January 1
2 Kings 15:8-38
You will notice in our passage today the beginning of the fall of the ten northern tribes of the Kingdom of Israel. Here are some important passages with approximate dates of the stages of that fall:
1 Chronicles 5:26 @ 740 BC
2 Kings 15:29 @ 734 BC
2 Kings 17:5-6 @ 722 BC
As we continue through 2 Kings, we will witness the continued unraveling of the kingdom through dynasty changes occasioned by the slaying of Israel’s kings by power hungry men. To say the least, this was a very confusing and wicked time in Israel’s history.
Remember, as we noted earlier, that King Azariah of the Kingdom of Judah was also called Uzziah. In Chapter 15, note verses 1-2, 6, 8, 13, 23, 27, 32 and 34. Azariah was most likely his given name at birth, while Uzziah, meaning “The Lord is Strong,” was his royal name.
Lessons:
1. God’s Word is forever true. It’s promised blessings and curses were forever true and applicable to the nation of Israel. As the northern tribes began to literally fall apart, the truthfulness of God’s Word can be clearly seen.
2. God’s Word is forever true and applicable to all generations. This is true for individuals as well as for nations. Israel’s experiences in reference to God’s promises are both an encouragement and a warning to all people of every era of time.
January 2
2 Kings 16:1
Have you ever heard it said of someone, “He is a deeply religious person?” Or perhaps you have heard something of this nature, “She is very strong in her faith.” So was Ahaz! He was deeply religious, the only problem was that his religion was not Scriptural. Does that really matter?
Lessons:
1. Why was Ahaz in the position to be connected in an alliance with Tiglathpileser, King of Assyria? See Verses 1-5
2. Was it God’s will for Ahaz and the Kingdom of Judah to pay the Assyrian kingdom for their protection? See Jeremiah 17:5; Lamentations 4:17; Hebrews 3:12.
3. What was wrong with the altar that Ahaz had built based on the one he had seen in Damascus, and the resulting worship involved with that altar?
See Exodus 25:8-9, 40; Hebrews 8:5
4. Ahaz was very religious, but not all religious beliefs are Biblical. See Verses 2-4. His religion was vile and wicked. The child of God must remember that the Bible is our only authoritative rule of faith and practice. Non-scriptural beliefs and practices must be put aside.
January 3
2 Kings 17
“So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.”
This is a very important chapter, one that needs to be read carefully and prayerfully. Ten of the twelve tribes of Israel, the Northern Kingdom of Israel, fell to the Assyrian empire because or their idolatrous ways. They were deported, carried into the cities of Assyria and replaced by individuals from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath and from Sepharvaim. Much of the land that had been given to Abraham and his descendants was lost because of sin. The conditions in the Northern tribes was deplorable.
Some of God’s greatest prophets had been sent to cry out to this people, but their messages had been ignored by most. A people that had been so blessed became a people cursed because of their rebellion against God and His Word.
Lessons:
1. All of God’s promises are true and trustworthy; those that promise blessings and those that promise curses.
2. Jesus said, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required….” (Luke 12:48) The Norther Kingdom of Israel illustrates this truth vividly.
3. All Americans should read this chapter to see what can happen to a people that turn their hearts away from God Who has so richly blessed them in the past.
January 4
2 Kings 18:1-12
We saw earlier the stages of the fall of the ten norther tribes, the Kingdom of Israel. That fall was completed with the taking of the capital, Samaria. The reason for the fall of Israel is found in Verse 12; “Because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.” What a very sad conclusion is drawn in this verse.
Compare this with the time of spiritual awakening and revival that took place under the leadership of Hezekiah. An amazing statement is made of Hezekiah; “He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.” That is quite a testimony! About one century after the fall of Israel, Judah will fall to the Babylonians. Obviously the revival under Hezekiah did not continue long term, but for the time of his kingdom, God blessed and Judah prospered. What a contrast between King Hoshea of Israel and King Hezekiah of Judah!
Lessons:
1. God longed to bless the Children of Israel, but was not able to do so continually because of their idolatrous ways.
2. The secret of enjoying the blessings of God for Israel was not a secret at all. Simple obedience and faithfulness to Him and His Word would habe secured those blessings promised to their ancestors.
3. See 1 Corinthians 10:11.
January 5
2 Kings 18:13-37
Faith shines when it is tried. Hezekiah’s faith was tried in the latter part of this chapter, and it was tried severely. The northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to Assyria, a kingdom that without question was powerful and ruthless. The southern kingdom was no match for Assyria, and Hezekiah knew that well.
Lessons:
1. Read 1 Peter 1:1-9.
2. Read Romans 5:1-5
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12
January 6
2 Kings 19
“Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.”
Compare Verse 35 with Exodus 14:14. Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, and was blessed to see a living, real time illustration of this great truth. There’s a song that goes like this:
“When your enemies assail, and your strength begins to fail,
Don’t forget that God in heaven answers prayer.
