Category: OTC

Posted on

Hosea: Israel’s Addiction to Prostitution

Read: Hosea 4:1-6:3

I really believe the people of Israel know they are out of step with God, deeply in sin, to the point that they cannot see their way out. My heart breaks for the common family working in the fields, those trying to be faithful to God while their leaders chase fantasies. Hosea’s direction is clear:

“But let no one bring a charge,
let no one accuse another,
for your people are like those
who bring charges against a priest.
You stumble day and night,
and the prophets stumble with you.
So I will destroy your mother—
my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.
Hosea 4:3-6

Hosea continues to sharpen the verdict: “they exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful” (Hosea 4:7). Watch out church! At least that which we call church these days. The ancient words of Hosea ring clear, but do they speak into the 21st century? Do they point to our institutionalized religion?

Perhaps this is Hosea’s apologetic for God’s direction to marry Gomer:

“They will eat but not have enough;
they will engage in prostitution but not flourish,
because they have deserted the Lord
to give themselves to prostitution;
old wine and new wine
take away their understanding.
Hosea 4:10-11

He has first-hand knowledge of the emptiness felt by prostitution. In today’s culture we might substitute the word pornography, that which seems to be rampant in our society, in our extravagance. Other vices as well, I’m sure, the result is the same, they “take away their understanding.”

A spirit of prostitution is in their heart;
they do not acknowledge the Lord.
Hosea 5:4

God will not allow such behavior to go unpunished:

For I will be like a lion to Ephraim,
like a great lion to Judah.
I will tear them to pieces and go away;
I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them.
Then I will return to my lair
until they have borne their guilt
and seek my face—
in their misery
they will earnestly seek me.”
Hosea 5:14-15

Once again the message doesn’t end there, though we surely deserve it! How many times will you offer these words?

“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Hosea 6:1-3

Please read these words and take comfort: As surely as the sun rises, he will appear. God is not nearly done yet, his love is far greater than the laws of this promiscuous country that just celebrated it’s 241st anniversary. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be pain in the process.

This assurance gives us hope. If Israel can be so brazen as to turn to idols and explicitly walk away from God, surely there is hope for us. Lord, reveal that which we have put on our shelves as household idols, show us how we have embraced prostitution in our lives. Shake us from our slumber and into your marvelous light! Your example to Hosea was hundreds of years before Jesus walked on earth and took away any excuses we might have. Even today, Lord, move us deep within.

Posted on

Hosea: Unfaithful Wife and the Love of God

Read: Hosea 1-3

The first of the minor prophets takes us to the tragic time when Israel, the northern kingdom, was about to be swept away into exile by the Assyrians. The kings of southern kingdom were: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. The northern kings: Jeroboam II, Zechariah (not the prophet), Shallum, Pekahiah, Menahem, Pekah and Hoshea.

Hosea is directed to do that which is quite odd, to say the least:

When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” Hosea 1:2

Culturally, even by today’s standards, this is outrageous, but even more so in the 700 BC (ish). Hosea married Gomer and they had children together as husband and wife.

  1. Their son, Jezreel, is named to remind them of the massacre during the time of Jehu.
  2. Their daughter is sadly named, Lo-Ruhamah, which means: not loved.
  3. The next son was named Lo-Ammi: not my people.

My first observation is simple: this was not a quick prophecy! It had to take at least three years to get to this point, so the relationship between Hosea and Gomer is not a simple fling, this is something that takes time. Skipping to chapter 3, we are shown that Gomer continued her promiscuous ways, to the point that some suggest the 2nd and 3rd children were not fathered by Hosea.

The allegory here is pungent for a reason, just about anyone would be repulsed by the notion of an unfaithful spouse, well, anyone reading this blog anyway!

She will chase after her lovers but not catch them;
she will look for them but not find them.
Then she will say,
‘I will go back to my husband as at first,
for then I was better off than now.’
Hosea 2:7

Israel, the northern kingdom, is constantly chasing after idols and gods to please themselves. All of these kings lead the people astray. They have all become prostitutes of whatever desires light their candle for the moment. The sad state of affairs invites an incredibly sad story.

