August 30–Daniel 8-10

“Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard. . .but the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days. . .now I have come to give you understanding”(10:12-14).

I was a wrestler in high school. I loved it! No hard hits, as in football. Rather, an exhausting struggle against an always-near opponent.

No wonder Paul uses this word to describe the Christian life. See Ephesians 6. We wrestle against unseen forces of Spiritual darkness. This morning, dear one, every morning, your foes come to the mat with malice. They oppose you.

We hear this same testimony in Daniel 10. Moved to mourning by the terrible spiritual condition of the people of God (some had returned to Jerusalem, many had not), Daniel invested himself in prayer. For three weeks he prayed without much success or relief. Frustrating, exhausting work.

Then, an angel came to explain. His prayers had been heard from the very first moment. In the invisible world, however, there had been great conflict and opposition. Only the intervention of Michael secured the victory, allowed the messenger to get through with God’s answer for Daniel. Dear reader, will you note the lesson on perseverance in prayer? See Luke 18.

Do you struggle in prayer? Is it difficult and frustrating at times? Do you feel like you are not being heard? Keep going! Don’t quit! Never be confused or discouraged, Prayer may take longer than you expected, but victory comes to those who wrestle.

“At the timberline where the storms strike with the most fury, the sturdiest trees are found” (Hudson Taylor).

“All things can be done by importunate prayer. It surmounts or removes all obstacles, overcomes every resisting force and gains its ends in the face of invincible hindrances” (E. M. Bounds).

“Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night. . .however, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”(Luke 18:7-8).

August 29–Daniel 5-7

“Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this, but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven”(5:22-23).

When Jesus taught us to pray “Hallowed be Thy name”, He was reminding us of our FIRST duty. Our FIRST wisdom. Every day, for every person, HUMILITY is “job one”.

The humble man regards God with reverence. He acknowledges God’s superiority in rank and beauty and wisdom. The humble man sees himself in a low place relative to God’s greatness. “They did not honor Him as God or give thanks,” says Paul in Romans 1. Humility is the opposite.

In Daniel 5, God challenged Belshazzar. Ignoring the lessons his father learned from God through great pain, Belshazzar arrogantly disrespected the holy utensils (taken from the temple in Jerusalem) and used them as wine glasses at a party for his friends!

We sometimes hear the phrase “the handwriting on the wall”. It points to this story. What the hand wrote that night for Belshazzar will eventually be written on the wall of every unrepentant life.

“MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN!” Your deeds have been measured against an eternal standard of righteousness (mene, Aramaic word, “to measure”). In God’s evaluation, you have been found wanting (tekel, Aramaic word, “to weigh”). Therefore, judgement will now come (peres, Aramaic word, “to divide or break apart”).

True for king and slave, alike. Those who will not humble themselves before God will eventually be broken.

Friend, will you humble yourself before God today? On the path of life, it is job one.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you”(James 4:10).

“Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you” (Andrew Murray).

August 28–Daniel 3-4

“You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows on it whomever he wishes”(4:32).

God’s discipline is a gift! Even when it is painful. God disciplines me BECAUSE He loves me. Challenges my pride. Teaches humility. Insists that I learn a lesson that is alien to my fallenness.

For all of his genuine interest and profound spiritual experiences (see yesterday’s post), Nebuchadnezzar continued to be a willful, unsurrendered man. Self-promoting. Proud. Unconverted. A natural man.

Out of LOVE for this proud king, God, “upped the pressure”. First, a warning dream. Then, a devastating fall into mental illness. In grace, the Lord sent him tumbling into a dark place. Please observe how Daniel, a true friend, begged the king to repent before the stroke was applied. See 4:27.

Israel experienced similar grace. The wilderness years were designed to humble them. Teach dependence. Challenge self-sufficiency. See Deuteronomy 8:2.

In 2 Corinthians 12, God plainly tells Paul that the “thorn in the flesh” was to, “keep him from exalting himself.” Humility is essential for our progress in holiness. This being so, the Father does not hesitate to teach us this lesson, even at a painful cost.

Is God humbling you, dear one? Is it possible that He knows, and you do not, the extent to which your pride, your autonomy, your concern for self glory, your impatience and self-centeredness are hindering His blessing? Your pride has to go! God’s best requires it! As He humbles you, will you recognize and yield to His love?

“God breathed on clay and it became a man; He breathes (now) on men and they become clay” (A. W. Tozer).

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”(Matthew 5:3).

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him”(Hebrews 12:5).

August 27–Daniel 1-2

“The king answered Daniel and said, ‘Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery’ “(2:47).

At some level ALL men know there is a God. Creation declares His glory. Conscience adds further evidence. The testimonies of people of faith point upward to God like steeples on a church. “That which is known about God is evident within them,” says Paul in Romans 1. The first step of faith is to simply admit the fact that God exists. See Hebrews 11:6.

This being so, in every culture there are those who are seeking the true God. Following the light given, they are searching, seeking light. The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8), the Magi (Matthew 2), Cornelius (Acts 10), the Greeks who came seeking Christ (John 12). Quickened by the Spirit, honest in conscience, these secular people are hungry for truth.