He will make a way for you, and will lead you safely through,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Leave it there, leave it there.
Take you burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If you trust and never doubt,
He will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”
This would have to be considered one of the greater miracles of the Old Testament, and one of the greatest illustrations of answered prayer in all the Word of God. He still answers prayer!
January 7
2 Kings 20
To move the shadow of the dial of Ahaz back ten degrees was to show on the sundial a reversal of time. Some have greatly stumbled at this miracle, as though it would have been impossible for the Lord to reverse the time. To do such a thing, He would have had to have stopped the movement of the universe and spin it back “twenty degrees.” Is that really feasible? Compare this event to what happened in Joshua 10:1-15. Should it be thought a thing incredible that the Lord could so control the movement of our sun, our solar system and consequently the movement of the entire universe? Some would rather think that the miracle was in the bending of the rays of the sun to effect the sundial of Ahaz. May I just say that He that created the universe in all its complexities could very easily monitor and alter its movements without any difficulty whatsoever. “He that cometh to God must believe that he is….” (Hebrews 11:6) I have no problem believing that our God can do anything. How about you?
January 8
2 Kings 21:1-18
With this passage please read also 2 Chronicles 33:1-20. The Lord was intreated by the prayer of repentance of Manasseh, but really the damage had already been done. In a real way of thinking, God gave the people what they wanted with King Manasseh, for had they not been willing to worship the false gods he promoted in Judah, had they not been quick to follow his idolatrous ways, that idolatry would not have prospered in the land. Obviously the inhabitants of Judah had not learned from what they had witnessed in the Northern Kingdom.
Manasseh had a good and godly father, but he did not follow in his father’s steps. The very best hope of young people is the godly examples of parents dedicated to the Lord and His Word, but this does not guarantee they will follow those examples. Every soul is accountable to God for their own actions and for their dedication to God or the lack of such dedication. May we ever pray that the Lord will work in the hearts of young people around us, that He would draw them to Himself regardless of the godless influence around them. May He move in their hearts, that a younger generation of Americans would turn to God in genuine commitment.
January 9
2 Kings 21:19-26
Manasseh repented of his idolatrous ways, and was intreated of the Lord, but the example he had left in the heart of his son was not overcome by his apparent conversion. It would seem that Amon’s commitment to idolatry came from his father’s example during the days of his younger years. This is a horrifying thought.
I listened yesterday to “The Briefing,” a podcast by Albert Mohler, on the subject of the devastating effect of pornography on our youth, which is so readily accessible to them through the internet. Our youth are being bombarded daily through that medium, not just with pornography, but with a whole plethora of negative influence and ideologies that run completely contrary to Biblical principles. And, sad to say but true, the result of such negative influence can be easily seen in the youth in our world today. Amon is an example of what we do not want to see in our families, in our church or in our world around us.
January 10
2 Kings 22:1-2
God was merciful to Judah in limiting the reign of Amon to only two years. He was succeeded on Judah’s throne by his young son, Josiah. Unlike his father before him, Josiah proved to be a great king over the southern kingdom. Eight years of age was especially young, and doubtless his full authority as king of Judah was not realized until later, but this young boy grew into a man that loved God and sought to honor Him in his life and reign. How unlike his father!
We can only speculate as to the reasons for the vast difference in father and son in this case, but perhaps some of the difference came from his mother, Jedidah, and his grandfather, Adaiah. When Jedidah was born in Boscath, she was named “beloved” by her father whose name meant, “Jehovah hath adorned himself.” Just those names seem to indicate a great faith that was in Josiah’s maternal family. None should ever underestimate the importance of a godly, faithful heritage in handing down faith to younger generations. The opposite is true also, as can be seen in the wife of Ahab, Jezebel, whose father was a priest of Baal. Her godless, idolatrous influence in Israel was so detrimental, revealing the wicked influence of her ungodly heritage.
What a challenge this is to parents and grandparents of young people today! The seeds of faith that we sow in their lives will produce fruit long after we are gone, so the challenge to us is to sow those seeds of faith and commitment to Christ as deeply in those tender hearts as possible. Then we should water those seeds through prayerful tears, trusting that God will ever give the increase for His own glory!
January 11
2 Kings 22:3-20
“Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord…I also have heard thee, saith the Lord.”
Our Lord so desires that people respond to His pleadings with faith and repentance. He is ever ready to reply to their cry and to assure them of His forgiveness and blessings. What a gracious God we serve!
The entrance of God’s Word brings light (Psalms 119:130), and when that light is imparted it demands a response. When Josiah was given the light of God’s Word, his response was immediate and most sincere. God honored that. He will still do so today. What does that say to you and I. First, it tells us to ever be sensitive to His precious Word, and ready to respond accordingly. Secondly, it tell us that we should be doing all within our power to spread His wondrous Word, to allow that glorious light to shine through us. (See Psalms 68:11) That, beloved, is our world’s only hope; to hear God’s Word about the Savior, and to respond to that Word in faith.
January 12
2 Kings 23:1-29
The Revival Under Josiah
Lessons:
Judah had become an ecumenical center, and while some today see ecumenicalism as something positive, God does not. See 1 Timothy 6:3-5.
The philosophy in Judah seems to have been one of extreme tolerance; not only toward those of extremely different faiths, but also of those of devious lifestyles. Admittedly, under the system of the law, God demanded severe and harsh reactions from His people toward such deviations from truth, but even in this day of grace God’s people must separate themselves from those beliefs and practices that are contrary to Scripture. This should be done in love, but to be supportive of beliefs and lifestyles that are clearly contrary to Scripture not only sends forth an incorrect message, it also minimizes the sins for which Christ died on Calvary. This sends forth a detrimental response to those who desperately need the message of God’s grace and forgiveness.
Please compare Verses 15-17 with 1 Kings 13:1-6. This detailed prophecy concerning Josiah, his name and the revival that he would bring, was made 150 years before it saw actual fulfillment in our passage for today. This is just another testimony of the miraculous nature and accuracy of our Bible.
January 13
2 Kings 23:30-37
This chapter records the beginning of the fall of Judah after the death of Josiah. It is as though Josiah was the last opportunity for the people of Judah to fully return to God. However, by this time, it would seem that the gavel of Divine judgment had already fallen, and Josiah’s reign was Judah’s chance to make things right with God in light of that which God had ordained to come; the complete fall and subsequent deportation of the southern Kingdom.
See Jeremiah 1:1-3. Jeremiah’s ministry began in the “thirteenth year” of the reign of King Josiah, around 629 BC. This would have been about 60 years after the death of Isaiah. His ministry was contemporary with that of Zephaniah and Habakkuk in his earlier years, and with Daniel in his latter years. As was seen in the norther kingdom, the Lord raised up some of his greatest servants and sent them to the people of Judah with the message of repentance as they were facing certain judgment for their sins. Oh, how we should pray for our country!
January 14
2 Kings 24
Judah’s final kings:
Josiah: reigned from 640 to 609 BC.
Jehoahaz: reigned for 3 months in 609 BC.
Eliakim (Brother to Jehoahaz): 609 BC - 598 BC. (Made king by Pharaohnechoh, king of Egypt) Name changed to Jehoiakim by Egypt.
Jehoiachin: reigned reigned for 3 months in 598 BC. Was taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar.
Mattaniah (Jehoiachin’s uncle; name changed to Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar): reigned for 11 years, with his reign ending about 587-586 BC.
Some date the 70 years captivity from @ 606 BC to 536 BC; others altering those years slightly in either direction. These were years of Divine judgment, but also witnessed much in the way of Divine protection and provision for His chosen people.
January 15
2 Kings 25
“So Judah was carried away out of their land.”
These are sad words, are they not? Compare these words with some read of Israel back in the early days of her history, say from the book of Joshua, or the writings of Samuel. Think of the past victories wrought by the power of God when Israel walked in faith and obedience. When this chapter closed, many of Judah had been slain and the best of the land had been transported back to Babylon, leaving only a few behind. Israel would never, and will never be returned to the full glory of her best days, until her Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ comes to establish His kingdom on earth.
With the closing of this chapter, an era of Israel’s past history is ended. The chapter of the 70 years captivity has begun. All nations of the world should learn from the story of Israel, especially nations so blessed as the United States of America. There will someday be complied a list of America’s final presidents, along with the record of her defeat and fall. We only pray that that final list is not being compiled today.
January 16
Revival
The final devotions in 2 Kings were reminders of the need for revival in our land, and the looming prospect of Divine judgment on a nation that has been so greatly blessed by God. In the next devotions, we will be examining the thought of revival as taught in the Holy Scriptures. May God help us to give consideration and prayer to this thought in these very important days.
What is revival?
a. 2 Chronicles 7:14 with 6:37; see also 2 Chronicles 33:10-13
b. 1 John 1:8-10; 2:1-2
2. Who needs revival?
a. “If my people, which are called by my name….”
b. 1 Peter 4:17
3. Where and how should revival begin?
a. While such things must begin at the house of God, what is the house of God but individuals that know the Lord and are brought together through their common faith. For that reason, revival must begin with those individuals that make up the church.
b. Revival begins in our hearts with self-examination. See Psalms 139:24. From that examination, an honest response to that inward look will result in seeking God face for repentance and renewal in our lives as followers of Christ.
January 17
Revival
There are many illustrations of revival given in the Old Testament. There was the revival at the Watergate in the Book of Nehemiah, Chapter 8. Other illustrations of Old Testament revivals can be found in in the Book of Judges. What about in the New Testament, was there ever incidences of spiritual awakening and revival found there? Read the following passages: Acts 2:1-47; 4:21-37; Hebrews 10:19-30 with 12:1-15; 1 John 1:8-9.
God’s people need revival, and we really need it daily; a daily renewal and refreshing of our walk with Christ. Living in this sinful world, surrounded by so much that is so contrary to holiness and purity, Christians must have frequent times of revival. May the Lord be pleased to send revival into our hearts.
January 18
Revival
Peter had a time of spiritual awakening in his own heart after the death of the Lord Jesus on Calvary. Read the following passages, noting the sequence of events in Peter’s life that bought to the need of a personal revival: Matthew 16:13-26; Luke 22:15-32; Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75; Mark 16:7; 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. He needed something in his life that only the Lord could provide, and He know just how to bring Peter to that place of personal revival and renewal that was needed. He does the very same thing with us all. Amen!
January 19
Daniel 1
Daniel 1:21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
God had promised through Jeremiah that He would bless those who were carried into Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his three companions were certainly blessed by God. He first gave them "favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs." This made it possible for Daniel to reason with him concerning eating of meats that were forbidden for the Jews to eat. Daniel sought to keep himself from the defilement of the king's meat, and because God had favored him with the prince of the eunuchs, his desire to stay pure for God was granted. God also blessed them in their restricted diet, making their health noticeably better that all of the other eunuchs that had been eating the king's meat. Then, God brought them into favor with the king, thus beginning a long and beneficial term of service in the kingdom of this heathen leader.
It is said in the above verse that "Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus." This means that he lived through the entire 70 years of captivity, for Cyrus was the Persian king that issued the decree allowing the Jews to return to their native land. This king Cyrus was prophesied by name over 150 before his birth. He was called the "servant" of God to execute His will in ending the captivity and allowing the Jews to return to the land of promise. Just as we witnessed the hand of God in the overthrow and deportation of Israel, we will see His hand in sustaining His people during their captivity and His hand will again be easily seen in their return to the land.
Daniel must have been a very young man when he was carried away to Babylon, perhaps in his teens. The fact that he lived through the captivity tells us that he was well into his eighties when the seventy years were completed. God blessed this prophet with a long a very productive life. He was a strong and active witness for God in a foreign land under less than ideal circumstances. He inspires us to endeavor to make a difference in our world as Daniel did in his. In our own strength, wisdom and talents this is quite impossible, but with God all things are possible. Daniel was willing to stand for his faith and trust God to do for him what he could not do for himself, and in this he succeeded. So can we!
Father, give me the faith and determination of Daniel. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
January 20
Daniel 2
A brief devotional thought is insufficient to deal with all the great truths that are given in this chapter. The dream of the king revealed and interpreted by Daniel told of four future kingdoms after the kingdom of Babylon, with the last one being the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Another look at these kingdoms will be given in Chapter 7. Incidentally, the prophecies concerning the three kingdoms after Babylon have seen fulfillment, and we are certain the the Lord Jesus will establish His kingdom on the earth where He will rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Daniel and his friends were faced with a dilemma, one for which there was no human answer. Had God not intervened, they would have been slain with the wise men, counselors and advisers to the king. This dream had come from God, given to this heathen king for several reasons. It would reveal the future, which would be a blessing to all generations to come. Also, it would give the opportunity for God to reveal Himself, and for Him to further exalt Daniel and his three friends in the eyes of the king. It is ever amazing how God can accomplish so many things at the same time. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah could have responded in fear and dread. They could have panicked. Their lives were in grave danger. None could question or challenge the orders of the king. Rather than give up all hope, these young men answered this challenge with faith and prayer. They believed God, and they believed He had a purpose. In simple child-like faith they called upon God and He answered their prayer. Not only did He reveal to them the king's dream, which the king himself could not recall, they were also given the interpretation of the dream. This act before the king and all his counselors promoted these young Jewish men and set the stage for years of faithful service to the king, but more importantly to God. As noted earlier, God allowed Daniel to live through the entire captivity, and in that time revealed to Him some of the most amazing prophecies found in Scripture.
We, too, are faced with tests for which there are no human answers. When these times come, we could panick and be filled with despair. Or, like these young Jewish men, we could face them with faith and prayer. Let's trust God and seek His face, and pray that in all things He might receive the glory.
Father, give me the faith of these young men. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
January 21
Daniel 3
There is no greater story of faith in all the Word of God than this is Daniel 3. How many times have we heard this story, beginning when we were young and continuing on to the present? And, of course, this is not just a story. This event really happened on the Plain of Dura 2500 years ago. The incident of the burning, fiery furnace teaches us that God's people will be opposed because of their faith, and it teaches us that God honors our faith when we stand for Him. I particularly like the answer that the three Hebrew men gave the king; "...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." They were saying, "God can, but He may not. Whether He delivers us or not is not the issue. We will not bow down to your image or you." That is faith! They were willing to die in that furnace before they would dishonor their God by bowing down to a false god image. May the Lord grant us this bold faith!
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream in the previous chapter in which he saw the four kingdoms that would have authority over Israel right up until the time that Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom on this earth. These kingdoms were seen in the form of a great image, or statue, with himself and Babylon being the head on that image. In this very next chapter, he had a great statue built of himself, and demanded that all worship his image. Some of the emperors of Rome were worshipped as gods, setting the stage for the final example of emperor worship during the reign of the Antichrist. (See Revelation 13) During the Tribulation Period, before the Second Coming of Christ in power and great glory, all the world will worship the Antichrist and his image. Nebuchadnezzar's image was a foreshadowing, a type of this event of the last days. This is part of that "mystery of iniquity" (2 Thessalonians 2:7) of which Paul wrote. Just as the failure to worship Nebuchadnezzar's image resulted in severe punishment, even death, failure to worship Antichrist will have severe consequences. The deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was a picture or type of the miraculous deliverance of Israel during the reign of Antichrist. True faith will ever be opposed in this world, but God will ever honor the true faith of His own. Let's be people of faith, trusting God to deliver us from the present, evil world.
Lord, give me the faith of these three Hebrew men. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
January 22
Daniel 4
There are several lessons applicable to all in this most familiar story in Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by this event; spending seven years in a state of mental madness would have that effect on anyone. He had been introduced to an understanding of God through the faithfulness of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, but this heathen king had not responded to this light he had been given. The events of Chapter 4 were definitely eye openers, and the statements made by the king after the incident seem to indicate that he learned valuable lessons from what he experienced.
One of the most important lessons in this chapter is repeated several times; "...the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will...." This lesson is one that all need to understand. While Satan is considered the "god of this world," we should always remember that the Lord God rules the universe and works all things after the counsel of His own will. Nebuchadnezzar learned that the success of his kingdom had not come because of his leadership genius, but had happened because it was part of God's master plan for the ages. So it is today. Earthly rulers come and go, but the Almighty God continues to guide this world toward His Sovereign plan.
Another lesson taught in this chapter is that God knows how to humble souls before Him. As Nebuchadnezzar said, " those that walk in pride he is able to abase." This earthly king was humbled before the mighty hand of God. There are many examples of this in Scripture. God's desire for all is that they humble themselves before Him. Isaiah wrote, "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:17) Nebuchadnezzar's heart was filled with pride when he considered the size and strength of his kingdom. He found out quickly that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) The king's pride was humbled before God through his seven year ordeal of living and looking like some wild beast of the field. The king's ordeal could be used as an illustration of what happens to souls that humbles themselves before God in faith. He changes hearts and fills minds with peace and joy.
Lord, thank You for inner peace only You can give. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
January 23
Daniel 5
"There is a man in thy kingdom...."
In every era of time, there has been "a man," a woman or a young person who knew the Lord and stood for Him. Daniel was just such a man. Most did not follow his God, but they knew something was different and special about this man Daniel, and when times called for that someone different, Daniel was sought.
Belshazzar was a wicked descendant of Nebuchadnezzar, probably a grandson. He had not learned from Nebuchadnezzar's experiences with the Lord. Daniel had great influence with that powerful king of the Babylonian empire, but Belshazzar thought little of him or of his God. When he saw the "handwriting on the wall" it was too late, he had walked contrary to the light he had been given for too long and judgment had been passed. He had been weighed in God's balance and had been found wanting. That very night his life was taken and his kingdom defeated. The first of the four kingdoms that Daniel had seen in his vision fell, and the second kingdom took its place.
In the Book of Esther, the events of which actually took place after the Book of Daniel, Mordecai challenged Queen Esther with this question, " who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Daniel had been brought to Babylon and given favor with Nebuchadnezzar "for such a time as this," and he had stood for his God in that time. He made a difference in Nebuchadnezzar's life and he made a difference in that kingdom. Oh, what a challenge this is to God's people of every era and in every generation! Daniel was not interested in fame or fortune. The thought of the promotions and fineries of those kings had no appeal for him. His desire was to keep himself pure for God and to serve Him throughout his life. God honored this man for this desire, and the efforts he made for his faith. When we first saw Daniel he was a young man, perhaps in his teens. In this chapter, we are reading about the aged man of God, and his determination has never faltered. Child of God, whose to know but what God has placed you in this day and in your own particular situation "for such a time as this?" Be a Daniel and serve your Lord faithfully. Make a difference in your world. God will bless if you do!
Father, help us to make a difference in our world for Your Name's sake, Amen!
January 24
Daniel 6
Most people who know anything at all about the Word of God know the story of Daniel and the lion's den. And, by the way, this is not just a story. This event really happened during the reign of king Darius. God delivered this aged saint from certain death that He might receive honor and praise for His power and for the protection of His prophet. Now, God does not always deliver. In fact, in Hebrews we read of many who were not miraculously delivered from their enemies or from death. This was not because their faith was weak, but because God had a purpose that He along could understand. Some of God's most choice servants have suffered martyrs' deaths, and God honors them just as He honors those who were delivered in a miraculous way.
There are a couple of things in this chapter that are worthy of note. First, fault could only be found in Daniel concerning His faithfulness to God. There was no dishonesty or lack of faithful service to the king for which he could have been charged. The only way his adversaries could accuse Daniel was in his unwillingness to compromise his faith, even if it meant certain suffering or death. Second, Daniel continued praying as his custom had been in the past. He did not intensify his prayer time, nor did he alter it in any way. As the Scripture puts it, he did his prayer time "as he did aforetime." He didn't pray more because he was being watched, and he certainly did not pray less because he knew his life and well-being was in danger. Finally, it is interesting to note that the king had been tricked into doing something that he really did not want to do. He was so upset at himself and in the prospects of this old man of God being hurt, that he fasted all the night, refusing any comfort for himself. What an influence Daniel had had on this heathen king. When the king found the next morning that Daniel's God had delivered him, he ordered that those who had devised this wicked plot be thrown into the lion's den. These men found no deliverance, and them and their families paid the full price for their wickedness.
You may never be thrown into a lion's den, but know that if you are called upon to suffer for your faith, you will never be alone. Our God will ever be with us, and whether or not He choses to deliver should never be the question. May God help us to ever stand for Him and for the faith that was once delivered to the saints, even if it means a lion's den experience for us !
Father, help me to ever be faithful to You regardless of the cost. Amen!
January 25
Daniel 7
In the second chapter of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar saw in a dream four kingdoms that would exercise authority over Israel up until the time that Jesus Christ sets up His kingdom upon the earth; Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. He saw this in a stately image; impressive and towering, built of various materials. In Chapter 7, Daniel's sees a vision of the same kingdoms, but this time they are beastly. Nebuchadnezzar saw them as man would see them, Daniel seeing them through the eyes of God. Daniel also saw more about the fourth kingdom, and particularly the "little horn," which speaks of the antichrist. Here it would be helpful to read Revelation 13 and 19. In Revelation 13, we see the antichrist coming to full power at the mid-point of the Tribulation Period, and in Chapter 19 we see the coming of Christ in power and great glory. It is then that the fourth kingdom will finally be completely destroyed, the antichrist defeated and he and the false prophet cast into the lake of fire.
At the beginning of this vision, Daniel saw "the four winds of the heaven" striving upon the great sea. The "great sea" could be speaking of the masses of humanity, or it could be speaking about the Mediterranean Sea and the region surrounding it. I rather think that the latter is the "great sea" of which he speaks. The Roman Empire surrounded the "Great Sea" and all the people of that region were subject to Roman rule. This will be the central region of the reign and kingdom of antichrist during the Tribulation. For over one hundred years, this region of the world has been of the utmost importance, and is even of greater interest today. It would appear that the "four winds of heaven" are stiving over the "great sea" today. There is a very important reason for this; Jesus Christ is about to come back and set up His own Kingdom on this earth. Daniel's day was very exciting, and so is our day! Like the aged Daniel, we need to be in tune with the Lord, seeking His facing and listening for His voice. The days that you and I are living in were viewed by "seers" in days gone by, and we are living to see their prophetic views unfolded. World governments and politics are shaping up now for the introduction and advancement of the antichrist. We need be ready if the Lord comes, and ready if He choses not to do so in our lifetimes. Daniel was, and so can we be.
Father, help me to understand Your Word, and help me to live in these last days a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
January 26
Daniel 8
Daniel lived to see the first two of the four kingdoms that Nebuchadnezzar had seen as recorded in Chapter 2, and he had seen in Chapter 7. In this vision, Daniel was shown the power of the third kingdom, Greece, under the leadership of Alexander the Great. After Alexander's death, his kingdom was divided into four smaller kingdoms, each being ruled by one of the generals that had served under him. In one of those kingdoms, a ruler would rise by the name of Antiochus Epiphanes. He would defile the Temple by offering swine's blood on the altar, an act that would enrage the religious Jews of his day. This vision of Daniel, seen in the closing days of the Babylonian kingdom, was fulfilled in detail over three centuries later. However, part of the prophecy concerning the exploits of Antiochus Epiphanes encompassed the exploits of a future world leader, the antichrist. We often see this in prophecy, a near and a far fulfillment. This is certainly the case in the latter verses in Chapter 8. Here we see the antichrist as he seeks to do battle against the Prince of princes, the Lord Jesus, and we see his ultimate defeat as "he shall be broken without hand."
Because of the detail and exactness of Daniel's prophecies, some have sought to claim that it was written by different authors many years after Daniel, and that they were, in fact, historical accounts of these happenings rather than prophecies of things that had not yet happened. Such is the foolish attempts of those who refuse to accept the authority and integrity of God's Word, and they do so by seeking to discredit it. Sounds familiar, does it not! "Yea, hath God said...." Satan's first recorded words have been repeated countless times through the centuries by his servants. Well, beloved, we are not so inclined and will never be numbered with those who refuse to believe the precious Word of God! Amen! We would much rather be numbered with those who have loved God's book and have believed its truths through the centuries. Long after the skeptics have gone, and have found their place in the lake of fire along with their master, God's children will be praising Him in heaven for the Blessed Book that fed their souls and prepared them for those things that were ahead. Thank God for Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah and all the other precious souls that were "moved by the Holy Spirit" to give us the Bible! And, thank God for people who believe it truths and seek to live by its principles! God bless them! And, He shall!
Father, thank You for Your Book. Guide and keep me by its truths. Amen!
January 27
Daniel 9
After the fall of Babylon, Daniel humbled himself before God through prayer and fasting, seeking God's face for forgiveness of Israel's sins and for an understanding of Israel's future. In answer to his prayer, God sent the angel Gabriel to give Daniel one of the most amazing prophecies in all of God's Word. "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy." Note the seven things that were determined to take place within the time frame of "Seventy weeks," from finishing the transgression to anointing the "Most Holy," speaking of the anointing of Jesus Christ as King of Kings. It is obvious that the "weeks" spoken of are not seven-day periods of time. A "week" in the Bible is any group of sevens. It can be days, and it can be years. (See Genesis 29:27-30) The "weeks" of Daniel 9 are groups of seven years, or seventy weeks of seven years each which totals 490 years. That 490 period of time is broken down in marked divisions; "seven weeks," (49 years) "threescore and two weeks," (434 years," and "one week," (7 years). Those divisions are as follows: 49 years after the decree was made by Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem the canon of the Old Testament was completed; 434 years after that, "Messiah was cut off," a prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Finally, seven years (1 week) after a future covenant is made with many by the antichrist, the True Christ will return to this earth to set up His kingdom. Thus we see the prophecy of the 490 years that are determined upon Israel, with the final week being yet to be fulfilled. The interval between the first 483 years and the final 7 years is that time known in Scripture as the "dispensation of grace," or the Church age. Beloved, we are living in the closing days of the Church age. The antichrist may already be in the world's political arena, preparing for that day when he will launch his world-wide campaign of power. We must be ready and listening for the trump to sound. Jesus is coming for His church, and it may be today! Daniel's prophecy was so detailed that if the Jews had truly believed the Word of God, it would easily have identified the Lord Jesus when He appeared in Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry. Alas, they did not. Let's believe this blessed Book today!
Lord, thank You for Daniel's Book. Help us to understand it, and to be ready for Your coming. Amen!
January 28
Daniel 10 - 11
In these chapters, Daniel was shown things pertaining to the Grecian Empire and the four kingdoms which arose after the death of Alexander. The four kingdoms were led by four of Alexander's generals. Seleucus ruled over Syria, Babylon, and Media. Cassander ruled over Macedon, Thessaly and Greece. Ptolemy ruled over Egypt and Cyprus. Lysimachus ruled in the north over Thrace, Cappadocia and the north parts of Asia Minor. There were constantly battles between the Syrian empire and that of Egypt. These prophecies in Chapter 11 deal with these campaigns. Once again, history has proven that Daniel's prophecies were from God, with detailed fulfillment that testifies of the trustworthiness of God's Word.
In Chapter 10, we get a glimpse of the spiritual battle that is raging about us, a battle that we would never be able to see without accounts like this one that was given in the Book of Daniel. Daniel began seeking God's face in prayer, and the Lord dispatched an angel to bring His message to Daniel, but this angel was detained in a spiritual conflict with Satan or one of his mighty angels. Michael, God's mighty warrior angel, came and fought against Satan in order to help the messenger fulfill his mission to Daniel. This must have been an intense spiritual conflict and it serves to remind us of the spiritual battle that continues to rage unto this very day. While we cannot see this spiritual conflict, it is just as real as any military conflict the world has ever known. Paul wrote in Ephesians, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12) For this reason, it is essential that believers be spiritually awake, walking close to the Lord. Our adversary is warring against us and our only guarantee of victory comes from our faithful obedience to God's Word.
