Monday, June 27, 2011
Daniel 2:24-49
Daniel spoke to Arioch (the man the king had appointed to destroy the wise men) with confidence. He told him not to destroy the wise men but to allow himself to tell the king the interpretation. Arioch took Daniel quickly to the King. When the king asked Daniel if he could interpret the dream, he gave the glory to God, saying that "there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries..." