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The Book of Daniel
Please
click on the current date # above or scroll down to read the devotional
for the day!
It is our desire to make these devotionals
readily available to anyone who can use them. We pray that as you daily
read and meditate on God's Word, you will be able to use these to help you
spiritually grow in your daily walk with the Lord.
May God richly bless you this day!
1st
September 1
The Danger of Stubborn Rebellion
Hebrews 7:23-31
I believe that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers, who
because of persecution, were dispersed primarily throughout Asia Minor.
There was a great transition from the old covenant to the new covenant.
The faith of the old covenant primarily manifested itself through the
civil law as it related to the worship of the temple. Under the new covenant,
worship as Jesus described to the woman at the well is in spirit and truth.
Many folk are troubled at the stern nature of the old covenant. We read
about this in verse 28. In this verse we read, He that despised Moses'
law died without mercy under two or three witnesses… However, we
need to be mindful that to whom much is given, shall much be required.
Therefore, with the added revelation in Christ and grace, our accountability
is even greater than that under the law. Those who profess faith, but
choose to live a life of stubborn rebellion to the truth need to be mindful
of this warning.
Note the warning of verse 29. In this verse we read, Of how much sorer
punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under
foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith
he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit
of grace? What could be worse than the judgment of physical death? The
warning concerns apostasy, eternal death and damnation.
In other words, those who profess faith and don't walk the path of faith
and obedience are playing a very dangerous game. They are presuming on
the grace of God. To presume on the grace of God is to walk the path of
the apostate. I have no doubt that people today put far too much confidence
in the simple profession of faith. Now thank God, a simple profession
of faith is all that is necessary for salvation, but it is possible to
give a sincere profession of faith without really having faith. Not all
that glitters is gold. We need to realize that without the reality of
a transformed life, an empty profession is worse than no profession. Empty
professions like this are of the apostate, not the saint. DW
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2nd
September 2
Christ is a Better High Priest
Hebrews 5:4-8
The word "Better" is recorded 13 times in Hebrews. Every time
there is a comparison with something else. In our text "better"
is not used, but we see Christ's priesthood to be "better" than
Aaron's. Some years ago, I was talking with a Mormon Bishop and he was
bragging that he was of the Aaronic priesthood. Without a stutter, I told
him I was of the Melchisedec priesthood. He was dumbfounded and had no
answer. 1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual
house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable
to God by Jesus Christ. Moses built a house, but Christ was Son over the
house, Hebrews 3:6. We are the house that Christ built; another name is
the family of God. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth
the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous
light. I trust that before you finish reading this page you will realize
just what a position we have with the Saviour and that every born again
person is responsible before God and men to maintain a testimony of our
salvation and relationship we have with Christ. In the above two verses:
we are a living stone, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, offering
spiritual sacrifices unto God, a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation and a peculiar people. Wow! What a responsibility we have
and a testimony to live before the world.
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;
to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. And now there is more;
we are kings and shall reign with Him throughout all eternity; all this
because Christ was of a better order than Aaron. Melchisedec was king-priest
in the Old Testament. Christ is the Great High Priest and King of Kings
in the New Testament.
Lastly, it gets better, Ephesians 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen us
in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption
of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure
of his (God's) will. Hallelujah! What a Saviour! RJS
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3rd
September 3
The Diffusion of Power
Genesis 11:1-9
In this text, we find the first major judgment of God after the flood.
As we read in the Bible of a coming one-world government dominated by
antichrist, we need to appreciate that the purpose of the enemy is the
same here. At the tower of Babel, people united in pride and false religion.
It is sad, but shortly after the flood the hearts of people in large numbers
turned from God to false worship and self. If God did not intervene in
grace, the world would have come to be dominated by evil.
Think about this. Why is it that dividing people was helpful? Because
of sin people are quickly and easily misled. However, in time they will
come to understand the error. In other words, they have to experience
the fruit of sin before they understand the evil of sin. By dividing the
people, God maintains the light of liberty on this earth throughout the
age. It is this work of God's grace that stays evil in our world.
The same principle is in our constitution; there is a separation of powers.
This principle helps to preserve the country from corruption. One of the
problems with the diffusion of power is the diffusion of responsibility,
but this is not as great a problem as the concentration of power. In order
to divide people, God confused human language. We live in a day of a world
economy. As we see in Europe with the common market, this world economy
will drive the need for a one-world government. It is when the events
at the tower of Babel are reversed that we will come to the destruction
and corruption at the end of the age.
We would be wise to understand the corrupting influence of power. Someone
has noted that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This, more than anything else, reveals the influence of sin on the human
heart and the greatness and glory of God. The omnipotent is good and altogether
lovely. Holiness is God's primary attribute. His power is limited by His
goodness, which includes His love. If this were not true, there would
be no redemption, only judgment and damnation. Turning from God most often
means the false worship of idolatry and self seeking. These things have
no place in a Biblical spirituality. DW
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4th
September 4
The Second Coming of Christ
Psalm 118:19-26
Our text speaks of the rejection of Jesus Christ. We read in Psalm 118:22,
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
When Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, we read Matthew
21:9 … the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried,
saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the
name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Sadly, a few days later, some
of the same people cry, "crucify him". The multitude of humanity
is very fickle. Like Esau of old they will trade their birth right for
a mess of pottage.
It is interesting to note that Jesus uses these same words at the end
of His condemnation of the Pharisees. The Pharisees were those who believed
that they had it all together. They saw the failures of the rest of the
people, but in their spiritual blindness, they could not see their own
sin. Jesus points it out clearly to them and concludes by saying to them,
Matthew 23:39 … Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say,
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. For the moment, they
rejected Him, but He would be back. He would come again when they open
their hearts to Him as a nation and receive Him. The prophet foretells
this great event in Zechariah 12:10 … I will pour upon the house
of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and
of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced,
and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son…
The word used in our text is Jehovah. Jesus comes in the name of Jehovah
God. There are several texts in the Old Testament where a prophecy is
given concerning Jehovah God. Then in the New Testament it is quoted and
applied to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is Jehovah God. One example is Isaiah
4:3 and Matthew 3:3. In Matthew 3:3, John the Baptist is identified as
this one who would prepare the way for Jehovah, and John the Baptist prepared
the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus is coming again. At this
time, most people on earth will receive Him. The picture given in the
Gospel record is that of a great harvest where the angels gather and separate
those who do not believe from those who believe as tares from wheat. At
this time, God will cast the tares, the Antichrist and the false prophet,
into a lake of fire. DW
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5th
September 5
The Messiah is the Chief Corner Stone
Psalms 118: 22-23; Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10-11
Most public buildings have a corner stone. Sometimes they use a hollow
stone and place a time capsule in it, which is to be opened a hundred
years after the building was built. When Solomon's Temple was built all
the stones were cut and finished at the quarry. They were then moved to
the temple site and set in place. They were all perfect and there was
not the sound of a hammer used in setting up the walls. And the house,
when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought
thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron
heard in the house, while it was in building. 1 Kings 6:7
Tradition has it that when the builders were ready to set the corner
stone it could not be found. They searched the temple site for it, but
it was not there. They returned to the quarry and after clearing tons
of debris they found the corner stone and it was then moved to the temple
and inserted in its proper place. If the above it true, it is a perfect
example of the Jewish nation being unable to recognize the Messiah when
He came the first time and after much soul searching in the tribulation
they will call upon Him whom they rejected centuries ago. Our text found
in both Ps. 118 and Mark 12 records that it was prophesied that he would
be refused and Jesus quoted the Old Testament to tell them that He was
the rejected Corner Stone. The stone which the builders refused is become
the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous
in our eyes. Ps. 118:22-23 and And have ye not read this scripture; The
stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This
was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Mark 12:10-11.
