Tag: miracle

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Matthew: Tough Words as the Third Discourse Concludes

Read: Matthew 16-17

I don’t claim to have a scholarly approach to extensive Bible study, more of an inquisitive Christ-follower method. Every once in awhile I look at the detailed notes in the study Bible of choice for clues and context. Today it seemed fitting. The NIV Study Bible describes the book of Matthew as an artistically crafted work with five discourses to mirror the Pentateuch in a particular effort to appeal to the large Jewish audience. The third discourse contains parables and miracles and leads us to Jesus’ prediction of his death as the tension mounts between established Jewish authority and the growing followers of Jesus and his disciples.

I have no desire to write posts for the purpose of writing posts! Yes, I want to read through the Bible carefully, but not for the sake of checking off my list. You should know that by now! These chapters portray tension in the middle of Jesus’ ministry and, I believe, they help us appreciate the tension we feel in our ministry (even though it pales in comparison).

Stern words from Jesus:

A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:4-6

I wonder how many people turned and walked away from the Pharisees? The sentence stuck out this morning, in between Jesus warning about these lost leaders of Israel. They came to Jesus to ask a question, at least that was the reported intention in order to gain an audience. Jesus’ answer left them scratching their heads and before they knew it, he walked away. I have to think the answer plus the action was powerfully significant.

The funny thing is that the disciples didn’t get it! It appears they were as confused as the Pharisees and Sadducees:

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Matthew 16:8-9

Hard words for the select few, yet I feel like this most of the time! Talking amongst friends, trying to understand, piecing clues together to make sense of what is going on in this crazy life on earth.

Following this interaction, Jesus asked His disciples who the people say He is? Peter is quick to offer the right answer–perhaps the others were simply afraid to say outloud:

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

Here we are, practically the center point in Matthew and we read the definitive words: Jesus IS the Messiah. For those of us raised in church, this is far from an “aha” moment. But for those in A.D. 30, these were world-changing words. Question: why are these not world-changing words in 2017? Shouldn’t they be just as significant today as 2,000 years ago?

Matthew quickly walks us through Jesus’ prediction of his death and then an astounding episode where Jesus is seen with Moses and Elijah, the Transfiguration experience. Talk about a churchy word! Jesus’s physical appearance was momentarily changed into his glorified state. Mind blown, the hand-picked disciples, Peter, James and John, stumble around trying to piece together the overload of information that just erupted before them.

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. Matthew 17:6-8

They are really trying to understand, but it’s easy to appreciate their confusion. Matthew writes his gospel account well after the events, but preserves the mystery as it unfolds.

The next story Matthew chooses to include is a fantastic failure on the part of the disciples and a strong rebuke from Jesus as a result.

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:19-20

If the disciples have so little faith, having watch miracles firsthand, I wonder what excuse I have given the entire story in my hands.

I hope we can learn to appreciate just a touch of what it was like to witness the truth of Jesus’ identity revealing itself to those who are far from Christ as the Spirit breaks down walls. Lord, help us to learn from these words and paint the picture that begs the questions which show who you are to this dying world.

 

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Matthew: Faith and Feeding the Masses

Read: Matthew 14-15

TheBibleProject.com revealed an important truth in Matthew that I either forgot or failed to pay attention to previously. It’s rather embarrassing when this happens, but I’m trying to be transparent here in this blog. Each day, sitting here reading and wondering, it’s fascinating to learn something practical while listening to hear from God. I’m so thankful to have somewhat carefully read through the Old Testament beginning this year, it really helps to have that recent knowledge in reading the Gospels, though it’s hard to pinpoint examples, it just makes more sense.

As we read through these two chapters of Matthew we learn that John the Baptist is beheaded on a whim as part of a birthday celebration for Herod. It’s a sad occasion for sure.

Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. Matthew 14:5

Herod was afraid of John, so it seems he chose to point the finger at his wife and dancing step-daughter as some bizarre rationale for finally executing John. The adulterous relationship that John exposed wasn’t news to the aristocratic elite, but was embarrassing enough to get him arrested. At some point, Herod was going to execute John–this seemed to play well into his script. Sad. Jesus’ reaction:

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Matthew 14:13

Jesus wasn’t surprised by the turn of events, but he wasn’t going to ignore them either. By the time Jesus landed his boat, large crowds had gathered. John the Baptist is dead, what will Jesus say? Eager to hear, thousands of faithful Jews assemble in “a remote place.”

Miracles in Feeding the Multitudes

Matthew and Mark’s account of this event point to a remote place, but Luke identifies the area as Bethsaida (Luke 9:10) — basically a Jewish community. However, here’s the part I’ve missed in the past, the second miracle happens near the Decapolis, a predominantly non-Jewish population.

Why is this significant? Several reasons to be sure, but the one that jumped out at me this morning was the idea of Jesus moving his ministry from the Israelites to the world. When he released the twelve to spread the Gospel, he told them to first present it to the Israelites, the Chosen people. Even here, in between the miraculous feeding of the multitudes, Jesus points out:

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Matthew 15:24

The Canaanite woman presses Jesus for help, and Matthew records the interaction with fascinating results:

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:28

It doesn’t take long before news spreads and the rest of the world is listening and being moved by the amazing, great news of the Gospel.

Faith

What an amazing gift of the Spirit. It seems the disciples struggled with faith during this early stage of Jesus’ ministry, but they are unashamed to report accounts of others who had faith where their’s lacked. I wish I could have seen the look on the disciples’ faces when Jesus instructed them to feed the massive group of men, women and children. “Did he just say feed them?” How many times have I heard a clear voice telling me to do something, but I pause and seek a second opinion, “did He really say that?” “Are you sure, Lord? Did you mean to use me in this way?”

Lord, you know me so well, all my miserable failures and weaknesses. How could you use me? Help me to have more faith today than yesterday, to believe with all my heart that you came that we would have life to the fullest today (John 10:10). Put your beauty in mine and let that shine so others can see the wonder of the Creator God who desires all to come to Him.

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Matthew: A Collection of Miracles and Some Ministry Notes

Read: Matthew 8-9

Matthew provides an incredible list of miracles by Jesus throughout the area and some unique ministry challenges in these two chapters. It’s hard to imagine how this news spread around the region, how it was received, etc. I’m sure they were skeptical of the fake-news of their day and I’m confident I would have been with the group that wanted to see proof. At the same time, loyalties are being tested: will you follow Jesus or John? Pharisees or this One they are calling the Messiah? Matthew quickly stirs the pot by introducing a wide range of characters and concerns. May God speak to you through one of these many examples.

In chapter 4, Matthew reports that Jesus’ ministry began and briefly said He was healing those with diseases, those who were sick, suffering, in pain, paralyzed, demon-possessed, and more (Matthew 4:23-24).  Matthew provides specific examples of miracles that demonstrate the breadth of Jesus’ reach in these chapters.

Miracles

Matthew wants us to know that Jesus was no ordinary prophet, rather, He was the one proclaimed by the prophets who would “took on our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4). Here’s a quick list for reference:

A quick scan of the outline above leaves us with the simple conclusion: there is no limit of Jesus’ authority. Men, women, servants, Romans, even children are considered important enough to Jesus that they would be healed of diseases and more. He even controls nature by rebuking the storm as if disciplining a child, “now stop that tantrum!” And it was calm.

It’s interesting that the example of one who has great faith is taken from a Roman Centurion, one who would have been seen as oppressive authority, yet he is the one that Jesus points out:

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Matthew 8:10

For just a moment look back at Matthew 2:16 where Herod gives orders to kill all of the males two and younger. Those orders were no doubt flawlessly executed by men who were under the rule of centurions, the military authority. What they represented was synonymous with the Gestapo in Hitler’s regime, brutally following orders. Somehow Jesus sees what no other person can see: he sees the heart. Lord, may we have eyes to see beyond that which the world honors or hates. You called us to love. Help us to do your will when it’s as difficult as this must have been for the disciples to witness.

