen to me. It would often keep me up at night.

I might not have understood everything about those images correctly. But to be honest, I think there was something appropriate in my response to Jesus’ return. In today’s passage, Jesus tells us there will be “dismay among the nations,” “roaring of the sea and surging of the waves,” and people fainting with fear. Even “the powers of the heavens will be shaken”! Those are, indeed, some truly terrifying images.

But did you notice Jesus’ instruction for what we are to do when these things happen? “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Wow, that was unexpected! In the midst of all of this chaos, redemption is drawing near. What comfort we have from the Lord Jesus Himself! On the day the Son of Man comes, those who are in Him will not face destruction, but will be saved!

This passage reminds me of the last verse of my favourite hymn:

“When I soar through realms unknown,
bow before the judgement throne.
Hide me then my refuge be,
Rock of Ages cleft for me.”

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we will not face death on the last day, but will instead receive salvation. God Himself will be with us and will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more pain or suffering. Death will be forever defeated, and we will be face to face with our God, in pure, unadulterated joy for the rest of eternity. What amazing hope we have in Christ!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sam is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 21:20-24

Luke 21:20-24 - Daily Devotion - 28 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

21 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.

23 How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Jess Chow

These verses are a warning from Jesus to the Jewish people of his own day. What a severe warning he gives about the impending destruction of Jerusalem, their holy city. The warnings to get out of the city and flee to the mountains and the countryside make me think of times of war, when similar instructions are issued, such as in World War 2 – in Australia before the bombing of Darwin, and in Japan before the relentless US bombing campaign. Millions of women and children were evacuated because of the knowledge that great distress would be coming upon the land. These were urgent warnings and the choice that was made was a matter of life and death.

Here in Luke, the thing that could save their lives was trusting in the warnings of Jesus about what lay ahead, and heeding his warning by acting – taking refuge rather than stubbornly staying. In a much greater sense, Jesus has also warned us about the coming destruction of the present heaven and earth, and He offers us refuge in Himself from God’s wrath on the judgement day that awaits the whole world.

In our relative peace and comfort in Australia, it can be hard to imagine a state of this much urgency and destruction in wartime. In a similar way, when life seems to go on and the earth has continued to turn for thousands of years since Jesus’ warnings, it can be hard for me to imagine the urgency we need to have to lead people to refuge from the coming destruction and judgement. But this is a sobering reminder of the reality of our world – Jerusalem did fall in AD 70 as Jesus warned, and the new Jerusalem is coming as He has promised. The call to take refuge in Him stands.

Heavenly Father, give us eyes to see and alert minds about the reality of the coming judgement. Help us cling to Jesus as our refuge, and lead others to your salvation. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jess is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 21:10-19

Luke 21:10-19 - Daily Devotion - 26 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

10 Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

12 But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. 13 This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. 14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17 And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. 18 Yet not even a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keng Lio

In this passage, Jesus paints a sobering picture of the future: wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution – even betrayal from those closest to us. It’s not the most comforting scene. But Jesus never promised earthly comfort – He promised His presence.

He says in verse 19, “By your patient endurance you will gain your souls” – or in the NIV, “Stand firm, and you will win life.” We will not receive eternal life by avoiding trials, but by enduring them when they come.

When everything around us feels uncertain, when the world shakes and relationships strain, Jesus reminds us that these are not signs of His absence, but opportunities to show our trust in Him. In verses 14-15, Jesus says, “Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. For I will give you speech and wisdom…”

In other words, God doesn’t just call us to be faithful – He equips us for it. He sees every hardship, every moment of fear or confusion, and He is right there with us, steadying us.

Let’s not be shaken by the noise of the world. Let’s fix our eyes on the One who holds our future. No matter what adversity we face, Jesus is right in the middle of it all.

Let's finish by praying to our Lord.