It is sad, but we too reject, many things recorded in the Bible, not
because of unbelief, but because we want to live according to the dictates
of our hearts rather than according to the Scriptures. Often Christian's
seek an excuse by saying "that verse is not for me." We even
say "that's your interpretation!" Remember, the Jewish nation
rejected their Messiah, let's not reject His Word. RJS
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6th
September 6
Christ's Coming in Glory
Psalm 102:12-16
In our text, we see a prophecy of the Messiah appearing in glory. At the
mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John saw Jesus in His glory
with Moses and Elijah. The disciples accurately understood this as a picture
of the kingdom age. In Luke 21:27 as Jesus speaks of His Second Coming,
He says; … they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and
great glory.
We read about this event in Revelation 19:11-14, 11 And I saw heaven opened,
and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful
and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes
were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had
a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed
with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
The disciples focused on the kingdom when Jesus came the first time. What
they did not understand is that the blessings of the kingdom are impossible
without the spiritual aspects of the kingdom. If people do not receive
spiritual truth in their hearts, they will not be able to live in such
a way as to experience the blessings of the kingdom. The result of Jesus
coming the first time is recorded in John 1:11. Here we read, He came
unto his own, and his own received him not.
However, the blessings of the spiritual kingdom are available to all that
will receive Him. John 1:12 … as many as received him, to them gave
he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name…
These blessings include a heart full of peace, love and joy. If all people
on this earth had such a heart and Jesus was leading us, we would realize
all the blessings of the kingdom. The present church ought to be such
a kingdom. Those who are lost in sin have a heart full of covetous desire.
Judas had a heart full of covetousness, and troubled the disciples. Today,
all whose hearts are full of covetousness only bring trouble into the
church. It ought not to surprise us that most church conflicts revolve
around the use of money. When the kingdom comes to this earth God will
remove all this kind of evil. (Matthew 24:31). DW
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7th September 7
The Messiah Shall be Known for Righteousness
Psalm 45:2, 6-7; Hebrews 1:8-9
The Psalmist has much to say about the Messiah all the way form Psalm
2 through 150. Here we have a very vivid description of the countenance
of the Lord Jesus. Thou art fairer than the children of men: There was
magnetism about His eyes that attracted people to Him. The features of
his face radiated love, kindness and mercy; grace is poured into thy lips:
His words were soft and his voice was melodious. It is few and far between
that He raised his voice to someone, and then only to defend His ministry
or His Father; therefore God hath blessed thee for ever, Psalm 45:2. Therefore,
He was endued with power while here on earth and even more now that He
is in heaven sitting at the right hand of the Father.
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is
a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore
God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Psalm 45:6,7. Our biggest failure is that we do not hate wickedness as
He did. If we did, we would crucify our eyes and thoughts. Hollywood and
pornography would be out of business. There is an interesting verse in
the Proverbs: 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of
man are never satisfied.
The following verses are a command! Harden not your hearts, as in the
provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers
tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years, Hebrews 1:8, 9. The
above is referring back to the forty years of wanderings in the Sinai
Peninsula. They hardened their hearts against Moses and God. They accepted
the negative report of the ten spies and rejected the positive report
of the two spies when the way was open for them to go up and conquer the
land. They rejected God and His leadership for the conquest, and all that
generation who were twenty years and older perished in the wilderness
with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, who lived and went into the land
forty years later. Don't harden you heart against God! RJS
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8th
September 8
Abraham's Blessing
Genesis 28:12-14
In our text, we read of Abraham's blessing coming into the life of Jacob.
The blessing went from Abraham to Isaac and then, to Jacob. God chose
Abraham in order to bring blessing to all the families of the earth. He
chooses one family as a means of reaching all families. The idea of election
is troubling to many. Inherent, in this idea, is inequity. There can be
no inequity when it comes to grace. Grace is a gift. It is the right of
the giver to give as pleasing to him.
We should not see election as arbitrary and without grace and mercy.
Inherent, in the idea of election, is grace and mercy. It is because God
is not willing that any should perish that He chooses Abraham. The blessing
of Abraham is a means of reaching all families on this earth. The success
of the gospel demonstrates the wisdom and effectiveness of God's plan.
God's purpose in touching every nation involves working in and through
one family and nation. Many Jews came to view the idea of election as
being exclusive of Gentiles. They were wrong. The election of Abraham
and the nation Israel was God's means of including Gentiles. In Galatians
3:8 we read … the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the
heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying,
In thee shall all nations be blessed.
The blessing is the Gospel. It is the good news of salvation through
faith in Jesus Christ. In the purpose of God, Jesus Christ would be born
as a son of Abraham in the nation of Israel (Galatians 3:16). God needed
to specially guard and lead this family in order to accomplish this purpose.
We need to appreciate that as sure as we have been born of the Spirit
of God, we are part of God's purpose in blessing all people in this world.
The basis of our election is not our goodness, ability or wisdom. God
chooses us in order to help reach some from every kindred, tongue, tribe
and nation. Apart from God's purpose, none would come to salvation. For
this reason, more often than not, we are inferior in goodness, ability
and wisdom. Why is this? It is so people will realize that we cannot save
ourselves. As sure as the power of God has touched our hearts, God will
use us to reach others. Our witness for Christ is important evidence that
we are born of the Spirit of God. DW
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9th
September 9
Messiah is the Seed of Isaac
Genesis 21:12 - Romans 9:7 - Hebrews 11:18
All through Scripture we see a pattern that was established very early;
Cain was set aside for Seth, and this pattern was followed down through
the writings of both the Old and New Testaments. Ishmael was the first
born son of Abraham, but he was set aside for Isaac. Abraham took a
third wife after the death of Sarah. To this union were added six sons
to Abraham, but they did not receive the blessing that was given to
Isaac. Esau was first born, but Jacob received the blessing. Reuben
was the first born in Jacob's family, but Joseph received the double
blessing. There was not a tribe named after Joseph, but his two sons
became tribal leaders, and even there, the second son was chosen over
the first born, Genesis 48:17-20. Aaron was three years older than Moses,
but Moses was chosen, Exodus 7:7.