Jesus is not bound by titles or positions. When a synagogue leader approached Jesus, He went and raised his daughter from death. Faith is rewarded in realtime in these stories. We know that’s not always the case, but it is heart-warming to read such stories and know that Jesus can heal anyone at any time. Lord, help us to have such faith!

The narrative on the demon-possessed men and the reaction of the town is somewhat strange and remarkable. These two men are completely out of their minds because of the demons that have taken residence within them–that alone is a lot to consider. I must confess that this is a difficult concept to appreciate, but I do believe we fight an enormous battle in the spiritual realm, it’s just impossible to explain in words. Jesus is confronted by the spirits through these men and a herd of pigs is lost as a result. Weird. Even stranger, the town tells Jesus to leave! As if to suggest they could deal with two crazed men, but the loss of their pigs was too much to handle, they plead with Jesus to leave their town.

Ministry Notes

Matthew seems to say, “It’s not all about miracles!” as he intersperses some important ministry topics in his narrative:

It’s interesting how Matthew weaves these topics into the narrative, the cost to be a disciple is more than most were willing to consider, too much for the Pharisee here or the man who is more concerned about following procedures for burying a family member who has died. Jesus has no patience for people who simply refuse to look beyond the letter of the laws they have created, those trapped by their own misplaced loyalties. The call is far greater than such earthly matters.

Matthew’s own calling is somewhat of a footnote with an emphasis on his sinful nature rather than his qualifications to become a disciple. In contrast to the previous thought, Matthew heard the call and simple, “got up and followed” Jesus. Period.

The question about fasting is somewhat fascinating. John the Baptist’s disciples have to make a decision on who to follow–it must have been so confusing. They went out to the wilderness, heard John proclaim the gospel and were moved to the point that they become his disciples. John is in prison, so they’re fasting and praying, but Jesus has a whole different perspective. Can’t they see they are confronted with the One about whom he was preaching?

The narrative in today’s reading ends with a call to work:

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

Jesus had compassion on the people because they were like sheep without a shepherd: defenseless, unprotected, destined for death. Through His eyes there is so much pain, so many lost. I often speak about those who don’t even know they are lost, the guy who has a great job, happy wife and kids, discretionary income–success by worldly standards. All the trappings of success, but no sign of Jesus in his life. Perhaps he shows up on Sunday at a church. Check. Takes his family to Christmas Eve service or the special show during the Advent season. Check. Maybe even attends a special event and watches his children get baptized. Check. All the while, the Spirit is not within his heart.

Like sheep without a shepherd, this man will not be saved unless someone reaches him. How can we reach him if we are inwardly focused? How will we see him if we define the lost in terms of financially poor or destitute? Lord, help us to get beyond the exterior. There is so much work to do. Help us to be disciple makers that desire to enter the fields and harvest what others miss!

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Ezra Reads the Law — All Commit to Serve the Lord

Read: Nehemiah 7:73b-10:39

Nehemiah wasn’t just building a wall, there was purpose beyond simple fortification and construction. As I type this a song is playing in my head that just won’t stop — Wonder (Hillsong UNITED, 2017). The artists paint the picture in words and music to pay tribute to those who have only seen the world in gray, those who have been color blind. Through the wonder of modern science, they put on glasses that let them see all the colors God has for us to see and they weep with overwhelming joy. The wonder of our God who lavishes grace upon grace that we could see the world through his eyes.

This is the world Nehemiah was attempting to see and Ezra was the priest who knew the Law more than anyone. For this time and in this place, these were the most wonderful words that could be spoken for God’s people.

He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:3

Men, women and others: this is an event that invites all to participate who can understand. The people gathered with great anticipation as Ezra read the 1,000+ year old words of God through the hand of Moses. Sometimes we have to go without something to appreciate it more. There are stories of people coming to faith after being taken as hostages or significant life events that destroyed personal belongings. We become so accustomed to having things, to our routine, that we often miss miracles that happen before our eyes each day.

