THE STORY OF JESUS: Daniel 1-3
“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. (Daniel 2:44)
History is filled with the rise and fall of many kingdoms.
Taking the long view, we can’t assume our country will always be this way.
Every time a country becomes greater, things slowly come apart within.
Power leads to pride, greed, immorality, corruption, scandal and division.
Why can’t we produce a ‘kingdom’ that is immune to this dissipation?
Because we are the problem; human nature goes with us, and brings us down.
I have lost hope in government, politics, and human leadership (even my own).
These stories remind us about the God behind every kingdom (Daniel 2:36).
Jesus spoke of a kingdom of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc.
Jesus modeled that kingdom through His serving, selfless life and death.
God has confirmed that kingdom by raising Jesus, and putting Him on the throne.
I too have a dream of a world of justice, peace, equality and goodness for all!
I cannot join in (Daniel 1) or bow down to (Daniel 3) the kingdoms of this world.
I’ll take my stand for the kingdom that will never be destroyed.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, the current political mess all over the world reminds me again how desperately we need Your kingdom rule. May Your kingdom come, may Your will be done… please!
‘To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.’
This verse always ‘hit’ me. True learning, true understanding, true knowledge is not a possibility without the Lord, the Giver of true living for Jesus. We may be ‘smart’ in our own eyes but only those gifted by the Lord are really wise – wise men. God uses His people His wonders to perform.
God is at work through His people even as Daniel said
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
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He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
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He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
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I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,”
I may forward each day in the knowledge of that power.
4 Teach me to feel that you are always nigh;
teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
to check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
teach me the patience of unceasing prayer.
5 Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove;
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.