Lord, when everything feels uncertain, help me stand firm in You. Remind me that my life is secure in Your hands. Strengthen my faith and give me the words and wisdom I need, no matter what I face. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keng is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 21:5-9

Luke 21:5-9 - Daily Devotion - 25 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

5 As some of the disciples were remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts, Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

8 Jesus answered, “See to it that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Merry Chau

It was when the disciples were admiring the temple (v5) that Jesus reminded them that this worldly monument would be destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled in AD 70. The disciples were asking Jesus about the physical temple. But by warning them that it would not last, I think Jesus was pointing them to the eternal temple – to the kingdom of God that can never be destroyed. Jesus looks beyond the destruction of the physical temple in AD 70 and directs their attention to “the end”, when he will return. He was reminding them to be kingdom focused, not focused on things in this world.

When the disciples ask Jesus about the sign that temple would be destroyed (v7), they were probably hoping for a straight answer, but Jesus doesn’t give them one – because he was more interested in preparing them for the end of this world, not the end of the temple. So he doesn’t say something like, “When the sun turns red, the temple will be destroyed.” Instead, Jesus gives them 2 commands to follow as we wait for his return, especially when people claim that they are Jesus or when they try to shock us with end-time claims. The two commands are: “Do not follow them” (v8), and “do not be alarmed” (v9). With these, Jesus teaches his disciples (and us) what to do while we wait for his return. He teaches us how we should live.

When speaking to children, they say it’s most helpful to tell them what to do, instead of what not to do. For example, instead of saying “Don’t run”, say “Walk please.” I found it helpful to do the same with Jesus’ commands. “Do not follow them” means: “Remain faithful to Jesus”; and “Do not be alarmed” means “Be vigilant.” Jesus emphasises always being ready and on guard so that we’re not led astray by false teachers and we don’t get focused on worldly things.

Let’s pray that God helps us to be kingdom focussed, to remain faithful and to be vigilant as we wait for the return of Christ.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 21:1-4

Luke 21:1-4 - Daily Devotion - 24 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

1 Then Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.

3 “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Lauren Sing

As a young child, I would read this passage and be confused at how Jesus was dissatisfied with the large gifts from the rich people, but made an example out of the widow’s tiny donation. I only looked at the monetary difference between what the rich would have presumably donated, compared to the seemingly small amount from the poor widow. But why wasn’t Jesus happy with what the rich were giving?

Jesus focuses not on the amounts, but on the widow’s generosity. When you compare their generosity, her giving of two very small copper coins is more than the gifts which are so visibly carried into the temple treasury by those who are wealthier. The rich are able to give out of their abundance and will still have plenty left over, but the woman in her poverty gave all that she had. What was important here was the woman’s heart and dependence on God by donating her entire life’s savings. 

I don’t think this passage is telling us that Jesus wants us to donate so much that we become destitute (see 2 Corinthians 8:13-15).  But it truly makes us reflect on why and how we give.

God has provided and blessed us with all that we have. We give back to God as a demonstration of our gratitude for what he has provided us with, to help support our church’s staff and ministry costs, and to help support our local community and missionaries. In the way that we donate to church and other Christian organisations, we are called to be generous. We cannot take these earthly possessions with us to heaven, and what we do with them is a direct reflection of the true priority of our hearts (Matthew 6:19-21).

Giving goes beyond financial gifts too. We can serve generously, by making the effort to arrive early to the service, sitting next to the new person even though it may be easier to sit next to our friends, by checking in on and praying for someone going through a hardship, or by not rushing off immediately after the service so that we can make meaningful conversations with other churchgoers. Sometimes the most generous way to serve might be serving in a role at church we may not necessarily have the “gift” for but we know it would make a difference if we could help out in that way.

What are some things that hinder us from being able to give and serve generously? Pray that God will help re-shift our priorities and help us to be able to give back out of gratitude for how He has provided so generously to us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

Luke 20:45-47

Luke 20:45-47 - Daily Devotion - 23 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

45 In the hearing of all the people, Jesus said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Grace Ip

Over the last few days, the confrontation between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders has been heating up. Jesus challenged their corruption when he cleansed the temple. The religious leaders then challenged Jesus’ authority and tried to trap him with trick questions, but Jesus answered so expertly that they didn’t dare question him further.