But God’s desire for his people is greater than we can ever fully understand. In the midst of this story, his promise is renewed:

“In that day I will respond,”
declares the Lord—
“I will respond to the skies,
and they will respond to the earth;
and the earth will respond to the grain,
the new wine and the olive oil,
and they will respond to Jezreel.
I will plant her for myself in the land;
I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”
Hosea 2:21-23

Though the rulers of the people will continue down their paths of destruction, God will once again show his love for his people. If you thought the story about Hosea marrying a promiscuous woman was crazy, this is crazier still. Why would God do such a thing? For love.

The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” Hosea 3:1

Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” Hosea 3:3

God’s message is clear and provocative. Time and time again he simply says, “I love you.” Help us, Lord, to embrace the kind of love you’ve shown us over and over again!

 

Posted on

Daniel and the End Times

Read: Daniel 12

And so we come to the last chapter in the book of Daniel. It was probably more appropriate to keep this chapter with the previous post, but I wanted some time to reflect on the brief writings of this prophet.

The dream continues and the interpretation is rich:

There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Daniel 12:1

He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. Daniel 12:9-10

I’ve said before, I’m in no hurry for the end of time, for many have yet had the chance to fully come to know Jesus, but this assurance does indeed provide confidence for those who have committed their lives to Christ. The question I have surrounds the word, committed. Have I fully committed? Or only said the words that my name might appear in the book of life?

We know Daniel from the first half of the book, chapters 1-6, where we learn of his integrity through several trials, including three of his comrades. The big takeaway from the first half is we should fully trust in God, whether or not he saves the mortal body from peril. The second half is visionary, covering events that speak to the end of time as a means to encourage the remnant of those days who were scattered about as well as today and years to come.

What Did We Learn?

Hugh Whelchel, Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, poses the question: Conform or Transform?

Yet, like Daniel, we must not withdraw from the world in which we live. We must engage it in obedience to God’s call on our lives, working for his glory and the common good.*

I would suggest we need to take it one step further. Not only must we not withdraw from the world, we must engage with our surroundings to accurately live out our Christian worldview and change the culture around us. I think we often get lost in this quest by thinking we must change the world, create a movement that gets picked up by Christianity Today or CNN, make a big splash in the ocean.

What if we just followed Daniel’s lead and walked in integrity? What if we were known for honesty and compassion that princes of this world called us for advice? What if people saw that we really were all about love first?

Daniel’s short 12 chapters give us examples of trials and success in the same, then hope for a greater future–all without compromise. These are the lessons I hope to learn from Daniel, to learn and put into action.

 

*https://tifwe.org/learning-from-the-life-of-daniel/

Posted on

Daniel’s Vision of Future Events

Read: Daniel 10-11

Daniel is given an incredible vision that covers many events that will unfold, kings that rise and fall, powerful people that come and go. The conclusion is stated a number of times, “but only for a time…for it will still come at the appointed time.” In the end, after it’s all said and done, God’s plan will prevail. That doesn’t give us a reason to gloat for many who seem wise today will look foolish in the end. My advice is to listen for the Lord’s voice in these words and follow the prompting of the Spirit as you hear them in your heart.

From the NIV Study Bible notes, “Many feel that these verses speak of conflicts to be waged between the antichrist and his political enemies. He will meet his end ‘at the beautiful holy mountain” (Daniel 11:45), Jerusalem’s temple mount, perhaps in connection with the battle of Armageddon’.”

I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel 10:5-6

Daniel falls to the ground, as I’m sure I would if such a vision were to enter my mind, but the man encourages him to get up and listen.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Daniel 10:12

Daniel’s fasting and prayers gave Michael strength in his battle against the enemy. This reminds me of Frank Peretti’s, books, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness, fiction writing that tries to capture such visions in a contemporary setting. Prayer matters.

The vision continues to be explained:

Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it. Daniel 11:15-16

“He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. Daniel 11:21-22

With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Daniel 11:32

Satan will not pleased with any progress in this direction. We read words that point to that day when the Antichrist will attempt to rule all.

