Exhortation

Indifference In The Pulpits

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Matthew 2:1-23 continuing

“And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet…” Matthew 2:4-5

Sometimes, even many times we are surprised by those who are religious leaders; look at the INDIFFERENCE OF THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE SCRIBES. The Chief priests had political and religious power. They were originally to descend from Aaron brother of Moses. During the time of Jesus this had become an office of political favor and could be purchased for the ‘right price’.

These men were supposed to be in charge of the temple, and its sacrifices. They were profiteers rather than servants of God and the people. That will later be seen in Jesus’s entering the temple area and upsetting the ‘Money changers’ tables. These would tell someone who had brought their own lamb for sacrifice that it had a blemish, thus was unfit as a sacrifice; sell this individual another lamb; then turn around and sell the one they had said was blemished to another unsuspecting customer. O, the power that religion holds on people. O, the shame it should be to all those who are truly in Christ Jesus; to see those who make profits from the selling of “healing merchandise”, “Handkerchiefs’, ‘cloths”, “Holy Oils” “a piece of the cross”, etc.; for the purpose of healing, blessing or whatever. THIEF.

These “Priests”, by representation, should have been seeking the Messiah, but it seems they had no care for it. These were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of their people “Israel”, but they were bought and paid for by the political system, and their own greed. The people who call themselves Christian must needs be very cautious when dealing in the political arena. There should never be an offer of material benefit for a candidate, nor receipt of material benefit from a candidate. The Christian person, nor Christian ministry is for sale. In case someone misunderstands I will state it again. The Christian is not for sale, nor is the ministry of the Word of God. I for one will not be found to be a part of the “woman” riding the beast of “Democracy” (Rev. 17:3).

The Scribes were authorities on Jewish law and the Scriptures. They too were negligent in searching for the Messiah. They were more concerned with the thing which are at hand. The coming of Messiah would take care of itself. There is a like negligence of the prophecies of God’s Word today; a denying of their importance. Wake up Christian. Wake up pastors. These Scribes just had no care. They too, were bound up in the office of their position, rather than in the One who came, and is coming again. I really hate to admit it, but that is the attitude I see in far too many pastors in 2007.

The Testimony of the Foolish

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Matthew 2:1-23 continuing…

“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” Matthew 2:3; “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also” 2:8; “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men” 2:16.

Another thing, the third thing we look at is the TESTIMONY OF HEROD’S JEALOUSY AND HOSTILITY. Herod was actually only a Roman appointed king of the Jews. He married a Jewish heiress in order to make himself more acceptable to the Jews. He was cruel and merciless. He was so incredibly jealous; even to the point of killing his own sons to protect ‘his’ throne.

Herod was troubled because he already saw this baby as a threat to his political and military power. This is the Herod known as “Herod the Great”. This Herod is founder of the famous and infamous line of Herods, and he ruled from 37 – 4 B.C.. In Psalm 2:1-2 we read, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed,…”. Surly, Herod the Great was the first to attempt the destruction of the Lord as He became a man.

This king was a man who was not beyond using deception to get information that he wanted, espcially if it affected his reign. He would deceive, lie, kill, do whatever it took to preserve his kingdom. He lied to the Magi to try and find out where this baby was; “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” (vv.7-8). Herod had no intention of worshipping this new born king. He would kill him, but not worship him. That is, if there had not been divine providence involved. One day Herod will fall down and worship at the feet of this King; whom he tried to kill; and will call Him Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

One thing is for sure; God preserves His Word, ie., His Son, and the written Word; and those who trust Him. Those who try to destroy Him will be destroyed.

Looking For the King

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Matthew 2:1-23 continued…

“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” Matthew 2:2.

The second thing we look at is the TESTIMONY OF THE MAGI. The Magi were probably from the area of Persia, and were known as astrologers and/or magicians. This is by no means an approval on those practices of evil. It shows still the darkness of their hearts, but also a drawing power of God’s Spirit to people who do not know Him. The testimony of Daniel was strong even 450 years later.

So, what was the testimony of these Gentile “Magicians”? They came to the king, one who thought he was the king of Jerusalem, to find out where this King would be born (v. 2). First of all it seems they had a testimony of God’s Word. They had heard this message of a coming King of the Jews from somewhere and it must have been from the Scriptures which Daniel had written. They must have read of the “Stone cut out without hands”,

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Daniel 2:34. “Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Daniel 2:45.

The very fact that these men are seeking Him says much about who it is. Why would these men who held much importance for the king of Persia at the time be going off following a “Star”? Didn’t they have important matters to attend to? I mean by that things they would have considered important. Maybe they had other men who filled in for them in performing their duties.

One of the things that certainly can be said of these “Magi” is that they were seekers of the truth. In that endeavor we all should be, and those of us who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior have been found by Him.

The testimony of the Magi troubled king Herod. He was, according to historians of that time, a very jealous man. He was the “King of Jerusalem”, and no one was going to have his throne. Are you troubled by this King, or do you find life, hope, peace, joy, and eternal life in Him?

Evidence of Scripture

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THE ACTIONS OF WISE AND FOOLISH MEN

Matthew 2:1-23  There will be further posts from chapter 2 of Matthew

We are given evidence of the Kingship of Jesus. It is shown by the actions of men; both foolish and wisemen. There is evidence provided us by Scriptures which have been fulfilled only in the person of Jesus Christ. These evidences should evoke the sinner to ascribe to Him His worth by receiving Him; and the saint by ascribing all our worship to Him, through our love by obedience to His commandments.

In this chapter the “Wise men” are of course those who come seeking the one who was “Born King of the Jews”. Herod, of course, is one of the foolish men who by Hiis very act of free will was used to fulfill the very Word of God by his act of hatred.

We are not told how many of these “Wise men” there were. It has mostly been assumed that there were three, because when they brought their gifts to Jesus there was only three gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh (v. 11). Where did these wise men come from. It very well could be that these were men who came from the area around Persia, and their knowledge of Scripture could probably be traced back to Daniel (See Daniel 5:11). There is no evidence to back this up, but is only a possibility. Wherever they came from; whoever they were; somewhere they had gained a knowledge of a coming King of the Jews.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem” Matthew 2:1; “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son” 2:13-15; Verses 17-23 are also included in this section.

First of all let’s look at the EVIDENCE OF SCRIPTURE (v. 6). Now concerning the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem Micah the prophet wrote by the breath of God, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (5:2). There are some who believe Jesus was merely a man who plotted to meet all the Scriptural evidence, and as if the Holy Spirit knew this would happen, He gives us evidence of His birth, knowing no man can plot or plan the place of their birth. I speak as a man to men. Concerning the escape from out of Egypt (vv. 13-15), we find Hosea writing by God’s breath, “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” (11:1). Certainly a reference to Jesus’s coming out of Egypt as a child.

In verses 17-18 of our text we find it proclaimed in Scripture, “Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not” Jeremiah 31:15. This was a proclamation of the hideous act of Herod’s jealousy, and his slaughter of innocent children two years of age and under. O, how there must have been much weeping when the soldiers came with swords, and the blood of infants flowed in the homes and streets of Ramah.

“He shall be called a Nazarene” (v. 23b). According to many scholars there are no written prophecies available to us which this would refer. It is interesting to note a few Scriptures which speak of Jesus being despised. The word ‘Nazarene’ could be a reference to one who is despised or detestable.

“Nazareth, an obscure town 55 mi. N of Jerusalem, was a place of lowly reputation, and nowhere mentioned in the OT. Some have suggested that ‘Nazarene’ is a reference to the Heb. word for brance in Isaiah 11:1. Others point out that Matthew’s statement that ‘prophets’ had made this prediction may be a reference to verbal prophecies nowhere recorded in the OT. A still more likely explanation is that Matthew is using ‘Nazarene’ as a synonym for someone who is despised or detestable–for that was how people from the region were often characterized (cf. John 1:46). If that is the case, the prophecies Matthew has in mind would include Ps.22:6-8; Is. 49:7; 53:3.” From the MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE pg. 1396.

Those Scriptures say, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” Psalm 22:6-8. From Isaiah we read, ” Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.” Isaiah 49:7; “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3.

It is possible that more than one prophet wrote of Jesus being called a Nazarene. Matthew does mention, “…Which was spoken by the prophets…” (v. 23). Jesus was from Nazareth. He was despised of men and rejected. How do you see Jesus?

God’s Fulfilled Promises (2)

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Matthew 1:18-25 continued…

Joseph, then, obeyed the voice of God, and went and took Mary as his wife. He too had a heart similar to Mary’s, after the Angel came and confirmed Mary’s words to him. There does not seem to be a moments hesitation. In order to save he and Mary from some embarrassment they probably had their marriage soon after Joseph’s receiving the message.

It is so very important to believe the Word of God. It tells us these things of Jesus. His coming into the world, just like the rest of us, but as the seed of God, not of man. Note what verse 22 tells us, “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet…”.

The virgin birth of Jesus is acknowledged by the Holy Spirit in the writing of Scripture, and in the conception of Jesus. Mary knew herself to be a virgin (Luke 1:34). Her virginity was evidence of her godliness. Her virginity protected the divine nature of the Son of God. If he would have been born of Joseph, or any other man he would have no divine nature.

The baby which was conceived by the Spirit of God was declared to be a “Son” by the Angel before this baby was born (Luke 1:31; Matthew 1:21). This was a long time before there was ‘ultra sound’, or any medical technology we know of in 2007. Joseph is to name Him Jesus; “He shall save His people from their sins”. The name ‘Jesus’ means “Jehovah will save”. In Hebrew it is the name ‘Joshua’.

The birth of this very special baby by the virgin is in fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. In particular Isaiah 7:14. Matthew’s Gospel continues throughout the Gospel to connect Jesus to the Old Testament. There are more Old Testament references in the Gospel of Matthew than in all the other Gospels. There are at least 100 references to the Old Testament with at least 93 actual references in this Gospel. This strongly shows us God’s power to keep His Word and fulfill His promises. Mary was indeed a virgin at the time of conception and at the time of the birth of Jesus. Immanuel – ‘God with us’ – God became man and dwelt among us.

There was a consummation of the virgin birth by Joseph’s determined action to be the husband of Mary and the legal father of Jesus. In essence the action was an act of obedience – obeying the messenger of God who came and confirmed the words of Mary. Joseph protected the virginity of Mary until after the child Jesus was born. There are some who want to continue to maintain the virginity of Mary even after the birth of Jesus, but this is fallacious; it has no merit at all up against the Scriptures. The fallacy of it is seen in the final verse – 25. “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS”. It is seen in chapter 12:46; and again in chapter 13:55-56; and again in Mark 6:3. To deny the virgin birth of Jesus Christ is to deny the truth which Jesus Himself spoke unto us. “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30); “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me” (John 14:6). Who would or should even call Him a “Good man” if He told us nothing but lies? I am so thankful that the Word of God is true, trustworthy, completely reliable, and every word is God-breathed. Jesus was more than a ‘good man’; He is the God-man.

The virgin birth of Jesus is declared by the Old and New Testaments. It is believed by God’s people, by all who know His Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It does not matter who denies it or rejects it; it is the truth. Because of the virgin birth of Jesus we have further evidence of the reality, validity, and power of the life of Jesus. The way the world has been changed by the person, and the witness of Jesus is evidence of the truth of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are fulfilled because of this truth. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is consummated every time a sinner is born of God.

Fulfilled Promises

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GOD’S FULFILLED PROMISESMatthew 1:18-25

This part of the study in Matthew’s Gospel has to do with one of the most controversial subjects concerning the birth of Jesus. That is the fact that He was virgin born. There is much importance to be placed upon this truth. The deity of Jesus Christ and His very own character hang on this truth. To doubt this truth is to doubt the very words of Jesus Himself, because if He was not virgin born, then He was not and is not deity; He is not the Son of God; His death is no different than the thieves who died along side of Him and He was most deserving of His death.