The capital illustration is found in Adam being set aside
and Christ becoming the Second Adam, I Corinthians 15:45-59. And along
with this illustration, we even see being born of the flesh is to be
earthy, but the new birth born again is a spiritual birth, and all who
are born again put on the heavenly.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Hebrews 11:18 Of whom it
was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called. Again in Romans 7:7
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children:
but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. God always abides by his standards;
He gives us three witnesses, the first in the Old Testament and the
second and third in the New Testament.
The Lord established a line of succession that would last
for about two thousand years. From Abraham to Christ, God kept a genealogical
record of the seed of Abraham for several reasons. 1. Christ must be
a descendent of Abraham for God's Word to be true. 2. He must be a Son
of David in order to sit of the throne of David in the Kingdom Age.
3. Likewise, Christ must be a man; therefore, Luke gives us the genealogical
record of Christ's humanity. RJS
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10th
September 10
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Isaiah 32:1, Luke 1:32, Revelation 19:16, 20:6
Revelation 19 is the consummation of all things as we know them today
and as they will be known during the tribulation. It is the close of the
seventh dispensation, or the time of "Jacob's trouble" Alas!
for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of
Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it, Jeremiah 30:7. He will
return with the heavenly armies on white horses. He will come as the Commander
in Chief of the heavenly armies (JEHOVAH SABAOTH) and lead them in the
great defeat of the world's armies at Armageddon. He will rid the earth
of rebellion. The beast and the false prophet will be cast into the Lake
of Fire.
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS,
AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16 Jesus Christ is in this context Jehovah
Sabaoth. He comes with the angelic armies and the saints who were raptured,
(caught up) 7 years earlier. We have enjoyed the Wedding Feast of the
Lamb. The vultures, eagles and other carrion birds of the world gather
to the feast of the dead armies that have come up against Israel and are
totally destroyed. This supernatural destruction of Israel's enemies is
brought about with a word spoken by the Lord Jesus, King of Kings and
Lord of Lords. The written Word, the Bible is a sword that separates the
soul and spirit and joints and marrow. For the word of God is quick, and
powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner
of the thoughts and intents of the heart, Hebrews 4:12. So the Living
Word, the Lord Jesus Christ speaks and it is consummated by His word.
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in
judgment, Isaiah 32:1. What a difference between the above verse and what
is recorded in I Samuel 8:6-7. In I Samuel, the people rejected a Theocracy,
that is, God ruling for a monarchy where a human king rules the people,
taxing them and conscripting the youth into his army. King Jesus will
be different than any former earthly ruling monarch. RJS
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11th
September 11
Jehovah Is a Great King
Isaiah 33:20-24
Our text speaks of the Messiah in terms of greatness. Isaiah 33:22…
For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king;
he will save us. This is similar to the language used by the angel Gabriel
in Luke 1:32. In this verse, Gabriel says, He shall be great, and shall
be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him
the throne of his father David…
David ruled on the throne of Israel. I believe that the day is coming
when Jesus will come again and will rule on the throne of David. Men like
Clarence Larkin predicted the restoration of national Israel in the early
1900s, because of the teaching of Bible prophecy. The national restoration
of Israel is a miracle of modern times. Since the Babylonian captivity,
the city of Jerusalem was subject to Gentile control. After the Babylonian
captivity, the nation never reestablished their king. The day is coming
when this will change. Jesus said, (Luke 21:24) … Jerusalem shall
be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
When this takes place God will restore the kingdom to Israel with the
person of Jesus Christ. While Jesus was on this earth, He never served
as a Lawgiver, Judge and King.
His greatness was primarily moral and spiritual. Israel rejected Him as
their king. When he comes again, Jesus will come as Israel's King. A study
of the Bible reveals that all the prophecies concerning Jesus' first coming
literally happened. The same will be true of all the prophecies concerning
His Second Coming. God's power is not limited to eternity. As we find
in the book of Daniel, God's kingdom will absorb all the kingdoms of this
world. The blessing God promised to Abraham happened as the nation of
Israel came into existence at Mt. Sinai, but the blessing will not be
complete until the kingdom extends to include all the people of this earth.
Jesus Christ is Jehovah God and Jehovah God is our King and Savior according
to our text. Only the Son of God could accomplish such blessing on this
earth. As we read in Luke's Gospel, this great King is called the Son
of the highest. All who believe will share in this glory and blessing.
Romans 8:17 … if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together. DW
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12th
September 12
The Shepherd Dies for His Sheep
Isaiah 40:10-11, John 10:11, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:24-25
This writer candidated at a church, some years ago, where he was informed
that the Pastor should not be paid more than a sheepherder working out
in the field with his sheep. The more I thought on the above the more
I was convinced that I could not accept a call to that church if they
extended one to me. I sat down on the following Monday morning and wrote
them a long letter telling them why I would not accept a call, if one
was extended. I informed them that a minister was called to teach the
Scriptures and lead as many as would follow into everlasting life through
Jesus Christ. The sheepherder is hired to feed the flock and get them
ready for slaughter. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall
gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall
gently lead those that are with young, Isa. 40:11.
A few months later I was invited to that church to sit on an ordination
counsel for the new pastor. I went there with fear and trepidation, not
knowing how they had responded to my letter. Much to my surprise several
of the deacons came to me and thanked me for the letter. It opened their
eyes as to the responsibilities and duties of a pastor. And they were
now giving the new pastor a much better income than his predecessors.
Now we see the Good Shepherd about to become the Slaughtered One for
His sheep. Who his own self, bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose
stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now
returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls, I Peter 2:24-25.
These verses tell why God so loved the human race that He gave His Son
to become our Sacrifice for sin and give us eternal life. The whole human
family is as a flock of sheep without a shepherd and each one going in
a different direction. So many are thinking I can work my way to heaven.
Others are thinking there is no hell and a loving God would not send anyone
to hell. They are right; He won't send them to hell. They will go there
because they reject His Substitute! RJS
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13th
September 13
Rejected by His People
Isaiah 42:1-7
Some of the saddest words we read in the Bible are found in John 1:11.