Today Jesus warns his disciples, in the hearing of all the people (v45), that these religious leaders are only after their own glory. He describes them as people who seek to appear very religious and honourable. They like to walk around in their long robes, enjoy being greeted in marketplaces, and when they attend banquets, they want to sit in the best seats. They also like to make long, showy prayers. Essentially, these scribes like to be in the limelight, and they like the attention that comes with it. Jesus, however, calls out their hypocrisy, pride and exploitation of the vulnerable; and he says such people will be condemned by God.

As I reflect on today’s passage, I see that Jesus’ words serve as a warning not only to church leaders today but to all of us as well. Just like the scribes, we can fall into the trap of seeking recognition for our actions and wanting praise for our efforts, especially when serving or teaching in church.

Have you ever considered if you are only serving in ministry because it’s a “rewarding experience”? What about when it doesn’t feel rewarding anymore or when that reward diminishes? Does it fill a void in your life? Are you only serving those who will appreciate you in return? Do you find it tempting to display your efforts for the approval of others?

Today’s passage really challenges us to examine our hearts, motives and attitudes. I pray that as we serve or teach at church, we will strive to cultivate a humble heart that seeks to bring glory to God rather than to ourselves.


Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that we serve You faithfully, not for the praise of others, but out of love for You. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

Luke 20:41-44

Luke 20:41-44 - Daily Devotion - 22 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

41 Then Jesus declared, “How can it be said that the Christ is the Son of David? 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand
43 until I make Your enemies
a footstool for Your feet.”’

44 Thus David calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Jennie Vu

I am reminded how Jesus is God but was also human. Sometimes I feel like the scribes and Pharisees deny Jesus’ divine nature because of what he went through. We can sometimes put Jesus into categories that makes sense to us because it’s easier to comprehend and explain.

It makes me wonder do I look to Jesus as my leader, or my God? Someone I follow, or someone trustworthy of handing my life over to? David reminds me that Jesus is the Son of God, sitting at God the Father’s right hand with enemies beneath him. It’s a powerful image and it just makes sense for me to give my life to Jesus. David was a highly regarded king, one chosen by God himself, yet he knew that there would be someone much greater than him coming later. I’m thankful for David’s humility as a great king of Israel. I used to think of a King or Saviour as someone who would be mighty and grand like in the movies, but in Jesus’ upside-down kingdom, the greatest king – God the Son – is humble. Jesus living a life as a human son to non-noble parents, being a carpenter, coming into Jerusalem on a donkey, and ultimately dying a shameful and degrading death – none of those things paint a picture, in worldly terms, of a mighty Messiah.

I guess that’s what the Pharisees couldn’t see beyond. I pray that we continue to humble ourselves before Jesus. There will be theology I won’t humanly comprehend, and that’s okay. I just need to trust the truths in the Bible and who Jesus says he is, our Messiah who came from the line of David, and the Lord who is both humble and so much greater than David. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennie is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

Luke 20:27-40

Luke 20:27-40 - Daily Devotion - 21 April 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

27 Then some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to question Him. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a wife, but died childless. 30 Then the second 31 and the third married the widow, and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. 32 And last of all, the woman died. 33 So then, in the resurrection, whose wife will she be? For all seven were married to her.”

34 Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. 36 In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.

37 Even Moses demonstrates that the dead are raised, in the passage about the burning bush. For he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”

39 Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well!” 40 And they did not dare to question Him any further.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Tim Mitry

The question posed to Jesus was asked with malicious motives. But Jesus graciously answered anyway, and his response reveals things about what eternity will be like. I came away reflecting on a few points.

First, I have a sure hope in the resurrection of my body, and that I will be with God, and I will live forever.

Second, God cares about our bodies, since he will resurrect them. There is an implication then that I should make sure to use my body reverently. I am also looking forward to seeing fellow saints in the new creation.

Finally, the fact that Jesus says marriage won’t exist in heaven makes me wonder about my own marriage. Elsewhere in the Bible we are told that marriage is a reflection of Christ and His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). That makes me realise I don’t need to live feeling sad that marriage doesn’t persist into the life to come, since we will all experience, in full, the thing that marriage is a preview of: being gathered with the triune God.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.