We could ask the question, “Why is the virgin birth so important?” I believe that question is answered in the paragraph above. It is important because it gives us evidence of the truth of who Jesus is. If He was born of a virgin, then, He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14; and since He fulfilled that one He also fulfilled all the others concerning His first coming, and will fulfill all those concerning His return.

We do know that there have been myths of other religions which claimed someone was virgin born, but those prove to be nothing more than myth. These are attempts to deify their heroes or heroines. Within Roman Catholicism there is a teaching of Mary’s being virgin born; often referred to as “Immaculate Conception”, thus putting her in the level of deity. The thought is that Mary must be sinless, perfect, pure, clean, in order to bear the Son of God who is in fact “God with us’ – ‘Immanuel”. If you take that conclusion then, Mary’s mother would have to be “Immaculately born”, and her mother, and her mother, all the way back to Eve, before they fell. That did not happen. Mary, the mother of Jesus Immanuel, Son of God, was not without sin, she was not born of a virgin, and she herself recognized Jesus as her Savior (Luke 6:46-48). There is no Scriptural evidence to prove anything, but that Mary needed a Savior, she went on and became the mother of other children (v. 25; 12:46). There is no veneration due unto Mary. She is not a co-redemptrix. She is a sinner who has been saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Should we admire her? Yes! She obeyed God and became the mother of our Savior. O, that more of us had the heart of Mary, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” Luke 1:38.

There are some who profess to be Christians but do not believe the virgin birth of Christ to have been possible. Can one be a Christian, and not believe that Jesus Christ was born of Mary who was a virgin at the time of His birth? It would seem that an individual who is coming to Jesus by faith at the early stages of faith would not necessarily know of this doctrine, but as they grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus, they would learn of it and believe it. They would believe it because the virgin birth of Immanuel was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14, and fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23 and Luke 1:26-37. As evidence of one’s salvation they will believe the Word of God, and God says Jesus was born of Mary who was a virgin at the time of His birth. Jesus was conceived in the womb of a virgin by the Spirit of God, and she remained a virgin until after His birth. Argue against the virgin birth of Jesus Christ all you want. Say, “Well that is just not possible.” With the technology we have today it is possible for a young woman to have a child without ever having sexual intercourse with a man. In the physical act she could still be considered a virgin (I guess), but the very fact of the implanting of the seed, or the embryo it would still be the seed of a man, not God. All things are possible with God.

When Mary told Joseph of her encounter with God he did not believe her. He loved Mary, and was going to divorce her privately. Divorce was necessary, because in that culture ‘betrothel’ was as binding as the actual marriage. It was much more than the “engagements” our culture knows here in the United States which can be broken off with a moments notice. Joseph, “Being a just man…” knew the child was not his. He was not going to embarass her, nor did he desire to bring harm to her, but his first thought was ‘Divorce’ but privately. She had betrayed him – so he thought – so he could do this according to law. It was not to be. God sent His angel to Joseph to confirm everything Mary had said. “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (vv. 20-23).

It is great to know that He is still with us.  He is always with us, and will never forsake those who trust in Him.

Ancestry of Sinners

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ANCESTRY OF SINNERS

Matthew 1:1-17 continued…

There is evidence of Jewish Royalty in an ancestry of sinners. This genealogy is evidence of divine lineage of Jesus, and succession of God’s establishment of

a people. It is given so that man may have proof of Jesus’s true identity. You could call this Gospel ‘The Identity Papers of Jesus the King’ It is proof positive that Jesus is the King of kings. For those who will not believe these papers, they would not believe my birth certificate either. I have much more confidence in God’s Birth Certificates than I do those that are manmade.

There are five people who are included in the genealogy of Jesus that most noble people would not want to claim, but here they are in the lineage of our Lord Jesus who is King of all kings, Lord of all lords, and He rules the Universe, and all that is within it. There is Tamar who deceived her father in law and committed an act of harlotry (Matthew 1:3; Gen. 38:13-30). Tamar is a representation of sin. The second person we see is Rahab, and she was a prostitute in the city of Jericho who was delivered from Jericho’s destruction because of her faith in the God of Israel (Matthew 1:5; Joshua 2:1-21; 6:23); Rahab is the representation of faith; she later married a Jew by the name of Salmon, and these were the proud parents of Boaz. And that leads us to the third woman and her name is Ruth – a Moabitish woman who was forbidden by law to enter the congregation; she represents the principle of grace (Matthew 1:5; Deut. 23:3-6; Ruth 1:16; 3:19; 4:18-22). These three women were Gentile women, and Tamar was a Canaanite (Gen 38:2) one of the peoples who were to be driven from the land of Promise and killed. The next woman on the list is not even named; she is instead called, “of her that had been the wife of Uriah” (v.6). We know her as Bathsheba – the partner in David’s great sin of adultery and murder, and she represents the principle of forgiveness. It is possible that Bathsheba was also a Gentile woman. How is all this possible? It shows that the God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament. He is a God of grace and mercy, and made a way for all to trust Him and be eternally saved.

The fifth and final woman mentioned in this kingly genealogy is Mary. A woman loved, respected, and admired by many. It is so sad however to see some who hold her in an attitude of worship, and to go through her to Jesus. That is pure idolatry and forbidden. Jesus alone is worthy of our worship and we need no mediator to get to Jesus. He is the Mediator for us to the Father. Mary is to be loved, respected, admired and we should follow her in the willing example of faith that she displayed when the angel came and told her that she would bear a Son. Luke recorded, by the breath of God, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” O, that we had a heart like Mary.

When it came to the moment of the conception and birth of the King, the Son of God, the mother must be as pure as is possible, and God chose Mary; a virgin – not just a young woman, which she probably was, but a virgin who had never had sexual intercourse with a man. God protects His purity. Matthew spares nothing to proclaim the virgin birth of Jesus.

Mary does have something in common with the other four women of this genealogy. They are all guilty of , or accused of sexual immorality. It is certain that people of Mary’s and Joseph’s town knew they were “Betrothed” which in that culture was much more than engagement for our culture. It would have taken Joseph to write a legal letter of divorcement for the marriage to cease, but he did not do that. There must have been suspicious, gossiping tongues, as they were seen together before there wedding became official. Mary was not without sin. She was a sinner, in need of a Savior, and she gave birth to her own Savior and ours. What a wonderful lady. We have much to thank Mary for.

Jesus is the only Jew, since 70 A.D., who know His genealogy, and can prove it. “Providence is God’s control of circumstances so that His will prevails in spite of the disobedience of man.” W.W. Wiersbe EXPOSITION OUTLINE pg. 9.

The genealogy of Jesus still continues today. NO! It is not like Dan Brown in THE DIVINCI CODE says which is nothing but purly fiction, and the thoughts of a warped mind. Who is in this genealogy today? All sinners who confess their sin, repent, and trust Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; those who believe God and act on their faith that He gives; those whom God has chosen by His grace; those who have received God’s forgiveness; those who have surrendered to God’s will for their lives. Those who have been born into the family by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, His body buried – carrying our sins away; and by His being raised to life again after three days. He ascended into Heaven. He will come again, and set up His kingdom.

The Time of the End

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THE TIME OF THE END

 

Daniel 12:1-13

 

There are those who do not believe that there is a God, or that He can show us a glimpse of the future. All of the last chapter was history, written before it ever happened, and we know that everything happened just as God told Daniel that it would.

If, indeed, God is God, why is it so hard for people to believe that He can and did reveal the future to men like Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the others? When there is wrath coming on the world He has His messengers warning, and exhorting people to turn to God and live. As a matter of fact we have His Word that tells us that He will not act without first send warning of doing so; Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (NKJV). Surely Daniel is a book about God’s revealed secrets to His servant Daniel.

In this twelfth and final chapter the secrets of God just keep coming. In this chapter God even goes so far as to tell us how many Hebrews will be saved in that last day.

 

MICHAEL THE ARCH ANGEL STANDS UP FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOD (v. 1). This verse is a continuation from the latter chapter.

It appears that Michael has a special ministry as an arch angel, and that is as protector of the children of Israel, at least during the end of the time of the Gentiles rule on earth, and the “time of Jacob’s trouble”.

In the midst of the tribulation the Antichrist will break the covenant with Israel which he made with them three and one half years earlier (9:27). He will go into the ‘temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4b). He himself will in fact be the “ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION” spoken of by Daniel and by Jesus (Daniel 11:31, 12:11), “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)” (Matthew 24:15).

All those who are found written in God’s book will be delivered from this “Evil one”. The MacArthur Study Bible note for this says, “The book is the book of the saved (Mal. 3:16-4:3; Luke10:20; Rev. 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27)”. It would be the very same book your name and mine is written in because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In fact, the Bible does seem to give some idea as to how many Jews will be delivered. In Zachariah 13:8-9, the prophet wrote from the breath of God, “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God” Zechariah 13:8-9 (KJV). One third of the Jewish nation will be delivered and follow their Messiah. Romans 11:26a says, “And so all Israel shall be saved”. That is right this one third is “all Israel”.

 

THERE SHALL BE A RESURRECTION OF THE JUST AND A RESURRECTION OF THE UNJUST (vv. 2-3). I have heard for many years of the judgment that is coming for both the just and the unjust. I also know that some people put these judgments at the same point in time. If you look at the statement by itself, then you might certainly come to that conclusion. That is why you must look at what the rest of Scripture says.

In this I will be understanding the “Just” as those who have been justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The “Just” ones have been declared “Just” by our Father Himself, therefore, the only judgment we will see will be what Paul calls the “Judgment Seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10). This judgment will not be for sin, but rather for the determination of reward. We will be rewarded or suffer loss according to those things that we have did in our body.

Also I will be understanding that the “Unjust” are all those who have refused the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior, all those who are yet condemned in their sin. These having never received Christ will stand before God at what John called the “Great white throne” judgment. Here they will be judged for all their deeds they have done. None will be found who have glorified the Lord, and will be cast alive into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15).

Sometimes the prophets prophesied of two events without really realizing it. They had trouble understanding what they were foretelling. The same is true with Daniel in our present text.

For example; the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn…” When this was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ He stopped the reading with, “…To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” The simple reason He stopped there is because it was not, then the time to fulfill the rest of it. That time has not come, even yet, but it will be here soon.

In verse two it refers to those who have died, both the believing and unbelieving. Both will one day come out of their graves. Some will come out of their graves at the rapture of the Church; some will arise at the end of the tribulation period, and will be with Jesus in the Millennial reign of Jesus. However, the wicked, unbelieving dead will not rise until after the Millennial reign. That is when they will go before the GREAT WHITE THRONE of God’s judgment and will be cast alive into the LAKE OF FIRE which burns forever and ever.

Verse three seems to allude to the idea of ‘teachers’ teaching during the tribulation. They will be warning their fellow Hebrews of what this time is all about, and telling them of their Messiah. In doing so they will shine like stars in eternity. This would most likely be the 144,000 that is spoken of in the Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5.

 

ENCOURAGEMENT TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD – PROPHECY IN PARTICULAR – BETTER AS THE TIME APPROACHES (v. 4). According to this angel Daniel is to “Shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end”. That means there were things then, Daniel did not understand, now would he understand. God gives light as it is needed, to His people. Daniel did not need to know at his time.

We are in the ‘time of the end’, and God has started giving understanding in many of these things. I personally do not believe that the teaching of the rapture of the Church is relatively new. It is quite clear in Paul’s teachings that he was ready to go at any moment in the rapture, or to satisfy those who say the word “rapture” is not in the Bible; the catching away. I will not get into that here.

Many have looked at this passage, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” as a prophecy of automobiles, airplanes, and man’s great ability to travel – as we do today – and our increase in knowledge in medicine, science, etc. It most likely does not really have anything to do with that.