Here we read that Jesus … came unto his own, and his own received
him not. This is an interesting text. The relative pronoun, which is translated
own, is neuter gender. Jesus came unto His own things. He was the Creator
of all that we know. The second relative pronoun, which is translated
own, is masculine. He came to His own people and they rejected Him.
We read about this rejection as the crucifixion in Isaiah 53. The text
in Isaiah 53:4 is paraphrased in Luke 8:17 and applied to Jesus Christ.
The nation Israel, through her leaders, rejected Jesus and condemned Him
to death on the cross. The prophets had foretold all this. The references
in the Bible to the Messiah being a great King and a suffering Servant
confused people. They did not realize that the Messiah would come to this
earth two different times. Israel rejected Jesus at His first coming,
but they will receive Him at His Second Coming.
I have mentioned that there is a maturing process going on for the race
of humanity, but there is also a maturing process going on for God's people.
We start out much like the apostles, ignorant of spiritual truth and full
of self-seeking, but the cross leads to the crown. Man in sin rejected
Jesus and this will ultimately lead to the deepest suffering for Israel.
In this dark hour, Israel will take hold of faith in Christ. In like manner,
we must also reject our sinful flesh by dying to self. It is only when
we learn this; we will find the blessings of Christ's spiritual kingdom.
When we do this, we will experience genuine suffering for Christ's sake.
I fear much of what people mistake for the suffering of Christ is only
suffering for our own foolish pride. It is even as much of the suffering
of Israel is often a matter of foolish pride rather than suffering for
righteousness sake.
Truth and error are in conflict. Without rejection of self and living
to righteousness, we will not come into conflict with error. When we allow
Jesus Christ to shine through our hearts, we will suffer for Christ's
sake. This world does not love truth and righteousness. They love the
pleasures of sin and self. DW
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14th
September 14
The King is Coming
Isaiah 62:11, Matthew 21:5, Revelation 19:16
Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to
the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward
is with him, and his work before him. 12And they shall call them, The
holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought
out, A city not forsaken, Isaiah 62:11-12. The above prophecy is directed
toward Israel and the restoration of the nation after the tribulation
and as they enter the millennial age. However, it also includes the New
Testament saints when they return with the King to reign with Him for
a thousand years. The prophecy was partially fulfilled in Matthew 21:5,
where we read of the King presenting himself to the multitude in His triumphal
entry into Jerusalem, on what we now know as Palm Sunday. Jesus was recognized
by the multitude as their King, and less than forty-eight hours later
the same crowd rejected Him and called for His crucifixion. This total
rejection of their King led to the destruction of Jerusalem and their
sacred Temple in a short 40 years, which is the number of probation, testing
and trial.
"Forty centuries after Adam, came the fullness of time. The human
race had been tested. Mankind had failed. God sent forth His Son, made
of a woman, under the law that we might be adopted into His family. God's
Son was from eternity. We are children of time. Jesus was the official
Delegate from the counsels of eternity. The Omnipotent One came down to
the impotent ones." Biblical Hermeneutics by J. Edwin Hartell
In Revelation 19, we have the destruction of the armies that came up
against Israel under the leadership of the antichrist and the false prophet.
These two world leaders are cast into the lake of fire to be tormented
forever and ever, and the armies of the world are completely destroyed
by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Revelation 20 tells us of the
chaining of Satan by the angel that came down from heaven and cast Satan
into the bottomless pit. Finally, the King of Kings' millennial reign
on the earth and that we shall reign with Him. RJS
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15th
September 15
Our Inheritance
Isaiah 65:8-10
This text, in Isaiah, speaks of an inheritance for God's chosen. This
text indicates that had not God determined to save a remnant, none would
find salvation. In 1 Peter 4:18 … we read, if the righteous scarcely
be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? The word translated
"scarcely" here, has the idea of something very rare or difficult.
The salvation of one person is something that is not easy for God. The
nature of sin is so evil that it is hard for God in His omniscience
and omnipotence to win our hearts to repentance and faith. Even the
very best of us resist coming to the truth and righteousness. We resist
seeing our sin and opening our hearts to the power of God's transforming
grace.
It is interesting to note that what we lost in the fall is not even
worthy to be compared to what is ours in Christ. According to God's
Word, God made mankind on a lower order than the angels. However, the
redeemed will be recreated in Christ on a higher order than the angels
were created. One of the consequences of being in Adam is that all are
born with a fallen nature. This seems unfair. However, one of the great
blessings of being in Christ is that we will find all the blessing of
He who is Lord of all. In Romans 8:17 we read where we are … heirs
of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together.
Christ is the heir of all things. In Hebrews 1:2 we read where God appointed
Jesus heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds… Jesus
said that the meek shall inherit the earth. How can Christ and we have
all things? In a family, what the father owns, the son owns, all who
are in the family own. In our Lord's parable of the prodigal son, the
father tells the older brother, Luke 15:31 … Son, thou art ever
with me, and all that I have is thine. In order for Jesus to redeem
us, we were united with Him. When He died, we died. His death met the
just penalty for sin. In Romans 6:23 we read…. the wages of sin
is death … The contrast in this verse is not physical life and
eternal life, but eternal death and eternal life. Jesus being God provided
a death that was eternal in quality. He paid the penalty for sin. In
Christ, we are partakers of His righteousness. Some wonder if they will
ever be good enough for heaven. They have no assurance. All those in
Christ are good enough for heaven. Are you in Christ? DW
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16th
September 16
The Book of Daniel
Daniel 1:1-7
Because of the outline of human history in this book, skeptics and critics
late date this book. The history of the nation Israel prior to the Babylonian
captivity is one of repeated idolatry. The nation never really conquered
their spiritual weakness involved in the worship of the golden calf.
As the book of Daniel opens, Daniel is among the captives that King
Nebuchadnezzar has taken to Babylon. Daniel is in training to become
part of the government of Nebuchadnezzar.
There is much we can learn in this book. According to Jesus Christ,
from the time of the captivity until the coming of the Messiah the destiny
of city of Jerusalem is dominated by Gentile nations. Because of this,
Daniel teaches us about holding our convictions in the face of hostile
government power. This is an important prophetic book as it outlines
the destiny of Israel from the captivity to the end of the age.
As we noted earlier, critics late date this book. Conservatives date
the book from about 535 BC, while critics suggest a time about 168-165
BC. In recent years, critics have been silent about the fact that the
book of Daniel is found among the manuscripts of the Dead Sea Scrolls
which dates from about 500 BC. Also, the Septuagint translation has
a complete copy of the book of Daniel. The Jewish scholars who produced
the Septuagint give a powerful witness that they accepted Daniel, the
prophet, as the author of this book and not as suggested by critics,
some contemporary Maccabean fraud working to encourage nationalist spirit.