He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him. Daniel 11:45

How well do we know the voice of God? We are given a most valuable gift in a book that gathers dust in most homes: the Bible. Within its covers the voice of God is heard in each passing page, story, allegory, psalm and historical context. The Bible isn’t to be worshiped, it is not an idol. Rather, it is a tool to be used to support our mission to the world, the dying world, that needs the light of Jesus. The more I read and allow the Spirit to speak within me, the more I gain his perspective. I’m far from getting this right, but I’m confident this is the right path.

His end will come. Rest assured, Christ wins in the end.

Posted on

Another Vision from Daniel and His Prayer

Read: Daniel 8-9

Daniel’s visions are detailed and somewhat disturbing. His prayer and incredible devotion give us an example to admire and challenge us to a higher level.

Daniel 8: Daniel’s Vision of a Ram and a Goat

Another vivid vision that captured Daniel’s thoughts, I can imagine he woke up sweating!

…suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. It came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at it in great rage. I saw it attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering its two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; Daniel 8:5-7

It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. Daniel 8:11-12

The interpretation lets us know that these events are far into the future. Many people, no doubt, see this distant future as today, or ten years ago, perhaps ten years from now.

“The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding. Daniel 8:26-27

Daniel 9: Daniel’s Prayer

Daniel studied Jeremiah’s writings, an amazing feat all by itself considering the exile and means of communication back in those times.

I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. Daniel 9:2

In his prayer, Daniel takes on the sins of the people and appeals to God for mercy.

“Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. Daniel 9:7

There is something amazing about the words here, something I can’t quite articulate. Daniel is so far removed and isolated from other Jews because of the exile, and yet so in touch and aware of their plight. His humble request is echoed in Paul’s writings in the New Testament, forged in honor, delivered in praise:

We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Daniel 9:18-19

Prayer is a difficult thing to understand at times. I wonder how they are received, even if they are received to be openly honest, at times during great stress. Daniel’s example here is significant. Surely, here is a man of God that has kept the Law, done his part in setting the example. Yet he completely takes on the sins of our ancestors. This does not go unnoticed:

As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Daniel 9:23

When we pray with humble hearts, I do believe our prayers are heard, though the answers may not be provided in the manner or time we desire. Here we see an immediate response to prayer. The interpretation of which gives us something to ponder indeed!

After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. Daniel 9:26

At best, these words had to be disturbing. I can completely understand why Daniel was shaken by the dreams. Living in exile, he dreams of a time to come when rulers come and go. Here he sees the crucifixion of Jesus, the Anointed One, but doesn’t see the rest of the story, the miraculous resurrection. I’m not sure I would want to go to sleep anytime soon!

The heart of Daniel is seen in these chapters. I’m in awe of his strength of character and humble heart. Lord, may we be as consistent and devoted as Daniel, may I be even one percent of the leader he was!

 

Posted on

Daniel’s Dream of Four Beasts

Read: Daniel 7

It’s Daniel’s turn to have a dream, along with the interpretation by an angel within the dream. His dream was rather elaborate, one that must have been like being immersed in a virtual reality scene that seems real and unreal at the same time.

Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream. Daniel 7:1

Four beasts terrorize the world: one like a lion with eagles wings that transforms into a human, one like a bear and the third like a leopard with four heads. The fourth was particularly troublesome for Daniel: “terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left.” (Daniel 7:7)

The beasts boasted, consumed by their pride and power until the Ancient of Days determined their time was over. Then a marvelous thing happened:

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14

Daniel didn’t know how to process these images, they were simply overpowering, but the answer was not far away:

I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning of all this. “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things:
‘The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.’ Daniel 7:16-18

The Gospel is proclaimed 500+ years before Christ entered human form. It’s no wonder this was difficult to understand.

“This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.” Daniel 7:28

I’m trying to appreciate the imagery in the dream, especially considering the fact that this happened some 2,500 years ago, long before computer generated illustrations became commonplace in movie theaters. It’s interesting that dreams were as fanciful then as they are now. The way our minds store information and at times play back impossible scenes is fascinating and sometime startling.

For Daniel, this particular dream was one that was so vivid that he took notes, wrote down the details and ultimately shared it with you and I.

