Tag: pray

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.

Read:  Ezekiel 38–39

From all appearances we’re taken to the end of time in the reading this morning, a time when God will show his ultimate power and might. There’s a lot of discussion amongst scholarly writing, probably dissertations written on the subject, a rather provocative subject for many. While I look forward to the final days of reconciliation, I’m not anxious to advance the calendar. So many who write about the end days seem to want them to come now–not me. My heart breaks for those who are not living with Christ, those who have not turned their hearts and given themselves to Jesus. I’m in no hurry, but I’m not in denial. If anything, I hope these words stir us to action, to look for opportunities to be a witness and not wait for “that day.”

It begins

On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. Ezekiel 38:10-11

No walls, no gates, no security systems — all are caught by surprise. Whether spiritual or physical, the battle is raged against an unsuspecting people.

You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes. Ezekiel 38:16

This seems similar to John’s revelation, at least conceptually:

Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them… Revelation 20:7-9

There is no doubt that God is in control when this great battle takes place:

I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Ezekiel 38:22-23

The devastation will be so great that it will take months to bury the dead. Fires will be fueled by the former weapons of war, for there is no need for such in this future.

Restoration

I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name. They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid. Ezekiel 39:25-26

Shame is forgotten, peace prevails — this will be that day! The day when the Lord is seen by all his people. In contrast to Exodus 33:20:

I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 29:29

This will be a great and glorious day indeed! I pray these words stir our hearts to action, that we would do something about the knowledge of Christ in our lives and not sit and gloat over the victory that is assured. Lord, help us to act as you would have each and everyone of us according to the gifts and talents you have poured out for your people.

Read: Ezekiel 29-32

It’s always interesting how God speaks to me as I read His words and attempt to listen to His voice. In the beginning, as I read through the verses, I catalog those that seem to capture the story and provide a synopsis of what is happening. I try to be concise, to appreciate the greater story within the details. By the end of the time, my thoughts are quite different from when I began. This morning I read these prophecies against Egypt and somehow ended up in Ephesians. Weird? I dunno. It’s just the way it works for me. I pray God will speak to you as you immerse yourself in his word and listen for his voice.

The scripture this morning includes significant amount of text is devoted to Ezekiel’s prophesies against Egypt, so many words, it must be important to unpack. The prophecies here span a little over two years and reveal God’s utter contempt for Egypt.

“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt. Ezekiel 29:2

Ezekiel is given a strong vision for the demise of a powerful nation, words that would have sounded foolish to many at that time.

It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations. Ezekiel 29:15

Once again, God uses Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of wrath.

I am going to give Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will carry off its wealth. He will loot and plunder the land as pay for his army. I have given him Egypt as a reward for his efforts because he and his army did it for me, declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezekiel 29:19-20

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘I will destroy the idols
and put an end to the images in Memphis.
No longer will there be a prince in Egypt,
and I will spread fear throughout the land.
Ezekiel 30:13

All the major cities of Egypt are named in the lament, “Cush and Libya, Lydia and all Arabia, Kub and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt” (Ezekiel 30:5). From Migdol to Aswan, cities will lay in ruin.

• Zoan will be set on fire
• Pelusium will writhe in agony.
• Thebes will be taken by storm;
• Memphis will be in constant distress.
• Heliopolis and Bubastis will fall by the sword,
• Dark will be the day at Tahpanhes

This is no small feat! These are forces to be reckoned with.

Ezekiel has words specific to the Pharaoh:

Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break both his arms, the good arm as well as the broken one, and make the sword fall from his hand. Ezekiel 30:22

Then they will know that the Lord is The Lord.

Chapter 31 depicts Pharaoh as a great cedar tree that is cut down, poetic words that describe how the mighty have fallen.

no tree in the garden of God
could match its beauty.
I made it beautiful
with abundant branches,
the envy of all the trees of Eden
in the garden of God.
Ezekiel 31:8-9

The conclusion:

“‘Which of the trees of Eden can be compared with you in splendor and majesty? Yet you, too, will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth below; you will lie among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword.
“‘This is Pharaoh and all his hordes, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”
Ezekiel 31:18

Chapter 32 provides a lament over Pharaoh, verses to remember how the mighty has fallen by the hand of the Sovereign Lord, the Creator of all. Ezekiel is told to say these words to Pharaoh, a tall order for a lowly prophet, or so it seems.