The book of Daniel carries a great message of hope in the face of the
darkness of pagan tyranny over a faithful remnant. This book speaks
of the national restoration of Israel and the kingdom under the Messiah.
As such, it is a key to understanding our Lord's Olivet discourse and
the book of Revelation. There is hope for the future and there is hope
for the present as God is working in a very powerful way in the life
of Daniel and his three friends.
It is amazing to me how the world can ignore the powerful witness to
the truth that we find in this book of Daniel. No mere man could foresee
the future as Daniel did without divine revelation. No mere man could
challenge governmental power and corruption like Daniel and prevail.
This world never lacks for the power of God and faithful people. DW
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17th
September 17
Authority in Conflict
Daniel 1:8-16
We need to be mindful though God has ordained human authority and
government that does not mean that this authority is equal to or greater
than that of God Himself. As the apostles noted, legitimate human
authority or not, we ought to obey God rather than man. In this book,
we see Daniel understands this. Daniel also understands the need to
show respect for corrupt authority. He understands when called upon
to disobey God that we need to be very careful and wise in all our
dealings.
At this time, Daniel and his three friends are about 14 years of
age. The prophet Isaiah warned the king, … thy sons that shall
issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and
they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (Isaiah
39:7). Daniel knew the Jewish dietary laws and his faith moved him
to keep himself pure. He did not want to eat the king's meat or drink
the king's wine. It is important to note that before this crisis,
Daniel was faithful. We read in Daniel 1:9 that … God had brought
Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
God was at work to protect Daniel in this hostile environment. Many
people of faith seek God too late. They seek God in a crisis. Daniel
was faithful before the crisis, and God used his faithfulness before
the crisis to sustain him in the crisis. I don't know that we ought
to expect that God will deliver us in the crisis if we have not been
faithful before the crisis.
When faced with a demand to disobey God, Daniel seeks help from a
friend. His friend wants to help, but has concerns of his own. When
Daniel addresses those concerns, the dilemma is gone. More important
than Daniel's faithfulness in this story is God's blessing. It is
God's blessing that brings Daniel in to favor with the prince of the
eunuchs. It is God's blessing that helps Daniel thrive under an alternative
diet.
Why doesn't Daniel just defy this corrupt authority? We need to respect
the powers that be. When I first worked with power equipment my dad
told me how important it was to respect this equipment. The powers
that be are a force that we are wise to respect. If we are not careful,
we can bring a lot of problems into our lives. We are always wise
to treat others with respect. Without the excellence of spirit in
Daniel's heart and life, I think that this story might have ended
much differently. DW
18th
September 18
God's Great Blessing
Daniel 1:17-21
What a blessing to know that God is watching over Daniel and his friends.
Yes, the enemy has destroyed the nation, the temple and the kingdom,
but the remnant of faithful believers still thrives. Daniel and his
friends were in a difficult position. Those working for the king asked
them to eat the king's meat and drink the king's wine. However, through
Daniel's faithfulness and wisdom, God delivers them from dishonoring
Him.
In verse 19 we read that the king communed with them; and among them
all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore
stood they before the king. It is not just Daniel, but his three friends
that enjoy great blessing. They all seem to be promoted here to a
high level of leadership. God's blessing in Daniel's life spills over
and touches the life of his three friends. This is always the nature
of God's blessing. Our cup runs over. In verse 20 we read of Daniel
and his three friends that the king … found them ten times better
than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
Think of it. Daniel and his friends are just starting their career
in the government. Through God's blessing they are head and shoulders
above all the old wise men of Babylon. This is unusual, but reflects
the truth we see in the Psalms. Psalm 119:99 I have more understanding
than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. We will
find more truth that is helpful in the Bible than anywhere else. In
the Bible, we find everything we need for life and godliness.
Daniel's knowledge of God, His will and His work in this world worked
to success in the world. God is the creator and sustainer of all.
As we learn truth in the Word, we will find principles that we can
apply to every area of life. Sometimes, when times are difficult and
the work of God seems in ruins, we can become discouraged and think
that God has forsaken us. The experience of Daniel and his friends
ought to be a great encouragement to us. Things were dark for the
nation Israel, but for Daniel and his three friends, there would be
great blessing and a powerful witness for righteousness. Daniel's
great influence in Babylon will continue longer than the Babylonian
nation. People tend to look to power and the best of human wisdom.
These are nothing next to the power of God and the truth of God's
Word. DW
19th
September 19
Lying Counselors
Daniel 2:1-9
The way of the world is to motivate people through fear and pain.
God never motivates people through fear and pain. He warns them about
the truth of their choices in life. We are all free to choose, but
our choices determine our destiny. Yet, as God warns us of hell and
damnation, it is not an attempt to motivate us through fear and pain.
Rather, it is an important function of His responsibility as the good
and just sovereign of the universe.
As the first king of the times of the Gentiles, God gives Nebuchadnezzar
an outline of the history of the character of the various kingdoms
of the times of the Gentiles in a dream. This dream comes in the second
year of his reign. The king may have been seeking God concerning the
future of his kingdom and empire. There is probably not a person living
that does not reach out to God as they ponder the future. King Nebuchadnezzar
receives a dream from God in answer to this seeking. Does God answer
the prayers of those in darkness? We have no guarantee that He will,
but we should never try to put God in a box. With God there is no
box. His ways transcend even our understanding of the Bible.
It is wise to realize that when we trust others, our trust should
be limited to them doing what they judge to be in their own best interest.
Kings need good advisors. It is important to have kings so that there
is not a diffusion of responsibility. The buck has to stop somewhere.
In the home, it is the husband and father. In the world, it is the
king, the president, the prime minister etc. In the church, it is
the pastor. As kings cannot be an expert in every field, they must
have faithful advisors. Sadly, many advisors serve their own interests,
rather than that of the king or country. Nebuchadnezzar is wise and
understands this.
Because of his wisdom, he asks his advisors to give him the dream
and the interpretation of the dream. Normally, the advisor would just
give the judgment as to the interpretation. The king discerned that
the practice of his advisors was to lie for their own benefit. As
God gave him important revelation, King Nebuchadnezzar decides to
clean house. He rightly understands that any counselor who can get
the interpretation from God can also get the dream itself. Therefore,
King Nebuchadnezzar demands both. The wise men are powerless and doomed.
