God sees all

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1664Daniel 11:2-45

The details in this prophecy relate to the origin and result of the rule of Antiochus IV, who called himself Epiphanes – an appearance of God.  He was the Old Testament Anti-Messiah. Part of this prophecy is (mistakenly) viewed by some interpreters as having to do with a future Antichrist.  But this text is a continuation of the theme of chapter 10, and has to do with the fate of the Jews before the end of the indignation (God’s wrath against his own people for their idolatry).  Some insist that this had to have been written after the fact, because its details are so accurate.  It was accurate because God sees all and knows all.  He is not limited as we are.

LORD, you know our future. We trust you to put an end to your enemies.

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21 days

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1654Daniel 10-11:1

This is one of those passages that reveal a battle going on in the spirit realm that is unseen in the physical realm, but explains what is seen.  Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks.  This angelic messenger had been dispatched to comfort Daniel and give him understanding about what was going to happen to his people.  Yet, he gets there 21 days later, because another spirit being had withstood him.  He might have withstood him longer, but another angel, Michael helped the messenger to get through.

LORD, when your answers to our prayers seem to delay, give us wisdom to wait faithfully.  We do not know what is happening in the spirit realm.

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your city and your people

Posted on September 8, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1646Daniel 9

Daniel prays for understanding.  He thinks it is time for the desolations to end.  The understanding that this answer gives him is that there will be a rebuilding of the temple, but in troubled times, and it will once again be destroyed after an anointed one is cut off (killed).  That anointed one was Jesus.  He is the reason for the city and the people.

LORD, your plan is sometimes hard for us to grasp.  Help us to at least understand the message about your Son.

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sealed up

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1639Daniel 8

Just as Cyrus was conquering the Medes, and absorbing their mighty empire into his own, Daniel receives a vision from the LORD.  It tells of the outcome of that combined empire, and what it will mean for the Jews.  The mighty ram that will rule over the world will be overtaken by a goat empire.  Eventually that empire (Greece) will be divided into four, and a prominent ruler from it will seek to destroy not just the Jews, but Judaism itself. 

Daniel was disturbed, confused and appalled.  Why would God allow such a thing?  Daniel is not exactly told why.  He is just told the truth, and warned to seal up the message, because it would take centuries before its fulfillment.  Some truths we know from scripture, but we do not understand. 

LORD, we trust you.  We will not let our lack of understanding keep us from believing.

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the saints of the Most High

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1638Daniel 7

Daniel’s vision looked far into the future and saw a change coming.  He saw the kingdoms of this world being given over to the saints of the Most High.  He saw the powers of this earth struggling to keep control over these kingdoms and nations, but of all the confusing things about the vision, one thing is clear: God’s people rule in the end.  The book of Revelation picks up many of the themes of this vision.  In an age where God’s people seem like pawns in someone else’s game, it is encouraging to know that things will change.

LORD, as we serve in your name today, prepare us to rule in your name tomorrow.

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nice kitty

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1637Daniel 6

Daniel served for over 70 years as a loyal official in a foreign government, yet he never lost his loyalty to God.  His loyalty was tested even in his old age.  What could possibly have gone through his mind when he was taken, and violently thrown into the den, into what was obviously meant to be certain death?  Should he pray?  He got into this by praying.  Should he trust God?  He was here because he had trusted God.  Should he rant against the king?  He had never lost his loyalty to the king.  It was just that the edict of the king was superseded by a higher edict.  Daniel stayed the course.

LORD, when we face the greatest challenges of our faith, help us to stay the course.  You will not let us down, because when we represent you, your reputation is at stake.

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last party

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1634Daniel 5

Belshazzar is drinking from the sacred vessels as he parties with his lords, wives and concubines. Suddenly a disembodied hand appears and writes some strange words on the wall.  The king is terrified, but nobody is able to interpret the message.  His mother remembers that Daniel was gifted in interpreting dreams, so Daniel was summoned.  His interpretation was basically that this was going to be Belshazzar’s last party.  He had been measured, and his kingdom numbered.  Time’s up.  None of us know when our time will be up.  We would do well to  honor God with our lives. 

LORD, give us the wisdom to celebrate life, but not to live to celebrate. 

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the King of heaven

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1633Daniel 4

This letter, preserved in the Bible in its original Aramaic, is from one of the most powerful men who ever lived.  It is a testimony of king Nebuchadnezzar of a God more powerful than his goddess.  The Chaldeans worshipped the queen of heaven, and had corrupted the Jews to do the same (Jer. 7:18; 44:17ff, 25).  But he pays homage here to the LORD, the King of heaven.  All the LORD’s “works are right and his ways are just; and” the great king Nebuchadnezzar, who walked in pride, the LORD was able to humble.

LORD, do not allow us to go through our lives thinking that we are great.  Show us your greatness, and the wisdom of acknowledging it before others.

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able to rescue

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1628Daniel 3

For three stories in a row, a pattern is developing.  God’s people are put in danger because of their commitment to him, and he rescues them out of that danger.  One moral that can be deduced from this pattern is that times of testing will come to us.  But it is important to realize that we are not really the ones who are being tested.  The conclusion of the matter, as Nebuchadnezzar found, is “there is no other god who is able to rescue.”  Babylon was filled with deported peoples from numerous “peoples, nations and languages.”  They had served many gods.  Yet only the LORD proved faithful to his people.

LORD, when the fiery furnace comes, we will trust in you.   Only you are able to rescue.

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one impossible demand

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Jefferson Vann

IMG_1626Daniel 2

What if the fantastic four of Babylon had not chosen to pray, and intercede?  They were in danger, together with all the wise men, because the king had asked them to do the impossible.  Faith turns to God when the time of testing comes.  Faith sees the impossible as an opportunity to seek help from the immortal.  It is a gamble, but when crisis comes, God is all we have. 

God may want to do something amazing with your life.  You may be one impossible demand away from that destiny.  Trust him, and pray.

LORD, keep us close to you, so that we are ready to turn to you when the impossible confronts us.

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