“‘You are like a lion among the nations;
you are like a monster in the seas
thrashing about in your streams,
churning the water with your feet
and muddying the streams.
Ezekiel 32:2

I will throw you on the land
and hurl you on the open field.
I will let all the birds of the sky settle on you
and all the animals of the wild gorge themselves on you.
Ezekiel 32:4

Seriously, I’m not sure I could ever have the courage to say such words to one of the most powerful men in the world. But Ezekiel has seen so much and he is confident he is just a vassal of the Lord. Amazing.

It strikes me how God uses individuals is such mighty ways. Paul speaks to us individually many times in his writing. This morning I was drawn to his words on unity in the church, he challenge for us to live out the life we were called to live.

But to each one of us
grace has been given
as Christ apportioned it.
This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
Ephesians 4:7-8

Will you live out that which you are called to today? Lord, help us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. (Ephesians 4:1). Help us to understand the gives you have given us and how it is they play a part in your magnificent musical.

Read: Lamentations 1-5

These five Hebrew acrostic poems¹ lament the fall of Jerusalem (though the fifth is not officially an acrostic). Probably written by Jeremiah, we are invited to weep the loss of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians.

Like one attending a funeral, my words are few. It’s more important to listen to those who mourn than to add words that try to comfort in times of great distress. I remembered this thought when reading through Job just a few months ago, as Dr DelHousaye would say, the volume of “our response needs to be turned all the way down to shut up!

In that light, I present a few verses that caught my eye.

The First Lament

Her foes have become her masters;
her enemies are at ease.
The Lord has brought her grief
because of her many sins.
Her children have gone into exile,
captive before the foe.
Lamentations 1:5

Her fall was astounding;
there was none to comfort her.
“Look, Lord, on my affliction,
for the enemy has triumphed.”
Lamentations 1:9

“People have heard my groaning,
but there is no one to comfort me.
All my enemies have heard of my distress;
they rejoice at what you have done.
May you bring the day you have announced
so they may become like me.
Lamentations 1:21

The Second Lament

The Lord has rejected his altar
and abandoned his sanctuary.
He has given the walls of her palaces
into the hands of the enemy;
they have raised a shout in the house of the Lord
as on the day of an appointed festival.
Lamentations 2:7

My eyes fail from weeping,
I am in torment within;
my heart is poured out on the ground
because my people are destroyed,
because children and infants faint
in the streets of the city.
Lamentations 2:11

The visions of your prophets
were false and worthless;
they did not expose your sin
to ward off your captivity.
The prophecies they gave you
were false and misleading.
Lamentations 2:14

The Third Lament

Even when I call out or cry for help,
he shuts out my prayer.
Lamentations 3:8

One thing I have to say after reading Lamentations: remember the context. These are verses we simply can’t take out of context and apply them to our lives today. While it seems that God hasn’t answered my prayers, I would not engrave Lamentations 3:8 above my door. These are the words of our ancestors after realizing Jeremiah’s prophecy was meant for them and a result of their great sin.

Still, in great distress we read words of assurance that God is not done yet.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.
Lamentations 3:31-33

Lord, you have heard their insults, all their plots against me—
what my enemies whisper and mutter against me all day long.
Look at them! Sitting or standing, they mock me in their songs.
Lamentations 3:61-63

The Fourth Lament

Because of thirst the infant’s tongue
sticks to the roof of its mouth;
the children beg for bread,
but no one gives it to them.
Lamentations 4:4

Those killed by the sword are better off
than those who die of famine;
racked with hunger, they waste away
for lack of food from the field.
Lamentations 4:9

Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion;
he will not prolong your exile.
But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom,
and expose your wickedness.
Lamentations 4:22

The Fifth Lament

Our ancestors sinned and are no more,
and we bear their punishment.
Lamentations 5:7

The elders are gone from the city gate;
the young men have stopped their music.
Joy is gone from our hearts;
our dancing has turned to mourning.
Lamentations 5:14-15

Many years ago I sang, American Pie, in Air Force talent show competitions. The crowds loved that song, though it was truly a lament as we read above. Verse 14 must have been on the author’s mind when he wrote: “the day, the music died.” There have been times in my life, even today, when it seems the music has died, Joy is gone. These are dark times. It’s foolish to deny it, difficult to understand, but inappropriate to believe this is our ultimate fate. American Pie is a song with several verses. I chose to include the closing verse to sing in front of large secular audiences, “The three men I admire most, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, they took the last train for the coast, the day, the music died.” Not much of a theological statement, my prayer was to begin a conversation. I don’t know if it was successful, but it was my feeble attempt.