I can imagine that this chapter is one that our ancestors read over and over again as they waited for the Messiah, the one that would rule all nations, the everlasting kingdom we will possess forever and ever. Something to hold onto when our world seems to be crashing around us. Thank you, Lord, for the assurance of a wonderful place some time, some day.

Posted on

Daniel in the Lions’ Den

Read: Daniel 6

Today we read one of the best known stories from the Bible — Daniel in the Lions’ Den. I say best known stories, but I wonder how many outside the ever-secularized world have actually read the 28 verses that capture the entire story? The brevity of the narrative in no way detracts from the weight of this moment in history, but in our world of sound-bites, I can’t help but wonder.

Nebuchadnezzar’s son Belteshazzar foolishly squandered his heritage and is no longer with us; Darius is now in charge of Babylonia. He names Daniel as one of his 3 administrators to manage 120 regional governors — it’s a big kingdom! As we’ve seen in the previous chapters, Daniel is a man of incredible integrity. As such, Darius plans to promote him one step farther up the chain to rule over all.

Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Daniel 6:3-4

To promote themselves, they needed something that would discredit Daniel, but they could find nothing, so they opted for a different approach. As the sycophants they obviously were, they praised the newly ascended king and flattered his ego with words or praise along with a mere suggestion that anyone who didn’t have the same perspective should be thrown into the den of lions and ripped to shreds.

Sidenote: Who keeps a den of lions around? What would you use this for? If this is their method of keeping order in the kingdom, the long-term viability of this empire is certainly in question.

Anyway, Darius is in agreement and the attorneys quickly create the necessary documents and distribute them around the kingdom without Daniel’s input (not without his knowledge).

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

Daniel is not acting in arrogance, he is not openly trying to defy the decree, but he is also not about to compromise his devotion to God. It doesn’t take long for this to get reported back to Darius and the law is clear, Daniel must be tossed into our local lions’ den. Darius is grieved by this action, but was unable to see his way around the law; well, he had no advisors to construct a rebuttal.

At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel 6:19-20

Those who created the plot were tossed in and devoured. Suddenly, the lawyers figured out a way to issue a new decree:

“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.
He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”
Daniel 6:26-27

In both statements above we read “has your God” and “the God of Daniel.” Interesting. Rulers in that time thought of themselves as appointed by gods, equal to none, so he keeps himself one step away from accepting that God is the God of all, including himself. Did Daniel have heart-to-heart discussions with Darius? Cyrus? Nebuchadnezzar? Belteshazzar? Did they ask him privately about God? It seems like Daniel would have had those opportunities, after all, his fame was not just the miraculous, but it included his uncanny ability to look after the affairs of an entire kingdom with great efficacy. I’m sure these conversations happened with no change of heart, no crack in the wall built to support such a monarchy. That simply could not happen.

So here’s the question I wrestle with this morning, what impenetrable walls have I established that cannot be breached? What monuments have I erected that stand in the way of complete devotion to Jesus? Is there someone trying to speak truth into my life that I simply refuse to hear?

Surely the stories of Daniel are meant to demonstrate great integrity is rewarded, not doubt about that, but I hope I can learn from the kings who refused to humble themselves as well.

Lord, may we all trust that you will save us in the lions’ dens of our world today. Help us as we waver. Strengthen our integrity. May we lean on each other and learn to speak truth in love to keep us from ascending the mount of arrogance depicted in the kings of Babylon.

Posted on

Dream of a Tree and Writing on the Wall

Read: Daniel 4-5

Two chapters that provide opposing viewpoints from kings that ruled Babylonia: Nebuchadnezzar (ch. 4) and his son (ch. 5). Their response to Daniel’s interpretations is significant: one humbled himself and enjoyed his position, the other chose not to show reverence to God and died. While the lesson is certainly about recognizing God is the One True God, we also get to see how Daniel carefully works in his context to witness to the people in that environment.