Most take lightly the Scriptural teachings of the unseen spirit world. The Bible does not treat this subject lightly, and neither should we. How many times has an event like this one in Daniel been repeated through history? God only knows. He recorded it for us and preserved it in His Word for our benefit. Let us seek Him and His strength for victory over this wicked adversary that wars against God's plans and God's people.
Father, deliver us from evil for Your own Name's sake through Christ. Amen!
January 29
Daniel 12
Da 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
"...and knowledge shall be increased." One of the indicators given in Scripture of the "time of the end" is increased knowledge. Think just for a moment of the advancements in all fields of knowledge over the past centuries, including the field of Biblical understanding. Some question the belief in the Pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation Period and the Second Coming of Christ based upon previous generation's interpretations of Scripture. Some modern writers will say, "This interpretation was not held by theologians for the first seventeen hundred years of the church." That may be true. According to the above verse, knowledge in the field of Biblical interpretation would increase in the "time of the end." This is especially true in the interpretation of Biblical prophecy. The closer we get to the fulfillment of prophetic passages, the easier it will be to understand their meanings. For instance, a system of monitoring each individual in the world, assigning each an
identification number and through this system controlling all people would have been difficult to imagine being possible until the recent advancement in computer science. Global government, global economy and global power would have been unthinkable until just the past half century. The ability for the whole world to be able to see something like the scene described in Revelation 11 could not have been possible until telecommunications became a reality in the past fifty years. Even the advancement of the Gospel of Christ took on an unprecedented fervor beginning in the nineteenth century.
It would be difficult to argue against the fact of the increase of knowledge over the past couple of centuries. Knowledge in every field of study is advancing at incredible speeds today. Think back at the advancements just in your lifetime. Things are possible today that were unthought of less than fifty years ago. Knowledge has and knowledge shall increase, for we are living in the "time of the end." These are exciting times, but these are also challenging times. Child of God, keep your focus upon Him and your heart grounded in His Word. Listen for the sound of the trumpet, for the Lord is coming for His own!
Lord, thank You for "end times" light. Help me to walk in that light and to look for Your coming. Amen!
January 30
John 1:1-9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:46
As I was typing these thoughts in my study, I leaned back in my chair and gazed outside at the evening sun shining across the field above the house and into the study window. It's warmth touched my face and caused my eyes to squint from its bright glare. It brought back some memories. When I was growing up, my eyes were very sensitive to bright light. In fact, I can remember vividly walking around outside with one eye closed tight because of the brightness of the sun. Sunlight is one of those things we take for granted until we have had a few steady days of rain. Then we get to longing for the sunshine to return. The other day I was walking out our drive past the house and sat down in a chair, leaned my head back and just soaked in the bright rays of the sun.
Of course, we all know that the world as we know it could not exist without the sun. And it could also be said assuredly that the world could not exist at all apart from the Son. Paul wrote, "And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist." (Colossians 1:17) It is our Lord that holds all this universe together by His Almighty power. It could also be said just as assuredly that Jesus Christ is the true light of all the world. He is the light of knowledge and understanding. He is the light of the revelation of eternal truth. For all of the saved, there was a time when He decreed, "Let there be light," and when that happened an understanding of spiritual truths was imparted that previously was unknown. He invaded their world of spiritual darkness with glorious light, and that light brought them to saving knowledge. His light shined in their darkness and brought them to that light, and gave them that light. Beloved, warm your soul in the Light of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ, and let His light keep you from the darkness about you. Thank God for Light! Walk in that glorious light today and you will overcome the power of darkness about you.
January 31
Proverbs 17:6
Lynn's dad used to say, "If I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, we would have had them first." Mine call me "Papa." I like that! I just like the way it sounds when one of them, one of the eight, call out, "Papa." "Children's children are the crown of old men...." Now, its not that I am admitting being old, but I will admit that part about the crown. I have an uncle that's 95 and still getting around well, and I might think I am getting close to old when I am his age. You will have to wait around and ask me then. But, those grandchildren are alright with me. Joe Bob was right when he talked about how much fun the grandkids are.
"...the crown of old men...." Could that speak of one of their most important "crowning" achievements? Their "children's children" are a reflection upon them; their philosophy, their ideas and their faith. Now, not all children or grandchildren follow in the steps of their ancestors, but as we understand Proverbs 22:6, a child's best hope of knowing and serving God is to see parents and grandparents doing so. When God was about to destroy the cities of the plain, which was where Abraham's nephew was living, the Lord felt it necessary to let His friend (James 2:23) know what He was about to do. In explaining His rational for this, He said of Abraham, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." (Genesis 18:19) He certainly was not a perfect man, but Abraham did believe God, and he taught that belief to his children after him. He accomplished a lot in his life, but his greatest achievements was handing down his faith in God to his family. What a challenge that is to all who profess faith in Christ. May God help us to have a shining crown of glory, that being children and grandchildren that know and serve our Lord! Amen!
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