Trust me, I don’t pray for bad times in order to remember the good, but sometimes I wonder.

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. Nehemiah 8:8

From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great. Nehemiah 8:17

Such an incredible outpouring of love and devotion to God for his incredible mercy. The people were called to a great confession.

But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your god, who brought you up out of Egypt,’ or when they committed awful blasphemies. Nehemiah 9:17-18

We serve a God who chooses not to desert us when we are at our worst! This is the God I serve, the One who regards a relationship with each of us a priority. Such an overwhelming thought.

Chapter 9 summarizes the Old Testament, the rollercoaster journey of God’s people, our ancestors, as they went through highs and lows, listening and rebellion, from good to bad to worse. The people remembered that which was forgotten and agreed to change their ways.

Once again, Nehemiah lists people by name, those who committed themselves to keeping the Law, the Levites, leaders, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the surrounding nations–all who reclaimed their faith:

bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord. Nehemiah 10:29

“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.” Nehemiah 9:38

“We will not neglect the house of our God.” Nehemiah 10:39

Though I am undeserving, I am willing to put my name on the list. I will commit to being a servant of Christ above all others. I will be a faithful husband to my amazing wife and father to our daughters as best as I know how. I will be the best neighbor I can be and a friend to friends like never before so the world will know of the love of Christ.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Will you add your name to the list?

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Imagine: No Bible

Last night I was having coffee with a friend as we explored Part III, Chapter 1 of Multiply, Disciples Making Disciples. The chapter is titled: Why Study the Bible? On the surface, those of us who were raised in the church don’t even consider the question, of course we study the Bible, don’t we? Or perhaps not. As I ask the question of pastors about biblical literacy, most shudder to think someone would evaluate their congregation, much less their own staff. Here’s the reality:

we, as a church, don’t study the Bible.

Chronologically, through this blog, we’re about to read the last books of the Old Testament, Ezra, Haggai & Zechariah, Nehemiah, Esther and Malachi. But before we venture into these books, I want you to imagine there is no Bible to explore the histories and prophecies of old. Whether you think about this in some sort of dystopian future world where books have been banished or you enter a time machine and land somewhere around A.D. 50, just imagine you no longer have the luxury of reading the printed Word of God.

Having just read A.D. 30 and A.D. 33, my mind lands on the time when Paul was writing the church plants in his day. Our Daily Bread included this reference today:

19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

In typical Pauline fashion one paragraph is bound to the previous thought which was built on another and under the assumption that you understood the context. So many paragraphs start with “therefore” or in this case “consequently.” We have the ability to simply zoom out and see the rest of the text, but those around A.D. 50 relied on scrolls of the prophets which few had access to and the precious words from a letter that circulated through small gatherings of people known as Christians.

This is all they had and yet they became those who held fast to God’s Word, who hungered to learn more for they heard the message and story of Jesus from people who actually witnessed his teaching, death and resurrection!

Read these words from Paul to the church in Ephesus and consider our role in the church:

10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10-11

Bouncing through a handful of translations and the MOUNCE Reverse-Interlinear edition (whatever that means!), the church, ekklēsia, suggests that we have a responsibility to make known to the world the purpose for which Jesus Christ came and dwelt among us.

But in A.D. 55, I wouldn’t have had the ability to click a few buttons and read more. I would have had to rely on the Spirit within me to comprehend those words.

I’m such a spoiled brat! I have BOTH the Spirit within me and the Bible in a dozen translations sitting on my bookshelf! God is all around me trying to teach me his Word.

Lord, I pray that I would thirst for your word and drink it up every day. Nourish me, Lord, for your purpose, not to make me fat! Show me how to impart this incredible story to the rest of the world in whatever ways I can.

Imagine no Bible for a moment.