Lord, thank you for allowing us to lament, for wiring us with emotions that are often unexplainable and frequently unavoidable. Thank you for friends that comfort us in these dark times and mostly for your words that reveal your great desire for an eternal relationship with us through Jesus Christ.

 

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¹ Hebrew acrostic poems. In many places in the Bible we find poetry expressed in an acrostic, one verse or couplet of verses, for each of the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet.

Read: Jeremiah 46-51

Except for the last chapter, these closing chapters of Jeremiah include words specific to nations that surrounded our ancestors at that time, with a pretty consistent theme: y’all is about to get destroy’d! Those that have held tight to their gods and their idols will not escape the wrath of God.

• Jeremiah 46: A Message About Egypt. But you try many medicines in vain;
  there is no healing for you.
• Jeremiah 47: A Message About the Philistines. The Lord is about to destroy the Philistines,
  the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor.
• Jeremiah 48: A Message About Moab. The fall of Moab is at hand; her calamity will come quickly.
• Jeremiah 49:1-6: A Message About Ammon. Unfaithful Daughter Ammon, you trust in your riches and say, ‘Who will attack me?’ I will bring terror on you from all those around you.
• Jeremiah 49:7-22: A Message About Edom. Edom will become an object of horror; all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff because of all its wounds.
• Jeremiah 49:23-27: A Message About Damascus. I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.
• Jeremiah 49:28-33: A Message About Kedar and Hazor. Hazor will become a haunt of jackals, a desolate place forever. No one will live there; no people will dwell in it.
• Jeremiah 49:34-39: A Message About Elam. I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a nation where Elam’s exiles do not go. Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come.
• Jeremiah 50-51: A Message About Babylon. Babylon will be captured; Bel will be put to shame, Marduk filled with terror. All who pass Babylon will be appalled; they will scoff because of all her wounds.

“Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant;
do not be dismayed, Israel.
I will surely save you out of a distant place,
your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security,
and no one will make him afraid.
Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant,
for I am with you,” declares the Lord.
“Though I completely destroy all the nations
among which I scatter you,
I will not completely destroy you.
I will discipline you but only in due measure;
I will not let you go entirely unpunished.”
Jeremiah 46:27-28

The Lord disciplines those he loves and we, in turn, as parents discipline our children. The difference, of course, is we are mere mortals.  When they grow up and become adults, we release them back to God in hope that He will discipline in due measure far better than I ever could.

Watching Israel and Judah “grow up” must have been hard for God. His chosen people so often chose their own way. As a parent, it hurts to see my children make mistakes, to make choices that I know can’t be good, but I must trust that God has a plan; I have to believe he will go before them and complete his work in them. I pray he will save them out of a distant place so they can have peace and security.

Finished

When you finish reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it into the Euphrates. Then say, ‘So will Babylon sink to rise no more because of the disaster I will bring on her. And her people will fall.’” The words of Jeremiah end here. Jeremiah 51:63-64

The words of Jeremiah end dramatically with the image of the weight of the words crushing Babylon–the great oppressor will be no more! We know without a doubt that God will make all things right in the end. Our purpose in this human existence is to help guide as many as possible back to Christ. From our families to friends we haven’t met yet, Lord help us discover how we can best live out our purpose.

Read: Jeremiah 45

Flashback a few years and a dozen chapters. We find this short chapter, just five verses, is intended to give Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, some peace about his role in the drama of Israel’s history. It’s really hard to know if we’re doing the right thing as life unfolds. Should we lead a protest or sign a petition? Should we stand up and create a movement that honors God? Or is this all about making a name for ourselves? The only way we can discern God’s voice among the noise of today is to immerse ourselves daily in his word, in prayer, in meditation and in quiet reflection.

Yesterday, I shared a post on Facebook that included a video of Mr Rogers’ testimony before congress to appeal for funding for Public Television. His familiar methodical pace of carefully thought words tore through the hardened hearts of those who listened as he won the battle for the day. It was a pivotal point, but not surprising, it was his call and he lived it out with all he could. He didn’t put on someone else’s robe or become something he was not, he acted faithfully to his character.

Jeremiah said this to Baruch:  “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ Jeremiah 45:1-3

Jeremiah heard Baruch’s complaint, his honest and open recognition of pain.