I’m reading a fictional novel by Ted Dekker, A.D. 30, which helps me appreciate the culture of multiple gods through his excellent research and writing skills. At on point the principal character is told about the One True God, but rebuts the concept saying, “So, then, you have only one god who’s like all the rest. I would choose many over only one.”* As many from that culture, she would rather have many gods to cover all the bases. I hadn’t really thought about it until putting myself in the perspective of the characters in the novel. I’m not sure it makes sense in a few sentences, but I’m beginning to appreciate how difficult it must be to spread the Gospel to people who have been raised for generations to worship gods of many kinds and for all occasions. It’s this perspective, I pray, that may help in reading the unreached.

Dream of a Tree – Daniel 4

Nebuchadnezzar writes a letter to the world proclaiming God as the one true God:

It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. Daniel 4:2

This time, Nebuchadnezzar provides the dream in detail, so at least they don’t have to start by reading his mind! (Daniel 4:10-17). Daniel interprets the dream, carefully choosing words that show his respect for the power and position of Nebuchadnezzar. Four times in just six verses, Daniel inserts “Your Majesty” in the narrative.

Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth. Daniel 4:22

Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.” Daniel 4:27

Twelve months later, the dream became a reality, Nebuchadnezzar lived out the crazy dream and was restored:

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. Daniel 4:34

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4:37

At this point it would seem reasonable to think that the Babylonians would honor God as a people–the kingdom would become that which honors God as the one true God. But such is not the case. One God, more powerful than all the others, fits nicely into their scheme of gods. This won’t last long.

Writing on the Wall – Daniel 5

We now have a new ruler in charge, King Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar (the name is a bit close to Daniel’s Babylonian name: Belteshazzar, hard not to get confused at first). Belshazzar is having a party, probably not your casual business get together, but I’ll leave that up to your imagination. Obviously, the words of his father at the end of chapter 4 have lost their significance. Dad is gone, let’s party!

So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Daniel 5:3-4

I guess that had a lot to drink and were probably not quite right in their mind when they saw the proverbial writing on the wall:

Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his legs became weak and his knees were knocking. Daniel 5:5-6

They might not have been in their right minds, but the writing is actually on the walls, though the have no idea what it says. The queen remembers the legendary Daniel at this point, so they find him and attempt to entice him to interpret the writing.

If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” Daniel 5:16

I love Daniel’s response, something we can all learn from:

Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. Daniel 5:17

Daniel’s words for this king are not coated with “Your Majesty” in every other verse; quite the contrary, Daniel takes off the gloves and essentially rebukes the king by reminding him how Nebuchadnezzar honored God, was driven insane for a period of time, then restored when he finally confessed. Daniel calls out Belshazzar for profaning items from the temple and acting like a fool.

“But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. …
You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.  Daniel 5:22,23

Daniel reads the writing and provides the interpretation.

That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two. Daniel 5:30-31

Quite the contrast in words and actions. Daniel remains a powerful voice to be reckoned with, but he also remains one of many in exile, living out his faith in a land that does not honor God. Daniel’s integrity remains unblemished in a difficult period of time and in an impossible setting to freely worship God. Our excuses seem trite in comparison.

Lord, help us to be those who walk with such integrity that rulers of this world would seek us out for advice and, most importantly, that our words would be your words; may our actions consistently honor you.

 

*Dekker, Ted. “P. 46.” A.D. 30: A Novel. New York: Center Street, 2015. N. pag. Print.

 

Posted on

The Fiery Furnace — Challenge #2

Read: Daniel 3

If I were to look back through the years of Vacation Bible Schools and many other events that honor heroes of the Bible, I’m sure I’d find this story told over and over countless times. It’s a fascinating narrative that depicts a self-absorbed king that is awed by a miraculous intervention. You probably know the story. Here are some highlights to remind you of a few details:

Nebuchadnezzar had an enormous statue (perhaps 90-feet tall) created to glorify himself

Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Daniel 3:6

Some of the advisors, the astrologers in particular, wanted to put down those who intimated them:

But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:12

How did Nebuchadnezzar forget so quickly? I have no idea, but he was incited by the news, ordered the furnace fired up hotter than usual, bound Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and had them tossed in the fiery furnace.

He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” Daniel 3:25-26

Once again, Nebuchadnezzar is impressed by God:

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Daniel 3:29

The Key Response

Here’s the part that I think is most significant. When Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, he asked them to explain their refusal to obey his command. Their response is more amazing than the miracle God performed:

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

But even if he does not…

God can save us from the storms of life, and He probably does more often than we think, but it seems that most of the time our faith grows when we watch God save us in trial, not from crazy events. This is easy to type as I sit in my comfortable chair this morning, much more difficult to embrace during trials and temptations.

Lord, I simply ask that you help us to have the faith of our ancestors who put their faith on the line hundreds of years before Christ. If they were so willing, we have no valid excuse!

Posted on

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream — Challenge #1

Read: Daniel 2

One of the key themes in Daniel is God’s deliverance in times of great trials–during times of difficulty, not from times of pain. Daniel’s reaction each time involves praying to God for help when troubles greet Daniel and his friends and I think it’s a model for us to learn from as our daily struggles seem insurmountable at times.

The first recorded challenge is here in chapter 2. Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that keeps him up at night, so he asks his advisors to do two things: 1) tell him the dream and 2) interpret the same. The demand is repeated, so there is no misunderstanding that he wants someone to tell him what he dreamed first, but even the wisest of his inner circle admits this is impossible. His reaction? Kill all the advisors!

This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death. Daniel 2:12-13

Other times when reading this passage, I’ve skipped over verses 12 & 13, but take a look: he ordered the execution and issued a decree. This is no laughing matter, he wasn’t drunk at a party and made some off-hand remark–this is an official injunction and his people were in the process of gathering up all the wise men when they come across Daniel, they guy they just indoctrinated in the previous chapter. Daniel asks for some clarification and Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, explains the impossible truth. Daniel goes in and talks to Nebuchadnezzar.

Before we jump to the next thought, consider how the guards are methodically gathering up the “wise men” for execution–they’re in no hurry, just doing their job collecting people to murder because of the king’s command. Daniel doesn’t run and hide and he doesn’t grovel at the king’s feet begging for mercy or try to convince him that he’s insane for his demand, he simply asks for a bit of time to ponder the situation.

Nebuchadnezzar wants the answer, so he gives them some time and Daniel urges his friends to pray for God to reveal the dream and the interpretation. There is a sense of urgency. They only get one swing of the bat at this. That night the mystery was revealed to Daniel and his immediate reaction is to praise God.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Daniel 2:23

Me and We. Thanks for answering my prayer for us. It’s ok to ask.

Daniel tells Arioch he has the answer and gets an audience before Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel’s first words to the king is one of my favorite parts of the story, I love how he winds up the king before delivering the answer:

The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, Daniel 2:26-27

I like to think Daniel paused at the comma for a moment or two…then completes the sentence:

but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.
Daniel 2:28

No rush as Daniel deliberately sets up the explanation for the king and all who are on the edge of their seats as they listen attentively.

As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind. Daniel 2:30

Daniel continues to show honor to the king. I would most likely to dwell on the ridiculous nature of the request and the outlandish plan to execute men (though I’d probably be a fan of axing the sorcerers…just sayin’). My reaction would have been all over the place, but Daniel enters the conversation with faith and knowledge that the Lord has spoken to him and takes time to make sure people know of whom he speaks.

Daniel delivers precisely. He explains the dream that outlines the future — Daniel 2:31-45. The reaction is significant:

Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” Daniel 2:46-47

Nebuchadnezzar is still in charge, he hasn’t abdicated his throne, but in this moment he honors Daniel while confessing there is a God of gods, though he still doesn’t completely get it. For now, Daniel and his friends are given positions of honor and influence, obviously avoiding the death squad ordered earlier.

There is much to learn about this interaction. I’m much less interested in the dream and interpretation of future events than I am about how Daniel handled the situation. Lord help me to learn from his example by increasing my faith in your desire for the good of your kingdom and your people. Help me not to criticize or complain about unjust edicts of those you have placed in power above me; rather, give me confidence to approach all with grace and a desire to show that you are the Creator of all, the Lord of lord, the God Almighty that desires to be with his people–an open invitation for us all.

Proudly powered by WordPress