DW
20th
September 20
Impossible Circumstances
Daniel 2:10-16
In this story, the king demands that his counselors give him the dream
and the interpretation on pain of death. All the great leaders of
the realm will die if they do not give the king the interpretation
of the dream and the dream. It is an impossible demand for even Daniel
and his friends, and so Daniel seeks God in faith for help. We need
to appreciate that whenever we find ourselves in a desperate situation,
God is about to work in the lives of faithful people in a powerful
way. The end may be death and the end may be miraculous deliverance,
but regardless of the end, God will use the end as a powerful witness
to truth in this world.
It is interesting, but God does not give Nebuchadnezzar this revelation
of the future in a way he can understand it. He gives understanding
of the future to Daniel and then Daniel gives it to the king in a
way that the king understands that Daniel got it from God. We need
to appreciate that God is at work in this world in a powerful way.
However, God will not reveal His work to the powerful, but to the
faithful. Behind the power that dominates this world is a faithful
believer providing needed help in a way that reflects God working
in and through the life of a faithful believer.
I like what we see here. Daniel does not get mad at the king or the
servant of the king. Daniel does not complain or give up; he sees
this situation as an opportunity for God to work. Daniel does the
first thing that anyone should do in a situation like this; he buys
more time. Daniel seeks an audience with the king in order to buy
more time. He may have asked for an opportunity to tell the king the
dream and the interpretation. If he did, it was brilliant. No servant
of the king would kill one who wanted to go to the king and give him
the interpretation and the dream. It would have been suicide. Daniel
does not plead for time from the servants of the king, but from the
king himself. I see Daniel, telling the king that he is confident
that God can give him the answer, but that he will need time to pray
and seek God for the answer. What a testimony to Daniel's wisdom and
faith as a young man in Babylon. I also see Daniel as having enough
knowledge of God's purpose in his life, that he does not really expect
to die with the other wise men of Babylon. He may not know exactly
what to expect, but he expects God to work in some way to bring glory
to Himself, and he is very hopeful that God will reveal to him what
the king demands. DW
21st
September 21
The Prayer of Faith
Daniel 2:10-16
King Nebuchadnezzar demands that his counselors tell him about his
dream and interpret it for him. If they will not, he will kill them
all. In his wisdom, Daniel goes to the king and asks for time to seek
God. He then joins his three friends in a time of prayer. Many pray
when there is nothing else they can do, but the life of Daniel indicates
that he spent time in prayer regularly. You would think that Daniel
would be under great stress, but he appears calm. As he prays, he
seeks God for mercy. In seeking mercy, he recognizes that God would
be perfectly just if He did not help. This is in great contrast with
many people we see today. Many people today seem to have a great sense
of entitlement.
Note that Daniel slept soundly that night, and God revealed the secret
to him in a dream. According to the book of Hebrews, God spoke to
prophets through dreams, and Daniel was a prophet. Before Daniel goes
to see the king, he takes time to offer a prayer of grateful praise.
In this prayer we see something of the faith of Daniel. Daniel recognizes
the purpose of God in this world. Note verse 21, he changeth the times
and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings… The
king's command was not right, but Nebuchadnezzar is where he is in
the plan of God, and God is working in and through this cruel command.
He thanks God specifically for giving him wisdom and might, and hast
made known unto me now what we desired of thee… It is not just
Daniel but God gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that
know understanding… The thought here is similar to Jesus words
recorded in Matthew 25:29 … every one that hath shall be given,
and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken
away even that which he hath.
It is evident that God is not only at work in the life of Nebuchadnezzar.
He is also working to promote Daniel as His representative and His
witness to the powerful man who led Babylon. God allowed the situation
and worked in and through it for the good of Daniel and his friends,
and the good of the people who lived in Babylon. God's people Israel
were in captivity, but not forsaken. God will purify the remnant in
captivity and lead them back to Israel after they spend a year in
Babylon for each Sabbatical year they failed to observe. We need to
appreciate that faith breathes through prayer. DW
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22nd
September 22
The Powerful Witness
Daniel 2:24-28
After a prayer of praise for revealing Nebuchadnezzar's dream and
the interpretation, Daniel went to the king's guard. King Nebuchadnezzar's
guard, Arioch takes Daniel to the king and takes credit for finding
him. We read in verse 25 where he says, I have found a man of the
captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.
It is very common for people to curry favor with those who have money
and power, and this is what the king's guard does here.
Unlike the king's captain, Daniel does not seek credit for knowing
the king's dream and the interpretation. Daniel gives God glory for
his giving him the knowledge. Note that king Nebuchadnezzar asks Daniel,
art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and
the interpretation thereof? In answer to this question Daniel says,
the secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers,
the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28But there is
a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king
Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. In other words, God
gives Nebuchadnezzar an outline of the times of the Gentiles to the
end of the age. This is a general description of the Gentile world
powers that exist to the coming of Christ's kingdom on this earth.
The truth came to all the leaders of Babylon in a powerful way. Nebuchadnezzar,
all of his counselors, and even the people of Babylon will remember
this for the rest of their lives. We read later on in this book about
one of his descendents seeing hand writing on a wall. His mother tells
him, there is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy
gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom,
like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar
thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians,
astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers... She remembers this experience
because it was a powerful witness to the truth. People understand
that the spirit of God is in Daniel giving him wisdom and knowledge.
All of us can find the wisdom and knowledge Daniel found. In James
1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to
all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
If we seek God for wisdom, we will come to find great blessing. DW
23rd
September 23
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
Daniel 2:29-35
Nebuchadnezzar sees a great statue in his dream. This statue provides
a great prophetic picture. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar; thy thoughts
came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter:
and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come
to pass. The statue is that of a man, and pictures for us the times
of the Gentiles. The head of this image was of gold. The arms and
chest of this great image were of silver. The belly and thighs were
of brass, and the legs were of iron. The feet and toes are of iron
mixed with clay. In Nebuchadnezzar's dream a stone cut without hands
hits the feet of the image and the whole image breaks into pieces.
The picture is not of every government in the times of the Gentiles,
but the character and quality of those kingdoms, which dominate Jerusalem.
The times of the Gentiles begins with the kingdom of Babylon and we
read in the Revelation of Saint John of a future kingdom called Babylon
that will be destroyed at the second coming of Christ to this earth.
The book of Daniel provides us with the key to understanding the book
of Revelation. Daniel's prophecy of Gentile kingdoms is every much
as powerful a witness to the truth in this world as Daniel's interpretation
of the dream is to those in Babylon.
The image is one. The historical record reveals that the Medes and
the Persians absorbed Babylon. Then Alexander the Great conquered
the Persian Empire followed by the Romans. England and the nations
of Europe were a part of the Old Roman Empire. We will see in this
book that a weaker 10 nation confederacy will come to dominate Jerusalem.
The key characteristic of the times of the Gentiles is that Gentile
powers dominate the city of Jerusalem. Each of the kingdoms represented
in the image are world powers. The day is coming when Jesus will come
again. When He does, Israel will recognize Him as the Messiah. In
Zechariah 12:10 we read, they shall look upon me whom they have pierced,
and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son…
God's promised kingdom will come. Everything is moving according to
plan. God knows the beginning from the end. He has determined what
will happen. His work is not apart from the will of man, but in concurrence
with it. He allows evil, but decrees that all will work for good.
DW
24th
September 24
The Dream Interpreted
Daniel 2:36-43
This statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream is a picture of Gentile history
from the return to Babylon until the end of the age. During this time
Jesus said, Luke 21:24 … Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the
Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Thus, this
statue is a picture of those Gentile Kingdoms that will dominate Jerusalem.
The head of this statue was of gold and represented Nebuchadnezzar's
kingdom. The statue is top heavy as gold is the heaviest metal represented
here. Therefore, these kingdoms diminish in quality and substance
as the age progresses. These kingdoms also grow in power as the age
progresses. Nebuchadnezzar was a very wise and benevolent dictator
as far as unconverted humanity goes. In other words, Nebuchadnezzar
was very dedicated to the success of Babylon and the good of her people
in that he was wise enough to understand that this was in his best
interest.
The shoulders and chest of this statue were of silver. This is a
picture of the Medio-Persian Empire that followed the kingdom of Babylon
and dominates much of the same territory. Because of the excesses
of the old system, the king's power was limited in this kingdom. The
king could make any decree that he wanted, but the king did not have
the power to change his laws. The enemy used this very wise principle
to send Daniel to a den of lions. This kingdom was more powerful than
that of Babylon thus it conquered Babylon. The belly of the statue
is of brass. This is a picture of the Greek empire under Alexander
the Great that conquered the Persian Empire. Alexander was a student
of the great Greek philosopher Aristotle the student of Plato. Alexander
used this great wisdom to conquer and rule the world. At the age of
30 he wept because there were no more kingdoms to conquer. The legs
of the statue are of iron and picture the Roman Empire. The Romans
took the wisdom of the Greeks and applied it in the most practical
ways. This empire divided into eastern and western kingdoms. The empire
in the east lasted over 1000 years and neither were ever conquered.
They were destroyed from the corruption within.
The feet and toes of this image are of iron and clay, and picture
a revived Roman empire ruled by antichrist. We read in Daniel 2:43,
… they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they
shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
This is revived Roman Empire which is socialistic and multicultural.
DW
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25th
September 25
Christ's Kingdom
Daniel 2:44-45
In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, a stone smashes in pieces a statue that
is a picture of Christ's eternal kingdom. Now since the stone hits
the statue which is a picture of temporal kingdoms, I believe that
Christ's eternal kingdom will begin as an earthly kingdom that begins
at the second coming of Jesus Christ to this earth.
The current church age began with the coming of the Spirit of God
to indwell all who believe. Under the Old Covenant, the presence of
the Spirit of God was only in prophets, priests, and kings. Thus we
read in David's great prayer of repentance in Psalm 51:11 … take
not thy holy spirit from me. The current church age will end with
the Spirit of God will no longer indwell all believers. This is the
unique feature of the current church age. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17
we read of that time that we which are alive and remain shall be caught
up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:
and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Some theologians use the term
rapture to speak of this event. They get this term from the Latin
Vulgate translation of caught up which is the word rapiemur in that
translation. We read of the Spirit of God in 2 Thessalonians 2:7,8
7 The secret power of evil is already working in the world, but there
is one who is stopping that power. And he will continue to stop it
until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that Man of Evil will appear,
and the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath that comes from his
mouth and will destroy him with the glory of his coming. The stopping
power here is the same we read of in Genesis 6:3 … My spirit
shall not always strive with man…
The scripture leads me to think not just in terms of an eternal kingdom.
In Revelation 11:15 we read, The kingdoms of this world are become
the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ … Revelation 19 speaks
of the second coming of Jesus Christ to this earth. The first resurrection
takes place at the Rapture. The second resurrection takes place at
the end of the 1000-year temporal kingdom of Jesus Christ. In Revelation
20:4,5 we read of the faithful living at this coming that they lived
and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead
lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the
first resurrection. Whether you accept this view or not it is important
to compare scripture with scripture and set human logic aside in order
to faithfully embrace God's Word realizing truth transcends human
language. DW
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26th
September 26
Daniel's Promotion
Daniel 2:46-49
King Nebuchadnezzar was the dictator of Babylon. He had a great concern
for his success and his people as it related to his success. As Nebuchadnezzar
hears his dream and the interpretation, we read Daniel 2:47 The king
answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is
a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing
thou couldest reveal this secret. Daniel accomplished what none of
the other wise men of Babylon could under pain of death. Furthermore,
he gave God the glory. What a testimony to the truth!
Often we tend to think that if we stand up for truth that we will
always pay a price. In this incident, Daniel could have paid with
his life for being far from God. To this point in Daniel's life in
Babylon, following God's will has meant nothing but great blessing
in his life and that of his friends. Note what we read in verse 48,
49, Daniel 2:48,49 48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave
him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of
Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.
49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel
sat in the gate of the king.
What we need to appreciate is that God is no man's debtor. Why should
He be, He is God? He does not show preference for any sinner, even
sinners saved by grace. He is perfectly just. We read in Ezekiel 29:18,
Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service
against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled:
yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that
he had served against it: 19Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold,
I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;
and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her
prey; and it shall be the wages for his Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon
caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head
was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages,
nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against
it: 19Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land
of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her
multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be
the wages for his army. If God took care to pay this army, no one
will serve Him for naught. DW
27th
September 27
Church & State in Conflict
Daniel 3:1-7
In Romans 13 we read 1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.
For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained
of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance
of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
I am not sure that those under the Old Covenant in Israel understood
any spiritual responsibility to the dominant Gentile powers as we
know under the New Covenant, but we are wise to recognize that duties
never conflict. Our duty to our nation never conflicts with out duty
to God. For there to be such a conflict, that authority would have
to be equal to God. I have heard well intentioned and very foolish
Christian ministers put the authority of parents and the authority
of husbands equal to that of God. This is wrong. There is only one
God and all other authority is under God. Therefore, as we see here,
as long as we are really under God we are at peace.
In this story, Nebuchadnezzar commands all the leaders in Babylon
to worship an idol. We are not told where Daniel is at this time.
However, his three friends, who shared in his favor with the king
are faced with the choice of obeying God or human authority. If you
read the book of Acts, even the apostles were a little confused on
this for a while, but the time comes when they tell Jewish authorities
… we ought to obey God rather than men. Daniel's friends understood
the same principle. David's wife Abigal understood this as she came
to David against her husband's wishes in order to save his life. The
only absolute authority is God's. It is not necessarily easy to discern
His will though.
Recently, a reader has asked me about God's working as settlers are
being driven from the Gaza strip. According to the Bible, the land
of the Gaza strip belongs to Israel. However, during this time of
transition from the current Church Age to the Day of the Lord, it
is hard to know what God would have us do. Should the settlers have
left? I have no doubt if Daniel's friends had been living there, the
leaders in Israel and the United States could not have driven them
out if they indeed followed God's call. This story proves that. However,
since these settlers themselves failed to stand, I can legitimately
question whether at this time, God really wanted them to stay. I would
tend to think that God is primarily working through Israel's spiritual
leaders on this one. Remember, there is a time for every purpose under
heaven. The time may not yet be right. DW
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September 28
Biblical Faith and Conviction
Daniel 3:8-18
What if Daniel's three friends would have worshiped this statue? God
would have forgiven them, but they would have missed a great blessing
and Babylon would have missed a very powerful witness to truth. We need
to beware of presumption. Faith is doing what God has spoken to our
hearts and called us to do. Presumption is doing what we believe God
should do and calling on others to do the same. It never ceases to amaze
me how other believers like to call on us to stand with them when it
is unnecessary. If our faith is conviction, we don't need anyone to
stand with us. Note what Daniel's three friends say to Nebuchadnezzar…
we do not need to defend ourselves to you.17 If you throw us into the
blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from the furnace.
He will save us from your power, O king.18 But even if God does not
save us, we want you, O king, to know this: We will not serve your gods
or worship the gold statue you have set up."
Note the great peace of heart of these three men. They manifest the
difference between faith and conviction. Muslim extremists recruit young
impressionable minds to follow their faith and sacrifice for their faith.
How different we see here. Daniel's friends are not really worried about
anything but what they believe God wants. Note the expression of their
faith again. He will save us from your power, O king. However, they
weren't hanging on with pins and needles waiting for deliverance. They
were at peace even if the worst happened. They boldly say to this angry
king, even if God does not save us, we want you, O king, to know this:
We will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set
up."
In our last devotional I mentioned the settlers in Gaza. If the settlers
in Gaza really believed that they were there in the will of God, they
should have stood. According to the Bible, we believe that all the land
belongs to Israel. However, if they really believed that God wanted
them to stand, they should have stood. Furthermore, if God wanted them
to stand and they would stand, there is not a power on this earth that
could have removed them from their homes. Houses of faith are full of
presumption. What we need is Biblical faith and conviction. What we
need is an open heart to God that connects with the will of God for
us. In the end, we cannot judge anyone else with certainty, but we cannot
miss God's will for us if we really open our hearts to Him. DW
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29th
September 29
Deliverance and Blessing
Daniel 3:19-30
The defiance of Daniel's three friends enrages the king. Before he
tries to kill them, he orders the heat turned up on the furnace. This
is a move to put fear in to the hearts of Daniel's friends. He wants
anyone to fear who would defy the order of the king. I imagine a roaring
fiery furnace here. We are not told how long it took to heat this
furnace, but there was some interval of time as opposed to immediate
death. Men with less faith may have tried to plead for mercy during
this time. Daniel's three friends did not.
Anger moves us to do foolish things. Here, Nebuchadnezzar foolishly
kills loyal servants; the very men who throw Daniel's friends into
this furnace perish. As the king looks in to see them burn, the only
thing that burned was their bonds. The king sees four men walking
around in his furnace. I believe that the forth was a manifestation
of Jesus Christ prior to His coming. The king then bids Daniel's friends
to walk out of the furnace. As they come out there is no evidence
of any harm to them or their garments. What a testimony to the power
of God. This is not faith, but sight. Nebuchadnezzar's response here
is similar to anyone who is confronted with truth. The day is coming
when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus
is Lord. Sadly, if we don't respond now to the Spirit of God working
through the witness of the Word of God, we are without hope.
Many add to the Word of God. In almost every case, there is a doctrine
of some kind of second chance as if this life is not enough. I don't
see how those who feel this way believe that there will ever be enough
opportunities. Abraham told the rich man that people would not believe
just because someone they knew rose from the dead. If a resurrection
would do it, Israel would have repented and received Jesus Christ.
There is no hope to those who do not respond to the work of the Spirit
of God. Where there is access to the Word, I believe God works through
the Word. Where there is not, I believe God works through the conscience.
The result is that no one ever leaves this life with an excuse for
unbelief. The result for Daniel and his friends is that Jews received
religious freedom throughout the province of Babylon. Religious freedom
does not rest on the whim of earthly kings. It rests on the conviction
of those who have really come to know God. DW
30th
September 30
Pride Goes Before Destruction
Daniel 4:1-18
Nebuchadnezzar was an absolute sovereign. Someone has said that power
corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. In the grace and
mercy of God, Daniel is sent to warn the king about his pride through
another one of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. You would think after all
the king has seen that he would listen and respond. He does not.
In this dream Nebuchadnezzar sees a great flourishing tree. This tree
brings blessing through fruit, shade and shelter for all God's creatures,
but then a messenger from heaven gives the order to cut down the tree.
In the grace and mercy of God, the tree is not completely destroyed.
Life is left in the stump and roots. Most of us have had experience
with this. We cut down a tree and it comes back. The messenger from
heaven orders a change of heart in the tree from man to beast for
a period. That period is seven times. The "seven times"
were probably seven years because (a) seven days or months would have
been inadequate for his hair to have grown to the length of feathers
(v. 33), and (b) "times" in 7:25 means years (cf. comments
there). (1) The dream ends with the heavenly messengers saying the
purpose of this event was (17) that the living may know that the most
High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he
will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Fallen humanity has a very difficult time dealing with success. The
hearts of all of us too quickly fill with unfounded self-confidence
when we experience success. Note the phrase, setteth up over it the
basest of men. Just because God gives us temporal blessing and success
does not mean that we are any better or smarter than those around
us. I think that God knows pride is growing in Nebuchadnezzar's heart
and so he sends him this warning in a dream. As we have seen in the
past the king seeks out his best counselors, but none can answer the
king. At the last, the king calls Daniel. We can only wonder why the
king calls Daniel last. I tend to think he was looking for some sign
of good news, but there was none. The king remembers Daniel's relationship
with God and asks him to tell him the meaning of the dream. You wonder
what was going through Daniel's mind as he listens to the dream and
seeks God for understanding. If it were positive, I don't think the
king would have been so troubled. DW
(1) Walvoord, John F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary,
(Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985.
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