If we look at the context of the verse, Daniel is writing about what he has written. For Daniel the Book is ‘shut up’ – sealed if you will. As the day of God’s judgment draws closer people who love God and His Word will spend time in its study and will increase in knowledge and understanding of prophecy. When you love God and His Word and spend time in it God will teach you what He decides you need to know.

Understanding prophecy is a motivator to do God’s will. It is a motivator to holy living until the time that Jesus comes again. If we really believe that Jesus’s coming is closer than it has ever been, then, we should be studying, living holy, and working – truly WALIKING WITH GOD.

 

DANIEL’S CURIOSITY IS PUT IN CHECK (vv. 5-9). Daniel is still by the Tigris River (Hiddekel KJV). These who stood on each bank of the river were most likely angels. The “Man clothed in linen” is probably the same personage as in chapter 10:5-9 which is probably a preincarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. The angels are curious also. One asked the One in linen, “How long…?” This question seems to be asking how long will this time of “Great tribulation” last. The answer comes back, “For a time, times and an half”. Time = 1 year; times = 2 years; and an half = ½ year or six months.

Notice, this man in linen lifts His hands toward the Father in heaven and “Sware by Him that liveth for ever”. When God could sware by no greater, He swore to Himself (Heb. 6:13). This is what was taking place between the Father and the Son. We can know and trust by this that the TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE (Jeremiah 30:7) will be no longer than 3 and one half years. Remember there are six purposes for this trial for the Jews listed in chapter 9:24. The Jews will flee Jerusalem during the tribulation and some will be saved, ie., trust Jesus as their Messiah.

Daniel is still very curious. The Lord tells him, “God about doing your business” or “Go on your way”, those things are sealed up until the end.

 

AS TIME DRAWS TO A CLOSE THE RIGHTEOUS IN CHRIST WILL BECOME MORE CLEAN AND HOLY; WHILE THE WICKED WILL GET MORE AND MORE WICKED (v. 10). NOTE: This could refer to the 3.5 years of the first half of the tribulation.

Where sin abounds grace does much more abound (Romans 5:20). It will also be so at this horrendous time in human history. While believers will be being made righteous, the wicked will get more and more wicked. They will be blinded by the events while the believing remnant will become more and more wise, and more and more clean before the Lord God (2 Timothy 3:13 – “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”).

 

THOSE LAST THREE AND ONE HALF YEARS WILL BE THE MOST TRYING FOR THE JEWS BUT THERE IS BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO TRUST IN THE LORD (vv. 11-13). One thousand two hundred and ninety days equals 3.5 years. A Biblical year is measured in 360 days. There is no explanation for the ‘thousand three hundred and thirty five days’. Actually, the 1,290 days carries over about 30 more days. The 1,335 has a total carry over of about 75 days. There is no explanation for either. It could be a time of transition for the setting up of Messiah’s kingdom.

It is said of the 1,335 days that, “Blessed is he that waiteth…” for these days.

Once again the Lord tells Daniel, “Go thou thy way”. This is really instructions to carry on with your business that you do. We as Christians are not to go around with our head in the stars unaware of the world we live in. There are people who are dying, suffering, and headed into an eternity without Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Let us labor for our Lord in our work place, in our play, on vacation, or wherever we may be.

 

It is certain, at least to me, by the reading and study of Scripture that we are in the final days of the ‘last days’. The ‘last days’ began when Jesus came born of a virgin, was laid in a manger in Bethlehem, was worshipped by shepherds, and wisemen, and the angels. He has died, was buried, carrying our sins away, and He has risen just as He said. He also said that He would come again and receive us unto Himself. Know Jesus. Call on His name as Lord and Savior of your life.

MARANATHA…

 

 

Spiritual Warfare

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

 

Daniel 10:1-21

 

There are wars in our world today. That is no profound statement I realize that, but it is none the less true. We grieve over the war in Iraq, and the young soldiers who are dying, civilians dying, women and children included in that. No war is pleasant. It is not really pleasant to even speak of. Sometimes, as bad as it is, wars are necessary to stand against what is evil. I do not think any one in their right mind would say that, “The attack of September 11, 2001 was not an attack from evil“.

Ever since the beginning of man; Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden we have come under attack from evil. The world is still under the domain of the chief of all evil and that is the devil. He still has his demons working and influencing the leaders of the world, but all his work and efforts will be to no avail. The devil and his demons are a defeated foe. They were defeated on the cross where Jesus died and conquered evil there. Proof of that is in that He rose from the dead.

There is a warfare which we as Christians are fighting today. Some will say, “You said that Jesus had conquered evil, why are we still fighting a war against it?” Jesus did conquer evil, and that is part of the glory of the matter. We need to remember that we are not fighting for victory, we are fighting from the victory. “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.”

Paul the apostle told us, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” Eph. 6:10-12 (KJV). Paul also tells us that, “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” 2 Cor. 10:4 (KJV).

Daniel was finding out about spiritual warfare.

AS WE LOOK AT THE TIME THAT DANIEL HAD THIS EXPERIENCE (v. 1). It was approximately two years after Cyrus had made the decree that the captives of Jerusalem could return to their homeland. In the book of Ezra we read, “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,  Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem” Ezra 1:1-3 (KJV).

This event takes place a few years following the events of chapter 9, because we see at the beginning of chapter nine that it took place during the first year of Darius of the Medes.

It could be that Daniel may have written the document that gave the Israelites permission to return to Jerusalem. Remember Daniel was in the court of the king, so this may have been his responsibility.

 

THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF DANIEL’S MOURNING (vv. 2-3). It is not told us what it was that caused Daniel to mourn, specifically. We do know that it had been approximately two years since the decree had gone out for the people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

News had most likely came back to Daniel of the trying circumstances of the 50,000 Hebrews who returned to the land. There were other Hebrews who had never left who were mocking those who had returned, and were hindering the work of the temple. There was a spiritual battle raging in Jerusalem.

Daniel’s heart was greatly burdened. He was so burdened – maybe for a couple of reasons; First, he may have been burdened for the people’s circumstances in Jerusalem – the work had been hindered and stopped (Ezra 4:1-6). Secondly, Daniel was probably burdened to better understand the prophecies he had received. It is quite possible the battle in Jerusalem over the building of the temple is the scene of the battle between the angelic being (vv. 13 & 20). It seems to relate to an ongoing battle (v. 13b “…I remained there with the kings of Persia”, said the angel. Daniel, in fact, had spent 21 days in mourning and fasting, because of his sorrow, and desire to get God’s direction and will. The prayer was heard on the first day, but due to the spiritual battle Daniel endured in prayer and fasting until he received answer.

Fasting seems to have been an almost forgotten practice. Private fasting, where there is no self aggrandizement, is a practice that Christians need to begin practicing in order to be overcomers in the life of faith.

Let us never forget to pray for our nation’s leaders. It could very well be that there are evil spirits directing the hearts of evil men and hindering the works of godly men. In fact the Bible is clear about that. Let us always beware to never pray to angels nor worship them – they are servants of God and servants to us as well. We are to worship and pray to God alone.

 

DANIEL’S PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH THE LORD (vv. 4-9). The appearance of this “…Certain man” seems to be almost identical to the description given of Jesus in the Revelation, “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;  And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;  And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.  And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:“ Rev 1:12-17 (KJV).

It is because of this that many, including myself see this ‘certain man’ as a Christ phony – a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. It would be similar to His appearance in the fiery furnace with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. This revelation took place while Daniel was walking by the river Hiddekel. Sometimes when one becomes burdened a walk in a place of quietness brings the best encounters with God. What an encounter it was. This is the first time Daniel has a personal visit from our Lord, at least that is recorded.

Even though they did not see the One whom Daniel saw, the men with Daniel fled and hid, because they realized something was going on and it was too great for them to stay around (vv. 7-8). The vision was so awe-inspiring Daniel had no strength. He heard His voice. Being so weakened and overcome by His presence Daniel went into a deep sleep. We should in no way consider this “deep sleep” as bad on Daniel’s part. From the excitement he may have blacked out and lost consciousness. Sometimes it is when our minds are resting in the Lord we are renewed, refreshed, and revived. NOTE, Daniel’s position “…My face toward the ground.” Most likely this “deep sleep” was probably the same type “deep sleep” God put on Adam when He created Eve”. So it was a God induced sleep.

 

DANIEL IS TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL (vv. 10-21). It does not say it clearly but most likely the hand that touched Daniel was the hand of Gabriel the angel who had spoken to him previously (8:16; 9:20-23).

NOTICE: The words this angel speaks to Daniel; “…A man greatly beloved” is spoken twice in this chapter (vv. 11 & 19) and one other time in the previous chapter (9:23). He says, “Fear not” twice (vv. 12, 19). “Peace be unto thee”, and “Be strong, be strong”. A double admonition.

Why Daniel prayed for twenty one days – the Spiritual Warfare. The angel was hindered by the “prince of Persia”. This could not have been a mere man which the angel of God was battling. It had to have been a “demon angel” appointed by satan over the kingdom of Persia. If Daniel had quit praying this ‘prince of Persia’ could have won the battle. Let us never cease praying for God’s will to be accomplished in His people and in the governments of men. Because of Daniel’s unceasing, fervent prayer the angel came with an answer. Delayed prayers are FAITH TESTING and FAITH BUILDING prayers. Daniel was touched three times by the angel (vv. 10, 16, and 18).

There are some who believe that this whole encounter was with the pre-incarnate Christ. It cannot be – because Jesus would not need the help of Michael. Jesus could, but speak the word, “Be gone” and that demon would flee. There is no doubt in my mind that from verses ten through verse 21 the one who touched Daniel was an angel, and most likely Gabriel, who had spoken to him previously.

The angel came to give Daniel understanding of what the “latter days” held for the Hebrews, and Gentile nations.

The angel speaks of returning to battle the ‘prince of Persia’. He tells Daniel that the ‘prince of Greece’ is on the way. It almost seems the angel encourages Daniel to keep praying. PLEASE REREAD EPHESIANS 6:10-18.

Let us as the Church of Jesus Christ keep praying too. Let’s pray for forgiveness of our own sin, confess them and repent. Let’s pray for those who are lost. Jesus is coming soon and the prince of darkness is working harder than ever before. MARANATHA.

Daniel’s Prayer (2)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

 We continue Daniel’s Prayer with Daniel 9:19-27 –

In the fifth place we see that, DANIEL’S PRAYER WAS A FERVENT PRAYER. Daniel’s heart yearned for the day of deliverance. Even though he probably knew he would never see it – he would die in Babylon – still longed for that day when the people would return to Jerusalem, rebuild its walls, streets, temple and everything that goes with it all.

He fervently prayed – ie., with passion, commitment, and fire. Here are some things which accompany fervent prayer:

Humility – Change of garments – to garments of mourning ;; shaving off the hair on the head;

Crying – almost uncontrollable weeping;

Tearing of clothes – an outward sign of sorrow;

Fasting – committed to seeing God’s will done, even to the place of denying one’s self the physical needs one may have;

Sighing, groaning, even the sweating of blood.

Fervent prayer cares nothing for the negative opinions of others – the things listed above will seem fanatical to others who are less devoted, and unconcerned.

Daniel fasted. Reasons people in the Bible fasted; 1)Private problems; 2) Hannah for a child; 3) Public disasters; 4) The death of a king and his sons (1 Samuel 31); 5) Personal grief; 6) Grief for personal sin; 7) Pity for friends or others; 8) Searching for the will of God. It would do the Church of Jesus Christ wonders, if we would begin doing some fasting. We, today, are more familiar with feasting.

 

The sixth thing we see is, that while DANIEL PRAYING, THE ANGEL GABRIEL CAME AND GAVE HIM UNDERSTANDING (vv. 20-23). Daniel prayed; confessing the sins of the people of Israel and his own sins, and lifting up supplications unto the Lord for their land. While he was praying the angel Gabriel appeared to him once again.