Now imagine you are sitting in God’s library, a room full of books and writings that seem to have no end. The smell of bound leather is all around you as you make yourself comfortable. Jesus walks in the room and looks into your eyes with care and kindness. He sits across from you and begins to speak. He tells you stories about weddings and miracles, his concern about the establishment and the lost. He’s in no hurry to leave you as he laughs and smiles and cries. He just wants to answer all of your questions if you would simply ask with a heart that desires to hear the answer. He redeems and forgives. His incredible dialogue with Peter at the end of the Gospel of John always fascinates me, words of kindness and authority:

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep…Follow me!” John 21:17,19

Now open your eyes and see God’s Word in your hands. Be strong and courageous as you go out into the world today. Make him known to everyone!

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Jonah: A Man Like Me?

Read: Jonah 1-4

Jonah is a short story that has captured the imaginations of countless people of all ages, but especially children in Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools around the globe. It’s ironic that children enjoy the story while adults, if they would answer honestly, will most likely say it’s a fictional or allegorical work based on legend or folklore.

The NIV Study Bible provides this insight:

Although their specific suggestions range from fictional short story to allegory to parable, they share the common assumption that the account sprang essentially from the author’s imagination, despite its serious and gracious message. On the other hand, it must be acknowledged that Biblical narrators were more than historians.
They [Old Testament prophets] interpretatively recounted the past with the unswerving purpose of bringing it to bear on the present and the future. In the portrayal of past events, they used their materials to achieve this purpose effectively. Nonetheless, the integrity with which they treated the past ought not to be questioned. The book of Jonah recounts real events in the life and ministry of the prophet himself.

Why is it that we choose to believe one miracle and not another? We are so well educated that we think we can explain the universe, but in reality, through many apologetic arguments, at some point, we have to step out on faith. I’m not suggesting we put on blinders or act ignorant, but if we believe in a God that created the universe out of nothing, at some level it is possible that the same God could create a divine appointment between prophet and fish.

Then there’s the red-letter evidence in Matthew, the words of Jesus himself:

38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” 39 He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.
Matthew 12:38-41

I have much to learn and I don’t claim to have any knowledge at all except that I believe in the incarnational life of Jesus Christ, his death by crucifixion and subsequent miraculous resurrection. These beliefs already put me in the crazy pen, why not add the story of Jonah?

The Story

God tells Jonah to preach redemption to the evil city of Nineveh, a city so large that it would take three days to walk around it. That’s huge! Jonah decides to run away rather than be subjected to the humiliation of preaching in such a place as Nineveh. He pays for passage on a boat in the opposite direction and the trouble begins.

The superstitious sailors see the storm as a sign, something from the sea-gods must be happening. They cast lots and determine Jonah is the culprit. After Jonah begs them, they toss him overboard and the sea calms down.

At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. Jonah 1:16

Jonah’s first converts are on the boat after they are saved by removing him.

Chapter 2 contains Jonah’s short prayer in the belly of the fish, his repentance is recounted briefly here. Three days and nights is a long time to be trapped inside, plenty of time to think about mistakes and misgivings!

Chapter 3 describes Jonah’s renewed mission — he preaches to the Ninevites and they repent!

The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. Jonah 3:5

Chapter 4 provides Jonah’s pathetic response, this is where I draw the title for this post, is this my response to God when his voice clearly tells me to do one thing and I choose to do another?

He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Jonah 4:2

Jonah’s mission was so successful that he wanted to die. These corrupt people, those who lived in great extravagance and self-absorbed living, actually repented and would reap the rewards for turning to God. Historically, we know this doesn’t last long, but for some, it seems, eternity was changed–they turned to God. Jonah is comforted by a plant, then God takes the plant away. God is in control the entire time, but Jonah has a part to play, he has a story to tell and many lives hang in the balance.

Jonah’s main flaw: he didn’t love the Ninevites as God loves all people. I continue to pray for God’s help in learning how to love as He loves, to see people as He sees them. When I get a taste for that kind of love, I know it’s real, but it’s hard to express in words.

Lord, help me to love as you do, at least one bit more today than yesterday. Help me to put aside the lessons this world has taught me and let me focus on your words, your actions, your ways.

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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!

 

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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.

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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.

 

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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!

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