King Nebuchadnezzar was such a seeker. No fool, this king was impatient (we all should be) with religious games and players. He required the so-called spiritual guides to tell his dream and interpret it. He wanted it real or not at all. Encountering Daniel’s authentic relationship with God, the king was intrigued, fascinated, curious, attracted. Eventually he became convinced that Daniel’s God was true God.

Are there people like Nebuchadnezzar in your life? Yes! As Nebuchadnezzar was with Daniel, seekers take signals and encouragement from believers. “Let your light shine!”

Be aware, dear saint. As you seek the Lord, today, others are observing you, because they are seeking, too.

“Down a hundred highways of empty pursuit, and a thousand foolish things I went through. Didn’t know it back then, but now I do. I was lookin’ for You” (Zach Williams).

“From one man He made all the nations. . .and marked out their appointed times. . .and boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him”(Acts 17:26-27).

August 26–Ezekiel 45-48

“Then he brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east”(47:1).

Scripture often compares God to a river. It was a familiar metaphor in the ancient world. Wherever a river flowed, life followed. Cities developed. Blessings came. The comparison is clear. Humans need God as we need water. We flourish when He is present.

In John 7, our Lord promised a river to every believer. He declared that out of our innermost being streams of living water would flow. Clean. Infinitely renewable, His presence and power, a river of life for the world!

In Ezekiel 47, the prophet saw a similar picture. Encouraging vision! From under the restored temple flowed a river to bless the world. Small at first (at a quarter of a mile, it is only ankle-deep), the stream got deeper as it went (at one mile, it is so deep no one could stand in it).

So, God’s grace. The longer the truth of Christ is in the world, the deeper its impact. Unconquerable! Reaching every land! “Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day. Perfect, yet it groweth, deeper all the way” (Frances Havergal).

Friend, is a river flowing out of you? Do you recognize and receive the daily, infinitely clean renewal of Christ in the inner man? (2 Corinthians 4:16). Do you yearn for God’s blessing to “jump the banks” of your own concerns and flow out to bless others, as well?

“There is a river, and it flows from deep within. There is a fountain that frees a soul from sin. Come to this water, there is a vast supply. Come to the river, it never shall run dry” (Bill Gaither).

“Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb. . .on either side of the river was the tree of life. . .and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations”(Revelation 22:1-2).

August 25–Ezekiel 42-44

“And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate facing toward the east. And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house”(43:4-5).

Earlier in his prophecy, Ezekiel gave sad attention to the departure of God’s glory from the temple. See chapter 10. Glory translates the Hebrew word kabod. Literally, “weight or significance.” Often experienced as a beautiful light. Shekinah. Glory is evidence of God’s supreme importance, of His beauty, His transcendent value.

In chapter 43, the prophet sees a coming day when the glory of God will return to the temple. Great news! What mercy! At the end of their chastisement, the Eternal One proves faithful to His promise and people. He comes to dwell among them. Again, they (we) will be the beneficiaries of His strength and protection.

We presume too much on the presence of Christ, I think. “I will never leave you or forsake you,” has become a blanket promise. Too often it is set against the balancing truth that the Holy Spirit can be grieved into silence and quenched into inactivity by the unconfessed sins of God’s people. If we could see with Spiritual eyes, we would recognize MANY congregations and individuals from which His glory has departed.

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul describes his aspiration for every New Testament church. Visitors who attend, “fall on their faces, declaring that GOD is certainly among you.” Friend, shouldn’t this be our prayer for ourselves and our churches?

“Is it not by Your going with us that we are distinguished from all the other people on the earth?” says Exodus 33. (Italics mine). Except God be present in power, the church is no different than the world. His “being with us” is our distinguishing identity.

Ezekiel 43 is, therefore, a sweet promise for the people of God. He will come. He will dwell with us and do His work through us. Glory will again fill His house!

Friend, do you pray His glory, His presence, filling His people? Will you?

“How much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”(Luke 11:13).

August 24–Ezekiel 39-41

” In the twenty-fifth year of our exile. . .in the fourteenth year after the city was taken, on that same day the hand of the Lord was upon me. . .and He brought me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, and on it to the south there was a structure like a city”(40:1-2).

The story that began in a garden will end in a city!

In the beginning, the most compelling evidence of God’s existence and character was CREATION. In the end, God will bring the human race to an ordered society with Himself as King. Ultimately, the most compelling evidence of God’s glory will be the CHURCH, redeemed people dwelling with Him in righteousness.

I despair of it, sometimes. Peace. Justice. Order. At times these seem unattainable in the world as it is. Sin is still so present, even in the lives of believers. A church business meeting. An angry Facebook exchange. Contempt in politics. Pride and malice seem to always have the last word.

14 years after the awful news came (Jerusalem had been destroyed), and 25 years after the exile began, God gave Ezekiel a vision. Taken to Jerusalem, placed on a high mountain, the young prophet saw a new city. Glorious. Strong. Organized. Efficient. Secure. At some point in the future, Jerusalem would be rebuilt! Real walls. Real temple. Shining evidence of God’s goodness. This confidence filled the young prophet’s heart with hope.

All Israel will be saved. Not every person, but a remnant, a redeemed portion of the race of men will someday live in a safe city with Christ as their king. The Godly purpose for Jerusalem will be accomplished, uncorrupted by the mistakes and malice of men.

God guarantees it. It is His promise. Friend, do you desire to be a part of it? Are you making your way toward a holy city?

“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband”(Revelation 21:2).

“By faith Abraham, when he was called. . .went out, not knowing where he was going. . .for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God”(Hebrews 11:8, 10).

August 23–Ezekiel 36-38

“It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for my holy Name”(36:22).

In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to say, “Hallowed be Thy name.” Do you think His words are a statement of fact or a request? Did our Lord speak these words as an affirmation of truth (God’s name IS holy) or as a petition (that His name SHOULD BE treated as holy in the world of men)?

My own conviction is the second. Jesus taught us to ASK God for a restored world. A world in which those who DO NOT know God come to acknowledge Him, and those who DO know Him come step by step into greater reverence. It is a prayer for evangelism and sanctification. A request for the regeneration. See Jesus, Matthew 19:28.

Is God’s name hallowed? Often, no. Should it be? Yes! Reverence is the foundation of revival and renewal, of strength and hope.

God’s name is His reputation. All that He has revealed of Himself. His name is how we conceive of Him, speak of Him, relate to Him.

To hallow His name is to regard it as morally beautiful and valuable. To set it above all other concerns. To reflect on God’s holiness lifts our ambitions and corrects our distracted hearts. See Isaiah 6. “To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple,” (Psalm 27:4) is our worship and our healing.

In Ezekiel 36, God declares the reason for His continued work in Israel. Not Israel’s merit or benefit, God’s motive is the communication of His great name! When God’s name is hallowed, blessings come. There is no more effective cure for this broken world than reverence to God. When men look up, we grow up!

Dear reader, if the Devil can deceive us to live for our own reputation and success (our own names), he has successfully robbed us. GOD’S NAME is the better purpose! Will you join this eternally noble enterprise? Will you reverence God and teach others to do so, as well?

“This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long”(Fanny Crosby).

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name” (Psalm 103:1).

August 22–Ezekiel 33-35

“As a shepherd cares for his herd. . .so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered. . .I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy, I will feed them with judgment”(34:12,16).

Does Jesus care?

If you mean emotion, the answer is yes. Standing with Mary at Lazarus’ tomb, our Savior was moved by the tears of his friend. “Jesus wept,” says John 11. He feels deeply the pain that comes into our lives. Death. Disappointment. Stress. Loneliness. We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with us. He cares.

If you mean action, the answer is even clearer. Yes! In Ezekiel 34, God compares Himself to a shepherd. Familiar figure of speech. See John 10. The primary work of a shepherd is active concern. Shepherd translates a Hebrew word, baqar (ba kar) which means “to seek, look for” (also used for intellectual pursuit, “to meditate or consider”). The Shepherd looks for us. Thinks about us. Understands us. Pursues us. Provides for us.

When Scripture tells me to seek the Lord, it is a call for me to complete the loop, to match His interest in me with an equivalent pursuit of Him! When I rise in the morning to find Him, it is my reasonable response to His all-night, all-day, seeking-me kind of love! Love must be answered with love. It is right to do so.

My friend, Jane Witcher, told me one day, “We worry less about what others think of us when we realize how seldom they do.” NOT SO with the Lord. He thinks about us all the time! Our Shepherd CARES!

“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song, as the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long? Oh, yes He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief, when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares”(Frank E. Graeff).

“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

August 21–Ezekiel 30-32

“Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I put My sword into the hands of the king of Babylon and he stretches it out against the land of Egypt”(30:25).

It is a reminder we need. God works in war. He is present. Aware. Involved. He determines outcomes. “One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised”(Joshua 23:10, italics mine).

Some people believe that war is a contradiction to the love of God, that war is essentially evil, that God is NOT INVOLVED in it. Scripture says they are mistaken.

In Ezekiel 30:24, God talks about giving HIS SWORD to the King of Babylon! Amazing language! A tool of violence from God in a Babylonian hand! God takes sides. God is involved, even in war.

In the coming age, we will beat our swords into ploughs. See Isaiah 2:4. In the present age, however, God gives approval for the limited use of the sword. See Romans 13.

Early generations were clear on this point. At D-Day, in WWII, MANY in our nation believed that God was helping us. In the Civil war, believers perceived the forward-marching will of God even in the violent conflict. Scripture teaches the same confidence. God is very present in war. Unafraid. Unconquered. Tough. Fearless. Holy.

In Matthew 26, Jesus tells Peter to put away his metal sword. A Spiritual kingdom is not advanced by the use of military force. In the days that followed, however, Peter began to realize the power of the sword of God’s word.

In a fallen world both swords are necessary. When we are to use which sword is a decision the Lord makes and communicates to us who love Him. He is faithful to do so.

Will you be strong and brave, dear one? God has a sword. He is not afraid to use it. Will you stand with Him?

“From His mouth comes a sword so that He may strike down the nations” (Revelation 19:15).

“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).