Gabriel said he had come to give Daniel “Skill and understanding”. I do not think it is too bold of a statement to say that it was because of Daniel’s devotion to God and His Word that God chose him for “Skill and understanding”. Daniel was fervent in prayer. He was consistent in his prayers. He was devoted to the Word of God. He was an obedient servant to God. He fasted. He wept. He mourned. I find it no surprise that God chose Daniel to give “Skill and understanding”.

Notice, the angel said, “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee..” Daniel’s prayers were heard from day one. His faith was strong in the Word of God.

The angel also tells him, “Thou are greatly beloved…” What a decree to come from the mouth of one of God’s angels.

 

In the seventh thing we see the angel giving DANIEL THE PURPOSE OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS (v. 24). This is the thing Daniel read from Jeremiah concerning Israel. In the prophecy each seven day week represents seven years, thus the seventy weeks would represent a total of 490 years. What was the purpose of these years – one week of which or seven years, has not yet come to pass.

The purpose of the seventy weeks has a six fold purpose; 1) “To finish the transgression” ie., to bring an end to Israel’s transgression – their sin and rebellion against God in worshipping idols; 2) “To make an end of sins”; 3) “To make reconciliation for iniquity”, ie., that is to reconcile the nation to God; 4) To bring in everlasting righteousness; 5) To seal up the vision of the prophecy; and 6) To anoint the most Holy.

 

In the eighth place we are told of THE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM UNTO THE MESSIAH – WHO IS CHRIST JESUS (vv.25-26a). A decree would go forth for the restoration of Jerusalem from a Gentile king. There was such a decree that went forth from a king to Nehemiah to go and rebuild the walls of the city (Nehemiah 2).

The restoration of Jerusalem was done in 49 years. This period of time equals the ‘seven weeks’. There are 7 days in a week times 7 weeks equals 49 days. Each day equals 1 year. After the restoration of Jerusalem it would be 62 weeks until Messiah was ‘cut off’ this would equal 483 years. The Messiah, that is Jesus Chris, would be crucified on a cross in Jerusalem.

NOTICE – Seventy (70) weeks times 7 equals 490 weeks. This means that only 69 weeks have been fulfilled. The first 483 have been fulfilled exactly as God told Daniel. There has been approximately 2000 years since the completion of the 483 years. There remains 7 yet to be fulfilled. That seven years is known by at least two different titles; first, “The time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7); secondly, we know it better by “Tribulation period” – “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds” (Rev. 2:22). It is also known as the “Day of the LORD” in many Old Testament passages.

 

In the ninth place we see the SEVENTIETH WEEK; THE PRINCE TO COME; AND HIS COVENANT OF PEACE WITH ISRAEL (vv. 26b-27). The ‘prince that shall come’ is speaking of a deceiver. Some time following the disappearance of the saints of God, this man will come on the scene and make a peace covenant with Israel for seven years “One week”.

In the midst of the week – 3.5 years – this prince will break that covenant,a nd set himself up in the temple of God – “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” 2 Thes. 2:3-4.

He will desolate the temple. Really just his presence in the temple will be worse than the pig which Antiochus Epiphanes placed on the altar. In his desolation he will call for the people of the world to worship him. That is when he begins running into problems. The last 3.5 years will be a time of judgment upon the earth such as no one has ever seen.

Not only will Israel be delivered during this time, but when Jesus comes to put an end to sin, they will look upon Him whom they have pierced (Rev. 1:7). In John 19:37 it says, “And again another scripture saith, ‘They shall look on Him whom they pierced”.

The seven years of ‘tribulation will end with Jesus coming in the clouds with His saints, conquering the rebellious nations of earth, ‘the inhabitants of earth’, cleansing the land; and reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS. MARANATHA.

Reason # 7

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

REASON # 7 – Because of The Stronger Emphasis on Evangelism and Missions

Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11

If there was ever a time when we as Christians should be ever vigilant in presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world it is today. There are many statistics around that tell us we are failing at the joy, and in a miserable way. Some reports that it takes about 80 people to win one soul to Christ. We are thankful for this one.

The first six reasons we have looked at were 1) The Unfulfilled Promises of God to Israel, 2) Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous Raptures, 3) The Scoffers Who Disclaim the Promise of Christ’s Return, 4) Jesus Said He Would Come Again and Take Us To a Prepared Place, 5) The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath, 6) This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ. If we do believe these things to be so then, our hearts should be burning with a passion for lost souls to come to faith in Jesus.

 

SOME REASONS WE SHOULD BE EVANGELIZING AND TAKING MISSIONS INTO THE WORLD…

 

JESUS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR COMMANDED IT (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). With things as they are in the world we do have our Lord’s Great Commission which by itself should be motivation enough to cause us to be vibrant, powerful witnesses to a world that is in darkness.

Jesus also told us that He was coming again. He told us that He would “Receive us unto Himself…” He also said that “Where I am there you shall be also…”. It is the desire of every Christian to tell others about Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection, and also that He is coming again.

After Jesus had spoken the words of Acts 1:8 we are given these words, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 (KJV).

We must realize that we are called to do nothing more than present the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then, allow the Holy Spirit to make the Word of God bring forth fruit. We may win converts to ourselves, or our religion by a constant begging and pleading, giving emotional stories provoking tears and sorrow. They will not be converted to Christ. When one comes to a genuine faith in Jesus there will definitely be tears; tears of sorrow over sin; tears of a broken and contrite heart that has realized the cost our Savior paid to redeem us.

All the Savior ever asked us to do was sow the seed, and leave it to God to give the increase.

 

EVERYONE BORN INTO THIS WORLD IS BORN IN A CONDEMNED STATE, ETERNALLY SEPARATED FROM GOD John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”.

Now, to some this may sound like a harsh statement to say that all are condemned. This is not my idea. Jesus is the one who said it, “He that believeth not is condemned already”. That answers the question, “What must I do to be condemned?” The answer to that is, Absolutely nothing. Another question may come to mind, “How did I get condemned?” Answer: You were born in a condemned state, eternally separated from God.

It is only by the grace of God that even one is saved; but thanks to His wonderful, amazing grace, all who come to Him can be saved.

Believing this ought to cause us to tell everyone that we possibly can about this marvelous mercy and grace of God. God was under no obligation what so ever to redeem any of mankind. He had created Adam and Eve to love them, and glorify Himself. When they rebelled in the garden the glory was gone. They had fallen short of His glory, and that was passed down through all the human race. We are all sinners by birth, and sinners by choice.

God’s love in His righteousness, His holiness, and His judgment sent someone who was perfect and without sin. Jesus, the God-Man, born of a woman, born as a human; with all the flesh and bone that all of us have. Yet, He was without sin. Jesus took the wrath of God upon Himself, paying our sin debt, and giving to us His righteousness.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after flesh, but after the Spirit” Romans 8:1 (KJV). That is really amazing. From condemnation to light, life, and an eternity in the presence of holy God.

Believing in the Pre-trib rapture of the Church is motivation to realize the greatness of this salvation, and its complete deliverance through the coming of Jesus for those who have trusted Him.

 

THE PRESENT SITUATION IN THE WORLD ALMOST DEMANDS IT 2 Timothy 3:1-5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away”

I do not think I know a single family who is not presently going through a troubling time, or has gone through a troubling time with their family members. Whether it be children, teenagers, or sometimes even the grown ones. Some of the grown ones find it difficult to mature in a marriage, and so that is not working out. Some teens are being pulled away by the influence of friends who are trying to get them into drugs, drinking alcohol, even sex. Some have gotten involved in it already and are paying dire consequences for their actions.

Look at that list from Second Timothy 3. Have you ever seen a more selfish generation, than the one in which we live today? It is always ‘Gimme’, ‘Gimme’, ‘Gimme”; and this is not coming from just the children and youth. Why is it they behave that way. Parents and other adults are their models.

There is no room, no place for these behaviors in the lives of those who profess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We are told, by Paul the apostle, in many places to cast off the works of the flesh, and to put on Jesus Christ.

The present situation in the world almost demands our witness; our Christ like witness. The world is crying out. Can we not hear them in these words of Paul, and as we look at the world of today. The wars, the street killings in our own towns and cities. It is perilous times, and it is time for the people of God to be the people of God. In Christ we ought to hear the voices saying to us, “Be the Church; stop being what we are. Show us you are different in Christ. We do not need you to be like us”.

The PRESENT SITUATION IN THE WORLD DEMANDS THAT WE LIVE LIKE CHRIST, Because Jesus is coming for His Bride.

 

KNOWING THE TERROR OF JUDGMENT OF THOSE WITHOUT CHRIST SHOULD CAUSE US TO EVANGELIZE AND DO MISSIONS 2 Cor. 5:10-11, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”

We, as Christians, of all people ought to know about the “Terror of the Lord”. The terror of the Lord is that He hates sin. By all means how can we come to any other conclusion? Jesus tells us, “If your hand offends you, cut it off”; “If your eye offends you, pluck it out”. He is showing us the seriousness of sin. The word itself, and the acts of sin are often made light of in humorous acts and comedian monologues. Paul wrote, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” Galations 6:7 (KJV). The writer of Proverbs said, “Fools make a mock at sin” Prov. 14:9 (KJV).

There are millions, even billions of people who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Many would trust and believe in Jesus if they only had a messenger to tell them about Him, and I know that God will see to that. He does send His messengers. His messengers are you and I.

Without Jesus multitudes go to an eternal torment in flames that cannot be quenched, and eating ‘worms’ that devour without destruction.

I do not know about you, but there is not one person I can think of that I want to go to this horrible, fiery, relentless judgment. There is not one enemy that I want to go to this place. This is, however, the place many will find themselves one day, because they are condemned without Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men? Are we? Jesus is coming for His Bride. MARANATHA.

Daniel’s Prayer (1)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

DANIEL’S PRAYER

 

Daniel 9:1-18

 

Daniel was first and foremost, not a prophet who could look into the future, but a man of God. He is even referred to as the “a man greatly beloved” (v. 23; 10:11). Being a “Man of God” means more than just being able to understand, tell, and know God’s will and plan for the future. It is first knowing God and loving Him.

This prayer shows us why Daniel was ‘a man greatly beloved’ – why he was a ‘man of God’. Many a preacher and pastor could learn from Daniel. Looking at Daniel we could learn to pray and know God, and know His heart. Every preacher and pastor who is leading a church, or group of Christians should be ‘a man of God’ first. Too many are now becoming “Men of the people” or “Men of the congregation”, and rather than praying they are playing. Rather than preaching the Word of God, they preach the words and philosophies of men.

In this study we will see nine different points. Six are related to the prayer, and the final three are answer to the prayer.

 

The first thing that we see was what brought Daniel to prayer, and that was HIS DEVOTION TO THE WORD OF GOD (vv. 1-2). It is quite evident that Daniel was devoted to the study of God’s Word – as much of it as he had – because he was reading very devoutly the writing of Jeremiah the prophet. It must have encouraged his heart as he ready Jeremiah 25:1-12 and 29:10 that his Nation would be held captive for only 70 years. He knew the time was getting close, and this got him on his knees.

That is how it should affect Christians today when we read the Scriptures, and see the signs the Word speaks of concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus again. Remembering that the signs are only of the Lord’s second coming – the time when Jesus will literally come to earth to rule and reign as King – should make us mindful that the rapture of the Church is nearer. Knowing this we ought to be in earnest prayer. Getting ourselves ready by confession of sin. Confessing how we have brought shame to the name of Jesus, and pleading the mercy of God upon us. The Word of God is the “Sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17); and is the only weapon we hold in our hands. Of course, the only other weapon we have is PRAYER.

 

The second point we see is HIS CONFESSION OF SIN – HIS AND HIS NATION’S (vv. 3-5, 8-9,11,14,15). Note, how many times Daniel mentions, “We have sinned”. He does not say, “They have sinned”, but “We have sinned”, “We are a sinful nation”. Any time a preacher/prophet only points out “Their sins” he is failing to communicate the whole truth. “We have sinned” is the message of every prophet of God. If we are to get right with God it must be the confession of every prophet first of all. So many times we talk about the sins of the world, when in truth it is the sins of God’s people that hinders His work; if there is a lack confession, and not repented of.

Not meaning to jump ahead – take a look at verse 20. Daniel says, “And confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel”. We cannot blame others for our spiritual decay, and captivities. It is our sin that brought us to the place of captivity we are in.

Daniel confesses God’s righteousness. Without God’s righteousness He would not be God. In His righteousness He gave us His Son Jesus; He gave us the cross; that a holy, sinless person might die to pay the sin debt that was ours.

When we walk in disobedience to God we have “confusion of face” or “open shame”. In other words, “We have disgraced our God, our identity as the people of God, and have lost our power with God”. When that happens God will do whatever is necessary to get His people where He wants us to be.

Recognizing that our time is short here on earth. Recognizing there are many lost people who need Jesus we must dedicate ourselves to prayer, the study of God’s Word, that we might be equipped for service, and to witnessing of God our Savior to every one possible. We are going to glory. If we tell them of Jesus; they at least are warned of coming judgment, and possibly may come to faith in Jesus and be in glory also.

 

The third point we see is that DANIEL RECOGNIZES GOD’S JUDGMENTS (vv. 12-14). Daniel realized that the nation of Israel was being judged by God. That was the reason for their captivity.

The Christians of our day are not recognizing the judgments of God. “It’s the weather”, “It’s the way things are”, “It’s just a man-man leading mad men”, “It’s just the way of the day”. Why are Christians not recognizing the judgments of God on our nation today? They do not know God. It takes personal accountability away. After all, what can we do about what someone else is doing to us. We can do nothing about the weather.

What are some ways God is judging America – the good ole USA? Drought, flood, earthquake, tornado, storms that seem to be wreaking vengeance upon those it strikes, this would include Winter storms of excessive snow and ice. Power outages caused by these events. Terrorism from enemies. We were once protected from these things. Now, ie., in the past ten years we have had three noted terrorist attacks one of those was from a fellow citizen of our own country. One in 1993 on the World Trade Center that caused much damage, but not like the last attack on the WTC which completely destroyed it, and killed nearly 3000 people in conjunction with the attack on the Pentagon. According to some, “God is not judging our country”. These people who say such things very much need to WAKE UP from their sleep, and take a good look at God. We are also being judged by the influences of sodomy in our country.

Because we have gotten away from God we have become tolerant of all forms of evil. Because of the philosophies of men we have an excuse for every vile affection. We call ‘adultery’ an affair. We call an unborn child ‘a mass of tissue’. We call sodomy ‘an alternative lifestyle’. There are no drunks anymore they are all ‘alcohol dependent’. If a young man murders someone, it is due to their environment in which they were raised. Why can we not quit mealy mouthin’ around about sin, call it sin, and admit we have sinned, get right with God and get God’s people and His churches back in touch with the One who created us. When God’s people get right, then there will be a much better chance of reaching the rest of the Nation, and the world.

It will begin the healing, growing, and strengthening process with God when we get on our knees and pray fervently concerning our sin, seeking forgiveness, repenting, and seeking God’s power again.

 

In the fourth point we see DANIEL RECOGNIZES THE OFFENSES AGAINST GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (vv. 16-19). When the people of God are disobedient to Him we become a reproach to Him and to the nations or people around us. The Israelites lost their witness to surrounding nations, because they were rebellious to God, His prophets, and His Word. They began living like the world around them, they built and worshipped idols, they practiced temple prostitution, and by doing these things they committed spiritual adultery against God. Notice what Daniel prays. First, that God’s face might shine upon His desolate sanctuary; second, to purpose His ear to hear this prayer; third, open His eyes to behold the people’s desolation; and fourth, that God answer them according to His own righteousness and mercy.

Prayer is for the purpose of the glory of God. It is not a wishing well, a genie in a bottle where you get three wishes. It is not akin to tea leaves, tarot cards, or palm reading. Knowing God’s will, then praying for it to come to pass is the prayer that glorifies God. Daniel knew God’s will. He prayed God’s will, then, what he prayed came to pass. This gets us in on God’s will; rather than expecting God to get in our will. David Jeremiah said, “Our prayers really ought to be prompted out of our deep understanding of what the will of God is”.

From ‘THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL’ pg. 175. He also went on to say, “The biggest waste of time in Christendom is praying about things that God already said we shouldn’t do.” IBID.

God will answer the prayers that are prayed to glorify Him. That is how Daniel prayed. NOTE; Daniel prayed, “For we do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies…” We do not deserve it, O God, but remember Your promise. It was God’s integrity Daniel was concerned with. He knew Israel did not deserve to go back to Jerusalem; but God must keep His Word. Daniel simply knew God never broke a promise. He was demanding nothing. He was merely standing on God’s own integrity and power.

 

HAVING RECOGNIZED, FROM READING JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, OF THE SEVENTY YEAR CAPTIVITY; DANIEL PRAYS FOR GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE ACCORDING TO GOD’S MERCY (v. 18).

The Kingdoms of Men vs. The Kingdom of God (2)

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Daniel 7:9-28

THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF THE SON OF MAN (vv. 9-14). The phrase “Ancient of Days” most likely refers to God the Father. The thrones of men will be “cast down” and God will be exalted above the governments of men. Here is a scene where Daniel describes the Father. “AWESOME.” Would be a great word to use.

We see Daniel in the passage of Scripture watching, in the vision, until the ‘thrones were cast down’. It is most assuredly the thrones of those who exalt themselves against the ‘Stone cut out without hands’, and try to defeat Him. It is their thrones which are cast down. It is the throne of the Father and the Son which will be exalted.

The “rest of the beasts” of verse 12 seem to apply to governments that remain after the Great White Throne Judgment; these would not have participated in an uprising against the appearing of the Son of Man (Jesus). Dominion and glory, and a kingdom will be given unto Him that will be everlasting. It shall never pass away. COME LORD JESUS.

 

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING; YET TROUBLED (vv. 15-28). There are a lot of things Daniel did not understand, and he was troubled by them. He is troubled that sin is going to grow and grow and become worse. Would that sin would so trouble the people of God today. It should grieve us to know that sin is progressing and getting worse and worse. It is one day going to work its way out; unto the destruction of sin. “One of them that stood by” (v. 15) is probably an angel. This one gave Daniel the meanings.

There is assurance here that the kingdoms of men will fail and God’s people will reign (v. 18). The evil one has at times prevailed against the ‘saints’ down through history. During the time that is called the Tribulation many saints will be killed for their faith. These are Tribulation saints – people who have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Most times in these cases they will be showing their love for the Lord with their lives. One day the ‘Ancient of Days’ is going to give power of rule of earth to the saints and will possess the kingdom (v. 22).

Before the ‘Ancient of Days’ comes, though, there will be much trouble (vv.23-25). This final beast will rise up in the last days and speak against the truth of God’s Word. There will be a world wide kingdom which the evil one will rule. He will bring harmony between all the world’s religions. He will bring in a world wide economy. He will bring ‘peace’ in the land of ‘Palestine’. He will make himself god. In the last three and one half years of his rule he will become vicious; you might even say indescribable.

He shall not stand. He shall fall and at the Great White Throne of Judgment will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire which burns forever and forever.

The kingdom will be given to God’s saints. It will be an everlasting kingdom.

In these days of the twenty first century we also see troubling things. Let us simply believe that God and His Son Jesus will accomplish everything He has spoken. He will. We do not know how, or when God will bring these things to pass, but He will.

We can rest assured the Holy God of all creation will not tolerate a blasphemer who exalts himself over the throne of God. That man, beast, devil, or what ever he be will stand before the Judgment of the throne of God.

There is redemption for all, today, who will call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. He paid our sin debt by His shed blood – giving His life – was buried carrying our sin away; and He rose showing us the victory of the cross, and giving the promise, to those who trust Him, of eternal life with Him. There is a Bridegroom coming for His Bride [the Church]; and there is a Judge coming to separate the sheep from the goats. Be part of the Bride by trusting Jesus.

Loyalties, Liars, and Lions (3)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

DANIEL IS FOUND PRAYING, ACCUSED, AND CONVICTED (vv. 11-17). The spies went back to work as soon as the decree was signed. Spying on only one man it seems. What treachery and deceit.

Daniel was guilty as charged. Oh that we might be found praying. Guilty, guilty, guilty. Is there enough evidence in your life; in mine; to prove you guilty of being a Christian? If I were to die on my knees in prayer, witnessing to a lost person, or preaching from the pulpit; I could not think of a better place or way to go home to Heaven from.

These men are very persistent in getting the king to fulfill his own decree. The laws of the Medes and Persians are not altered (v. 8). What was the king to do? He tried all day to find a way out for Daniel. The king loved Daniel. Finally, with much pain of heart, disgust, and probably discontent toward himself for decreeing such a law, and toward these others the king declares Daniel guilty and sentences him to the lion’s den.

 

THE KING’S NIGHT OF UNEASY FASTING, SLEEPLESSNESS – AND DANIEL’S NIGHT WITH THE LIONS (vv. 18-23). Darius spent the night tormented by what he had done. He would not eat. He refused to sleep. “No musical instruments” implies he refused to sleep. The music was used to sooth a troubled soul – he refused it.

The king was probably first to the lion’s den the next morning. He cries out to Daniel. There must have been some faith there. He had some hope that Daniel was alive or he would not have called out his name. Notice the king’s testimony, “Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God whom thou servest continually able to deliver thee from the lions?” Living God; as opposed to the dead gods of the Medes and Persians.

Daniel was alive. God had sent “His angel”. Who was this? It is most likely the same one who walked in the fire with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah [Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego]. (Remember I am wanting the readers here to know there God given names). None other than the pre-incarnate Son of God. A Sunday School teacher was teaching a children’s class the story of Daniel. One little girl said she knew why Daniel was delivered from the lions. She said, “Because, the chief lion was ‘the Lion of the Tribe of Judah’”. What a wonderful answer. With Daniel in the lion’s den the lions – by God’s power – reverted back to their pre-fall condition; non meat eating, but rather eating of grass, roots, fruits and such. I can sort of imagine Daniel sitting down and one big male comes walking up to him, not growling, but purring like a kitten, brushing his side up next to Daniel’s leg. Daniel gets cold during the night and a lioness comes and lays next to him to keep him warm, and Daniel using one as a pillow on which to lay his head.

The king spends the night in a comfortable castle, with a comfortable bed – if there was such a thing in that age – but cannot sleep. Daniel rests in peace, and is warmed by the one’s who were supposed to slay him and have him for the last evening’s supper.

There was no mark or hurt found on Daniel. He was taken out of the lion’s den in the same shape as he was cast in. Most likely with a stronger faith in God now, than when he was thrown in the den.

 

JUDGMENT COMES ON THE SCHEMERS AND PLOTTERS; THE JEALOUS ONES (v. 24). The conspirators are judged with the same judgment that they judge – “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” Matthew 7:2 (KJV).

In the book of Esther Haman schemes to have Mordecai hanged. His scheme is revealed to the king and Haman is hanged on his own gallows. Schemers will be found out and judged. Even if they are politicians, kings or presidents.

 

THE KING RECOGNIZES AND YIELDS TO THE POWER OF DANIEL’S GOD (vv. 25-28). Darius, like Nebuchadnezzar, makes a decree declaring Jehovah, the God of Daniel, as the only living God. His kingdom “Shall not be destroyed” as opposed to the kingdoms of men. God’s sovereignty is forever and over all that is.

Notice the final verse of chapter six. Daniel prospered during the reign of the Medes and Persians. WHY? Because of His faithfulness to God

 

FOUR QUALITIES OF DANIEL, THAT CHRISTIAN’S NEED IN EVERY AGE:

  1. He had a consistent attitude;

  2. He was consistent in his performance;

  3. He had a consistent purity;

  4. He was consistent in prayer.

Let us pray to be consistent in these practices, and watch God be glorified.

Loyalties, Liars, and Lions (2)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

THE PRESIDENTS AND PRINCES CONSPIRED TO FIND FAULT WITH DANIEL; FOUND NONE; SO SET ABOUT TO ESTABLISH NEW LAWS TO TRAP HIM (vv. 4-9). Daniel could not have won in any event in this deception. If he would have not prayed these men would have accused him of turning from his God. If he prayed he would be put in the lion’s den.

These leaders were jealous of Daniel. He was a captive Jew and their leader. He had God’s blessing on his life. The people of the flesh will always work against the people serving God in the Spirit. Look at Cain and Abel; Esau and Jacob; Ishmael and Isaac. The flesh always strives against the Spirit – “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Gal. 5:17 (KJV).

According to the Proverbs 26:28 passage above “…a flattering mouth worketh ruin”, and this is most certainly what these men tried to do to Daniel. They were flattering the king. Flattery can sometimes cause the one who is on the receiving end of flattery to yield to all kinds of things. People love to be praised, and told they are wonderful; but LOOK OUT! What does the flatterer have in mind?

The law these men wanted the king to decree was a decree of emperor worship, and the king fell for it. He did it without thinking of Daniel or any others who might be Jehovah [YHWH] worshippers. Once this law was signed by Darius it was law. His signature was the seal of his ring in wax. There would be no annulling it. It had to be carried out. It was soon put to the test.

 

DANIEL DOES NOT CHANGE HIS PRAYING – EVEN KNOWING THIS LAW IS DECREED BY THE KING (v. 10). After the decree is signed by the king, Daniel goes to his regular place of prayer and he prays just as always. He prays at sunrise, noon, and again at the end of the day. This purely was not an act of defiance, but an act that had already been his practice. Daniel was not going to change his practice. Now, if Daniel had not been praying, and this law was decreed, then, he starts praying to God it would be an act of defiance, then, these others may have had a genuine charge against him.

It is my belief that if the Christians of the United States would have been praying before 1963 we would not have lost our right to pray, and study Christian materials in the public schools. Suddenly when it was lost we become defiant. That is not the answer. We must get to praying, and pray that God will place people in positions of ‘lawmaking’ who will uphold the laws of God for our country, and get us back to freedom to pray in any place, at any time; and in the name of Jesus.

If you are praying now no one can ever stop you from praying. They may pass laws, but there is no law against the righteous, that can stop them from righteousness.

Loyalties, Liars, and Lions (1)

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

Daniel 6:1-3

A new king begins to reign. A new man often has new ideas. How is it that Darius is now the king of this land? There is only one answer to that question. It is the Almighty God of all that is or will ever be that sets up kings and brings them down. It has been seen, and testimony given by Nebuchadnezzar himself.

Daniel is now under the rule of Darius. As we get a little further in this chapter we will see that this king loved and greatly respected Daniel. We will also learn from this chapter that a man of integrity, and good character does not change his godly actions to please a decree by a king or a despot. The godly individual will pray, even when the laws of the land say, “NO MORE PRAYER”. This is not talking about an act of rebellion where someone; after an edict is given decides, “They can’t do that”, then decides to pray. This is the act of diligence. It is the act of obedience to God that was there before the law or edict was given.

In this chapter we must learn to pray. Prayer now will accomplish great things in our lives when we are faced with commands, laws, and edicts of men which tell us, “You can’t pray that way”. Let’s be faithful now, and continue in diligence, when we cannot. Sometimes things are made legal which are ungodly and unholy; such as abortion, homosexuality, and same gender marriages. Other times things are made illegal which are good, godly, and pure; such as outlawing prayer in schools, and in some places forbidding the preaching of the gospel on the street corner, and/or praying in “Jesus’s name”.

 

DANIEL IS NOW UNDER THE RULE OF DARIUS (v. 1). What Belshazzar had promised now Daniel actually receives. Belshazzar is dead. Daniel is alive and ruling within a kingdom. Neither Belshazzar, nor Darius elevated Daniel to this position; only God can do such things.

In a place of any form of rule is by divine appointment. It may be hard for many people to accept, but even Hitler was appointed by God for his time. That does not tickle my fancy either, but it is still true. He was placed as a ruler by God and he was removed by God. If you are a father, it was God who placed you in that position – use it well. If you are the pastor of a church God placed you there, and he can remove you. If you are the Mayor of a small town or a large city you were placed in that position of authority by God Himself. He can also remove you. From the lowest levels of leadership to the upper echelons of government God has positioned leaders for His pleasure and glory, and He can ‘unposition’ you.

 

DANIEL IS PLACED IN A POSITION OF RULE – OVER 120 ‘PRINCES’, AND CHIEF OF THREE WHO WERE ‘PRESIDENTS’ (vv. 2-3). These “Presidents” could also be called ‘Administrators’ or ‘Commissioners’. The ‘Princes’ were in charge of provinces around Babylon; gathering taxes, maybe solving problems was also involved. They were in charge of seeing that the king received his due. The ‘Presidents’ were to be sure that the princes were honest in their dealings. It seems that Daniel was the one who kept the two other presidents and their princes honest.

At any rate we clearly see that these others hated Daniel and the consistency of his lifestyle. The two ‘Presidents’ probably influenced the ‘princes’ to conspire against Daniel. They watched his every move. They could find no fault in his life. He never cheated the king, or did anything against the king to cause his demise or fall of the kingdom. The only way they could find fault was to make a law against his faith. With flattery, deception, and cunning they convince the king to have emperor worship for a month. Here is what the king should have heard, “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.” Prov. 26:28 (KJV).

These other rulers know Daniel prays three times per day. They know these things because they have spied on him, trying to seek his weakness, to cause his downfall. The king is told this is an agreed upon law by all the other rulers – deception – Daniel does not know, nor would he have agreed with it. Deception, deception, deception; clear and simple. Darius signs the decree. The law says that no one is to worship any god accept the king for a period of one month (30 days).

Daniel is truly an example for all Christians to follow. He never protested. He never had a sit in, a march – he continued doing what he was now forbidden to do by the kings decree. He continued praying. HE HAD A CONSISTENT ATTITUDE. He also had a CONSISTENT PRACTICE OF PRAYER. That is also our need.

The Handwriting on the Wall (3)

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

 I am posting early due to the fact I will be away from the computer for awhile.  My next post on Daniel, the Lord willing, will be Friday November 03, 2006.

Daniel 5:25-31

THE MESSAGE OF THE HANDWRITING AND ITS INTERPRETATION (vv. 25-28). The message of the handwriting was in Aramaic which the people could read, but did not understand. “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin”. ‘Mene’, being mentioned twice means you better pay attention – Daniel said, “This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.” The double “Mene” means the judgment is stacked up on you and is doubled. “Tekel”, was ‘You have come up short’. No one even had taken heed to the message from years before when Nebuchadnezzar had the dream of the statue with the golden head. They were pompous, proud, sanctimonious and secure, and God said, “You are done”. “Upharsin” or “Peres”, the kingdom is given to others – in particular to the Medes and Persians. Daniel knew this partially due to the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, which he told him and interpreted.

The city of Babylon is about to fall and it is as though Belshazzar does not hear, and awards Daniel all these things of wealth. How foolish the heart of a king, or any leader who takes the Word of God so carelessly, haphazardly, and does not fall on his face before Holy God. The very act of awarding these to Daniel was an act of arrogance, and a lack of repentance.

It is not kings who set up kingdoms, or rule. It is the Almighty God. That is visually apparent, and easily seen when one has a heart for God, His Word, and His rule. Daniel would receive awards, but not from the hand of a fallen evil king.

 

PROMISES ARE CARRIED OUT JUST AS THEY WERE SPOKEN (vv. 29-31). That same night that Belshazzar awarded the one who interpreted the writing, Belshazzar was also given what God had promised. He was killed. God’s judgment is sure, and sometimes without delay.

Darius the Mede took the kingdom, to rule, and he was a man of 62 years of age. God would use Darius to give to Daniel what Belshazzar had given, and even more. Darius loved Daniel, which becomes apparent in the next chapter.

Where do you fit into God’s plan? Are you living for yourself, gaining all you can in this life? Do you believe your life to be all one big party? Are you flaunting yourself against the truths of God Almighty? Do you believe yourself to have your life fully in hand? Let me urge you to rethink those thoughts. You do not. Just as the kingdom can be taken from a king in one night, so can your life be taken in one night, then; what is your destiny?

When you see THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL it just may be too late.

The Handwriting on the Wall (2)

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

 Daniel 5:13-24

THE PROPHET OF GOD IS CALLED WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS AND HE GIVES GOD’S MESSAGE (vv. 13-24). Unknown to Belshazzar was the fact that outside the city walls the Median empire was planning an assault this very night. It seems only logical to assume that the guards were not posted around the critical areas of Babylon. It could also be that the people had become so comfortable, and secure that they never posted guards, or maybe the guards were sleeping.

The Euphrates River flowed through the center of the city. To the Medes this was a weak point. The Medianites channeled the river away from the city, lowering the level of the wathe, where they could enter under the wall at that point. They had troops at both sides of the city waiting to enter, and do war against Babylon.

When all else fails call for the preacher. He followed his grandfather’s actions of his earlier years. Belshazzar’s actions do seem to be more reasonable – because he does seem to be completely ignorant of who Daniel is; though I would think it is willful ignorance, where he has merely chosen to remain ignorant of one of there countries, and cities most notable people. Let is be said, and noted that ignorance is no excuse, nor is “Ignorance bliss”.

Daniel is uninterested in the wealth that Belshazzar offers him. What good is it when everything around you is about to come tumbling down. Daniel was more interested in carrying out God’s mission for himself. Now, that is not meant as a selfish enterprise on Daniel’s part, but is meant of showing where Daniel’s heart lay with God – The Holy One.

Daniel tells Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar’s experiences. His pride was his downfall and he became as a brute beast, even to the point of living and eating like them, and with them. Belshazzar was to learn, that, unlike Nebuchadnezzar he would not be returning to the kingdom, nor would there even be a Babylonian kingdom. Belshazzar knew all the history of Nebuchadnezzar’s experiences with God, but he refused to change his way.

God’s message to and against Belshazzar was that, he had exalted himself against God. Now he would be no more. Herein, lies the tragedy of so many in all ages even in and, maybe especially in this, the Twenty first century. The pride of the human heart is so exalted in the exploits we do. Technology is fastly becoming the arrogance of mind. Money is becoming the arrogance of power, and politics. The thought of many is the earthly golden rule, “He who has the gold makes the rules”. Do not live in your arrogance and one day find yourself on the wrong side of God and His justice. He has given us one way to Himself, and that is through His Son Jesus Christ, and His death, burial and resurrection. If you think you can get to God your way your arrogance is still in the way.

The Handwriting on the Wall (1)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

Daniel 5:1 – 12

 

Belshazzar was most likely the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, and was the ruler of the city of Babylon, not the Babylonian empire. His father would have been ruler of the empire – he second in command under his father.

At this time, it has been estimated that Daniel was 82 years of age. Since Belshazzar does not know who Daniel it seems to indicate two things 1) Belshazzar’s ignorance or uncaring about the things that have happened in the past, and/or 2) Daniel had had not recent use in the kingdom.

 

THE PARTY THAT ENDED THE LIFE OF A KINGDOM AND A KING (vv. 1-4). There was a whole lot of riotous living going on in the palace on this night. It is said that when kings of this period had a drinking going on they left the women out of it. At this party, however, there were wives, concubines, and various kinds of women; which made this a party of debauchery .

It seemed to get so out of hand the king [Belshazzar] elevated the gods of Babylon over the God of all things. This was when he called for the vessels of God’s temple which had been taken from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar many years before. Nebuchadnezzar had also proclaimed that the people of Babylon was to respect, and revere the God of Israel. “Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” Daniel 3:29 (KJV).

The thing that had taken place on this vital evening was blasphemy and idolatry which was the ‘last straw’ with God. God’s purpose for Babylon had reached its peak, now they would be brought to their knees, and Belshazzar would die.

Playing with the things of God which are holy will bring judgment. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). There is an terribly lot of playing around with godly things, and making what is holy vile and ugly. An example of that is the attempt to legally marry people of the same gender. Marriage is a holy institution ordained by God. It is a party of the vile, godless, and unholy seeking to make it approved by God and man. It will never be approved by God, but will bring down judgment. Do not mess around with the holy things of God.

 

GOD’S WARNING, A FRIGHTENED KING, AND HIS SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE (vv. 5-12). Even in a kingdom such as Babylon and its chief city the LORD gives warning, but the ‘king’ is completely ignorant of the God of Israel; most likely willfully so. The prophet Amos wrote, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealed His secret unto His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7), but Belshazzar knew no prophet.

A hand appears and is writing on the wall during the party – at least the party that use to be – which, of course, causes great alarm in the heart of the king. It would probably seem that there was an emergency sobering effect upon the thousand or so who were in attendance. All attention went to the wall where the hand with no body was writing; the playing, drinking, the noise all ceased. You could probably hear the proverbial pin drop. It got really quiet.

Belshazzar’s knees “smote one against the other” he was terribly frightened – he surely must have known his time was up. His rule was over. His life was over. He then calls the most spiritually inept people there were in the kingdom – the same ones his grandfather called upon many years ago before he humbled himself to the God of all gods. He receives a recommendation from his mother – she remembers the history of Nebuchadnezzar.

The handwriting on the wall is there for us to see. It is there and should strike fear into the hearts of all who make a mock at sin, and those who love the Lord and His Word. It is written in the pages of the ages, “Be sure your sin will find you out”, and that is God’s handwriting on the wall for all to see. THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL today is the pages of holy writ, the Bible, the Word of God. You can read it, accept it, believe it, and live by it trusting the Lord of the Word and His finished work on Calvary’s cross, or you can reject it and die.

The Testimony of a Humbled King

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Daniel 4:1-37

An Outline of chapter four –

I. A STATEMENT OF PRAISE FROM A KING (vv. 1-3).

II. A TROUBLING DREAM OF A NOT YET HUMBLED KING (vv. 4-7).

III. DANIEL AND THE DREAM (vv. 8-27).

IV. UNWILLING TO YIELD TO GOD A KING BECOMES A BEAST AND GOD’S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED (vv. 28-37).

A STATEMENT OF PRAISE FROM A KING (vv. 1-3).

As we look at these three verses it becomes quite clear who is speaking. It is king Nebuchadnezzar. He has already been through the experience he describes, and is using it to glorify the Lord Almighty, or as he refers to Him in verse 37 “The King of heaven”. This seems to be the clearest testimony of a once proud, self-exalting king, who came to realize there is a higher King of kings who is worthy of praise.

In this chapter the king is sharing a personal testimony of his own experiences with God. If God had not changed him he would not be making this praise to Him. Nebuchadnezzar was a king. A king who had met the Lord, you might say in battle, and lost. Yet, it was a great gain for king Nebuchadnezzar.

I am sure the greatest humiliation the king experienced was not in praising the greater King, but during that time when he behaved like a beast of the field. Praise be to the KING OF HEAVEN for His sovereignty in the lives of kings and paupers.

 

THE TROUBLING DREAM OF A NOT YET HUMBLED KING (vv. 4-7).

The king begins sharing his testimony how everything all got started with his heart change. He tells that he had a very troubling dream. One which made little to no sense to him. He just knew it had a special meaning, but what.

He still has not learned who can know and interpret dreams, though. He calls for the ‘magicians, astrologer, Chaldeans, and soothsayers’ just as before, and just as before they failed to give understanding of the dream. It does seem that they do not try to deceive the king by asking for time.

At the time Nebuchadnezzar has the dream he is yet arrogant, proud, and has no confidence in the Lord GOD. Remember he has had Daniel tell him (because God had revealed it to him), not only the meaning of a dream, but also God showed Daniel the dream which the king dreamed. Also, God has delivered Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah through the fire, and from the fiery furnace. Both of these times Nebuchadnezzar has recognized the power of God, but not humbled himself before Him. “How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before Me?” (EX. 10:3),God asked of Pharoah, and though these exact words are not used here, the message is clearly the same. God is pursuing Nebuchadnezzar for His own. God is in pursuit of you.

 

DANIEL AND THE DREAM OF THE KING (vv. 8-27).

Daniel finally appears before the king. Why Daniel was last is beyond comprehension. You would think that Nebuchadnezzar would have called the one with the most notable success with dreams and interpreting as at the first. That does not seem to be what happened though.

The dream was of a tree. A tree of great height, and breadth. It seemed to cover the earth. In Scripture a tree seems to represent a kingdom: for instance – the tree which grew out of a mustard seed (Matthew 13:310-32); Jesus cursed the fig tree because it bore no fruit (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:13-14,20), and the fig tree seems to represent Israel (Hosea 2:12; 9:10).

NOTICE THE CONFIDENCE NEBUCHADNEZZAR HAS IN DANIEL (v. 18).

We can be assured that Daniel was a praying man, and was well studied in the way of God. The request of the king was not as difficult as the first one, but Daniel still had to deliver God’s message.

After spending an hour ‘astonished’ and most likely praying he is troubled. Daniel evidently didn’t like the interpretation. He certainly did not like the idea of telling the king, “Let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee.” was the kings decree when he saw Daniel’s troubled face.

Prophets in those days could lose their heads for giving kings unpleasant messages.

THE INTERPRETATION –

First of all the king would become like a beast of the field;

“The order to fell the great tree was prophetic of temporary form of insanity known as lycanthropy in which a man imagines himself to be some form of animal. The word derives from the Greek lukos, OR ‘wolf’, and ‘anthropos’, meaning ‘man’. BELIEVER’S STUDY BIBLE.

Secondly, the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar;

Third, ‘Watcher’ and ‘holy one’ – God notices the proud of heart; is holy and will cut this king down to size;

Fourth, ‘they’ of verse 25 probably refers to the ‘watcher’ and ‘holy one’;

Fifthly, Seven times most likely is 7 years;

Finally, ‘Leave a stump’ – assurance of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom continuing for awhile after this judgment and it being returned to Nebuchadnezzar.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS JUDGMENT –

1. To encourage Nebuchadnezzar to cease from sin;

2. To humble the king to recognize the God of all creation and nations.

Daniel calls the king to turn to the LORD.

 

UNWILLING TO YIELD TO GOD HE BECOMES A BEAST, AND GOD’S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED (vv. 28-37).

How can we think that proud, haughty, arrogant people will turn to being Beasts. Think of Romans 1:18-32. Verse 21 says it clearly, “Because that when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imagination and their foolish hearts were darkened.” You can see the result of what happens when people refuse to yield to God, by reading the verses which follow in that chapter.

It happened to Nebuchadnezzar just as he was warned in the dream – a short twelve months later – a whole year. This speaks volumes of God’s mercy. God gave him a year to repent and change his way.

It happened on a day of his boasting. Watch out in your arrogance and pride.

How long was this judgment to last? “Until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men and gives it to whoever He wills.” (v. 32). No king or kingdom of men is without the sovereign, ruling hand of God.

Nebuchadnezzar turned his eyes toward Heaven ‘at the end of the days…’ . He praised and honored God as sovereign and having an everlasting kingdom (v. 34). Remember this is the testimony of Nebuchadnezzar.

He was returned to the throne. Ruling as a new king with a new heart. He had seen the True King – the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Did the king change? Read verse 37, “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” It looks like a new king with a new heart to me. WOW!!! God can and will have His way in the hearts of kings and paupers and the common man. Yes, that includes women too.

A Concoction of the Kings Imagination

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Daniel 3:1-12

THE IMAGE WAS A CONCOCTION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S OWN IMAGINATION – WHICH HE MOST LIKELY CONTRIVED FROM HIS DREAM OF CHAPTER TWO (vv. 1-12).

When I see things like this my first thought is of Psalms 2 where it is said, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” Psalm 2:1-2 (KJV). Nebuchadnezzar has had this dream which Daniel gave him the interpretation as well as telling him what the dream is in the first place. Now he comes to the place of pride and arrogance and seeks to call all worship to himself, as the “head of gold”. He desires his kingdom to continue despite God’s clear prophetic message.

It continues today. Michael Drosnin author of THE BIBLE CODE says the prophecies of the Bible are warnings not predictions (see THE BIBLE CODE pg. 137). “The Bible code is more than a warning. It may be the information we need to prevent the predicted disaster” (Ibid, pg. 149). “The message of the Bible code is that we can save ourselves.” (Ibid pg. 150). Understand Michael Drosnin is not a follower of Jesus Christ, nor does he believe in the verbal inspiration of Scripture. This could have just been the thinking of the king of Babylon. “It is just a warning, I can change my own fate”. What God says will come to pass. Not one word will return to Him void. Hear what God says, “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD. Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 12:21-28 (KJV). God’s Word prevails over the wisdom of men. It does not matter their stature or power.

Nebuchadnezzar was impressed by the God of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; but he was not a believer.

It would certainly be no surprise to learn that the image the king made was after his own likeness. If man makes an image of worship it is most often like himself, or a image of a lesser being.

There is another image mentioned in Bible prophecy, which, if people of that time do not worship, they too will be threatened with death; (Read Revelation 13:14-18).

 

Pride is a destructive thing. It will lead to the downfall of any man or woman, boy or girl. Especially the pride which exalts itself over God and His Word. That is exactly what king Nebuchadnezzar was doing. He still had a great love for himself, thus, a hatred for the God of the Hebrews, and who was His Sovereign as well.

Pride caused the fall of the devil – See Isaiah 14:12-23. Also see Ezekiel 28:1-19.

Pride causes Nebuchadnezzar’s fall.

Pride causes the fall of Antiochus Epiphanes who first desecrated the Jewish temple.

Pride will cause the last world Gentile ruler’s fall as well.

GOD’S WORD FOR US, “BEWARE THE PRIDE OF YOUR HEART”.

Everyone was summoned to worship this image – but it is quite clear that all did not. There were three who stood firm in their faith, even in the face of death

 

Look at the dimensions of this monstrous image:

  • Sixty cubits high = approximately 90 feet;

  • Six cubits wide = approximately 9 feet;

  • Six is the number of man; seven is the number of completeness; thus, man always comes up short (Rev. 13:18)

When I study this chapter of Daniel, the question comes to my mind, “Where was Daniel?” at this time. We know where Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were. They were about to face the heat of fiery trial. It was time they had to stand alone, ie, without Daniel. However, they were not without God – YHWH.

No matter what kings or despots concoct against God and/or His people God still reigns in the hearts and minds of all men, even the kings. 

Who Can Reveal Thoughts and Dreams, but GOD

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 Daniel 2:46-49

THIS TRIAL MADE IT CLEAR TO ALL OF BABYLON WHO GOD IS (vv. 46-49).

“Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him. 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. 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. 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.” Daniel 2:46-49. (KJV).

In Nebuchadnezzar’s thinking only a god could have revealed his dream, and told its interpretation. He did the thing that anyone with his thinking would do – he worshipped Daniel. This, most likely, was not amusing to Daniel, because he knew God was the only one worthy of worship.

Through this dream, and by the revelation of the dream the king is introduced to the God of all creation. Nebuchadnezzar does not put his faith in Him, yet, but he will later.

Through this dream also, Daniel and his friends are brought to the front of God’s rule and sovereignty. When God’s people follow God’s way; not matter their place inlife – God will be glorified.

“2:44 One final feature of the vision records the ultimate reason for the dream. The vulnerable toes of the great image become the target of a stone which comes from nowhere. The stone has been ‘cut out’ without hands, and indication that the stone, unlike the great image, is not of human origin. Striking the toes of the image, the stone renders a crushing blow to the iron and clay composition. The entire image falls, being utterly destroyed in that fall. This stone, which ‘became a great mountain and filled the whole earth’ (v. 35), is identified as the kingdom of God. Following the destruction of the image, the kingdom of God continues forever in full strength. Apparently, the dream had several results: (1) the dream and its interpretation brought Daniel to prominence in Babylone with Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 46-49); (2) the dream further served as an initial warning to Nebuchadnezzar that he, though great, was not invincible, and must prepare for the ultimate dissolution of his kingdom unless he humbled himself to the true God; (3) the dream must have provided immense consolation to Daniel and the Hebrew captives, assuring them that ultimately God’s kingdom would be triumphant, overcoming all of the ruthless reigns of earthly sovereigns; and (4) Nebuchadnezzar was thereby introduced to the true and living God (v. 47)” (From the BELIEVER’S STUDY BIBLE).

Daniel was not self-indulgent either. He brought Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah into the picture too. The king gave Daniel many gifts; made him a ruler; chief of the governors; and all the ‘wise men’ of Babylon. There must have been much jealousy among those ‘wise men’ who had been in the kingdom for years, and had never received such recognition as this.

Oh, that the leaders and rulers of the countries of the world today would understand, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Proverbs 21:1 (KJV)

The Power and Wisdom of GOD

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

THE POWER AND WISDOM OF GOD IS SHOWN TO THE KING AND ALL BABYLONIANS (vv. 24-45). Please take time to read these verses.

You would have thought that Daniel’s first response after receiving the dream and its interpretation would have been to immediately run to tell the king, “I know, I know”. This is not what he did, however. Daniel praised and thanked the God of Heaven and earth. After praising God he revealed to Arioch that he knew the dream and its interpretation. By going to Arioch Daniel was probably using proper protocol in appearing before the king. Daniel is still a teenager at this point of his life.

Arioch upon appearing before the king says, “I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.” He lied. Daniel found him. Daniel did not much care who received credit for it, he never contradicted Arioch; he just plainly gave the king the message of the dream.

Before Daniel gave the dream and its interpretation, the king asked him, “Are you able to tell me the dream and its interpretation?”; to which Daniel responded, “No man, astrologer, sorcerer, magician, etc. is able, but there is a God in Heaven who reveals secrets.” It is also quite clear that Daniel was not dong this for personal recognition, but so that the king might know the thoughts of his heart. It also would save the lives of all the ‘wise men’ and Daniel and his friends.’

The dream itself was that of an image – Daniel calls it a “great image” which seems to mean it stood out from all others – it had a head of gold; its breast and arms were of silver; belly and thighs were of brass; its legs of iron; and its feet of iron mixed with clay. NOTE; the weak foundation. The rest of the dream was of a Stone “cut out without hands” which purposely fell on the feet of iron and clay and toppled the image. Now, Daniel gives the interpretation…

  1. The head of ‘Fine gold’ – Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire;

  2. Breast and arms of silver – represent the joint kingdoms of the Medes and Persians which conquered Babylon while Belshazzar was having a party (Daniel 5);

  3. Belly and thighs of brass – represent Greece which under the leadership of Alexander the Great would take possession of ‘the world rule’;

  4. Legs of iron – represent Rome ‘the iron legions of Rome’; Whereas the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, and Greecian empires were conquered; the Roman empire never was, thus the fifth world rule; which is yet to come;

  5. Feet of iron mixed with clay – Rome fell from within due to mixed cultures, and th inability to adjust and be tolerant – “iron mixed with clay”. This represents a future kingdom of earth which will be ruled, eventually, by the one world ruler referred to as ‘antichrist’, ‘son of perdition’, etc.

These all represent world Gentile governments. Gentile governments will rule on earth until Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah of Israel, the Stone cut out without hands, shall come and overthrow them, and He shall rule and reign on earth. One day all human governments will fall, and be crushed to powder, and blown away, like chaff in the wind (SEE v. 35). The kingdom of Jesus will fill the earth. Every tribe, tongue, and nation will come to Him.

There is a great significance with prophecy – this one especially – toward the governments of men. All man made governments will crumble and fall; yes, even democracy. It is a government of man that gives the people choice of who rules, but it is not the answer to the world’s problems. “The reason we have democracy is because we don’t have righteous-rule monarchy. We need some kind of checks and balances, which is why our government is established as it is.” Dr. David Jeremiah THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL pg. 62.

Please do not take me wrong. I believe democracy is the best and fairest government man has ever devised, but it is still man’s government – not God’s . This is a quote from Professor Alexander Tyler which he wrote concerning the fall of the Athenian republic which fell over a thousand years ago. He said,

“A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasure. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s great civilizations has been two hundred years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence: from bondage to spiritual faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency back to bondage.” IBID. pg. 62.

The statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream shows the gradual decline of man’s form of government. A head of gold makes it top heavy and proud. Each section of the statue progressively becomes of lesser value, and weaker. Finally, we get to the feet – ‘part of iron and part of clay’ – a weak foundation to say the least. NOTE: where the Stone strakes to tumble the statue.

The kingdoms of men will be ground to dust and blown away by the winds of the Spirit of God. God will set up an eternal kingdom; ruled by His Son Jesus. His rule will be a Theocracy – ruled by God Himself; forever and forever.

The Dream is Revealed

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

Daniel 2:14-23.

Seeing how Daniel and his friends were not invited to the council meeting they had every right to ask what was going on. “Why is the kings decree so hasty?” (v. 15).

Arioch was the ‘captain of the king’s gruard’, and in charge of killing the incompetent ‘wise men’. When Arioch came to Daniel; Daniel had questions. He knew nothing about the king’s dream nor his edict to kill the frauds.

Arioch seems to be patient with Daniel and his friends. He shares with Daniel how the king has made a decree to kill all the astrologers, magicians, sorcerers, etc., including all those newly trained in the crafts. This include Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. REMEMBER THE ABOVE QUOTATION BY GRAHAM SCROGGIE. They studied astrology, etc. “to understand it, but not to believe it.” The power of these Hebrews was the person who created all things. The person who put Nebuchadnezzar on the throne of Babylon.

Daniel seems to have had access to the throne. It does not tell us how he went to the king, but that he did. Daniel asked the king for time to know and interpret the dream. Notice his faith. He did not tell the king, that what he was asking was preposterous, nor did he question the king’s reasoning. He simply asked the king for some time. The Babylonian ‘wise men’ had asked for time, and had been refused, because the king knew they were stalling. He must have sensed the sincerity of Daniel’s words and heart, and gave him . The amount of time is not mentioned, just what Daniel did with what time he had been given.

Daniel went to his house, got his friends together and said, “Let’s pray that God would show us the king’s dream and its interpretation”; they prayed and God answered. NOTE: There is a secret given here concerning praying, “That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret;”. It is in humility that one must pray to the most High God. We do not approach Him with demand, but desiring His mercy.

God answered Daniel’s and his friend’s prayer. It is exceptionally wonderful to read Daniel’s praise to God for the answer to prayer. It seems that Daniel was praising God even before this answer came. There are no other words of praise previously mentioned, but it was by his life he praised God.

The Dream of History

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Daniel 2:1-13

 

This is one of the more lengthy chapters of Daniel, but it is also a very important one. Though this chapter deals with the dream of the king Nebuchadnezzar, it is one of historical proportions. This chapter sets the “stage” for the events which follow. The kings ego, which is most likely behind the building of the great image we will see later, the dreams which Daniel would see, and the events of the nations which would follow Babylon in world domination.

 

THE KING IS GREATLY TROUBLED BY THE DREAM HE HAS. (v. 1).

“And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.“ Daniel 2:1 (KJV)

 

The distress the king is having is caused by the dreams he has had. Notice, it says, “Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams” which seems to imply his dream was recurring; maybe having it on a nightly basis or may have been over and over on a singular night. This was only in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. This was an arrogant and proud king. He was ruthless. Of course, most kings of the Gentile nations were cruel and vicious tyrants.

We are about to see how the Sovereign God of the universe was in control of the dreams of men/kings, the interpretation of the dream, and its fulfillment. Whether God still speaks through dreams in this study is not an issue this study will endeavor to answer. It is important for us to realize and believe that God did speak through the dreams mentioned in the book of Daniel.

 

THE “WISE MEN” ARE ASKED TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE, AND ARE EMBARASSED AND DISGRACED. (vv. 2-13).

“Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream. Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation. The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof. They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it. The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof. The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.” Daniel 2:2-13.

After having this dream in a recurring fashion the kings command went forth for all the “wise men”, astrologers, magicians, sorcerers, and Chaldeans speaking of Chaldeans as “astrologers”.

Now, the king ordered them to appear before him for the distinct purpose of interpreting this troubling dream. It was troubling to him. It was an encouragement and blessing to Daniel and his friends. We will see why as we come to the close of this chapter.

In times past kings, and this particular king had always told the dream and accepted the interpretation from these “wise men”. That would not be so in this case.

Not only did the king ask for the interpretation, but he asked these men to tell him the dream. There is some question as to whether the king had actually forgotten the dream or that God had put it in his heart to test the ‘wise men’. Whoever could tell him the dream he had would also be able to interpret the dream – surely. “No man can tell another what he dreamed”. That was the basic response of these ‘counselors’ (v. 10). “Only the gods could do that, and they probably won’t” was there response in verse 11. You can tell anyone your dream, and they can give their interpretation of it. It may not be accurate, but it is an interpretation.

The kings mind was set. He would only except the interpretation of the dream from only the one who could tell him his dream. It was not ‘Business as usual’. It seems that he really did not trust his ‘wise men’; especially, with this very important dream.

These men began to stall, trying to obtain more time. The king recognized what they were doing and became angry with them. He commanded that all the ‘wise men’ be killed. By this decree he also condemned Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They, evidently, had not been called upon to interpret the dream.

“The thing” of verse 5 is for ‘a word, command, discourse or subject. “The thing is gone from me”.

This could be saying, “I have given the command; it is firm”. He was speaking of the decree, that if they could not tell him the dream and its interpretation they would all die.

If this is a correct interpretation, then, the king knew the dream; he just did not want some flippant charlatans interpretation to the dream, and neither did the LORD God. This was wisdom given the king by God to weed out the false interpreters, and bring Daniel before the king – ultimately glorifying the Lord Most High.

The kings decree to kill was a satanic edict. “A man who determines not to compromise his life usually gets satan’s attention.” (DAVID JEREMIAH from “The Handwriting On The Wall” pg. 51). Daniel certainly got his attention, and the devil wanted to kill him.

“Oh, the sin and folly of pretension. The emphasis is not to be put on Nebuchadnezzar’s wrath and cruelty, but on that which occasioned it. These sons of the colleges were trained and paid to interpret mysteries, and it is a reasonable to assume that the means whereby they could know the interpretation of a dream might also be employed to discover the dream itself. The fact is, they were frauds. The four Hebrews studied astrology to understand it, but not to believe it. Daniel 2:10 shows in one single sentence that all of the astrology and necromancy and oracles and dreams and mantic revelations of the whole pagan world for six thousand years are nothing but imbecilities and lies, and it proves that all the religions and arts and sciences and philosophies and attainments and powers of men apart from God-inspired prophets and an all-glorious Christ are nothing but emptiness and vanity as regards any true and adequate knowledge of the purpose and will of God.” (A quote by Graham Scroggie as printed in “The Handwriting On the Wall” by David Jeremiah pg. 51).