But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’” Jeremiah 45:4-5

Jeremiah is straight-forward here, not seeking fame or notoriety, he simply reminds Baruch the promise of the Lord is far greater than any human agenda.

Lord, I pray you will help us to see where you have called each of us, that you would be patient as we ask for clarity each day. Remind us not to seek great things for ourselves; rather, to seek your voice above all others.

Read: Jeremiah 40-44

This is an interesting narrative that follows the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem, the ups and downs of those left behind and the consistent word from Jeremiah. In a day that is marked by leaders ignoring the Word through Jeremiah, Gedaliah appears. He is relatively unknown, well, at least by yours truly, but appears here and honors God by accepting the words of Jeremiah. As you might expect, it doesn’t go well for him or those that followed. A book within the book, I hope you take time to enjoy the story.

Nebuchadnezzar’s commander of the guard found Jeremiah and provided him with two options: 1) go with him into exile or 2) find his way among the remnant.

However, before Jeremiah turned to go, Nebuzaradan added, “Go back to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has appointed over the towns of Judah, and live with him among the people, or go anywhere else you please.” Jeremiah 40:5

Jeremiah obviously chose the latter, but the commander was concerned, so he pointed him to Gedaliah. Apparently, Jeremiah’s reputation was well known among the invading warriors. Interesting.

Gedaliah was appointed governor over the land and put in charge of the men, women and children who were the poorest in the land and who had not been carried into exile to Babylon (Jeremiah 40:7). He took the words of Jeremiah to heart and established his role to carry out the prophecy:

“Do not be afraid to serve the Babylonians,” he said. “Settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will go well with you. I myself will stay at Mizpah to represent you before the Babylonians who come to us, but you are to harvest the wine, summer fruit and olive oil, and put them in your storage jars, and live in the towns you have taken over.” Jeremiah 40:9-10

This, of course, could be seen as a sympathizer with the overlords, one who was seeking power among the outcasts, but I rather think of Gedaliah like Oskar Schindler of WWII and his attempt to work with the occupiers in order to affect freedom for many. Maybe I’m reading too much into this short narrative, but there you have it.

Of course, anyone in power during this time would be suspect, but Gedaliah chose not to listen to Johanan’s warning about Ishmael, perhaps because his solution was simply to kill Ishmael before he assassinated Gedaliah. I wonder if Johanan would have had more success if he simply revealed the plot rather than resorting to such a lethal solution. I think Gedaliah had seen enough bloodshed to last a lifetime and would rather die as a pacifist than continue killing.

But Gedaliah son of Ahikam said to Johanan son of Kareah, “Don’t do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is not true.” Jeremiah 40:16

Sadly, in the seventh month, Ishmael carried out his worst and killed Gedaliah and all the men with him at Mizpah (Jeremiah 41:1-3). It gets worse. Ishmael feigned distress and lured another 80 into a trap, killing all but 10 of them and tossing their bodies into a cistern (Jeremiah 41:4-9). The 10 who escaped death begged for their release by revealing a hidden stash of  barley, olive oil and honey, hidden in a field. Ishmael enslaved the people of Mizpah.

Ishmael’s offense was known to the people and they tried to capture him, but he escaped so Johanan took charge to lead to people into the safety of Egypt. He found Jeremiah and asked for his prayers for protection:

Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.” Jeremiah 42:5-6

Patiently, Jeremiah waited to hear from the Lord. Ten days later he received the Word and clearly told Johanan he and the remnant should not flee to Egypt. Sadly, Johanan and his company ignored Jeremiah’s advice:

“You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’ 3 But Baruch son of Neriah is inciting you against us to hand us over to the Babylonians, so they may kill us or carry us into exile to Babylon.” Jeremiah 43:2-3

Johanan led those left under Gedaliah’s command to Egypt in disobedience to the Lord’s Word through Jeremiah.

I will punish those who live in Egypt with the sword, famine and plague, as I punished Jerusalem. None of the remnant of Judah who have gone to live in Egypt will escape or survive to return to the land of Judah, to which they long to return and live; none will return except a few fugitives.” Jeremiah 44:13-14

Except for a few fugitives…sad. The message of Jeremiah continues to be one that is not heeded by the people. They certainly heard what he said, they just ignored his advice and actively went against the wisdom he attempted to provide.

Lord, I pray that we would hear your voice clearly and do what you say rather than listen to those who seem to know what is right.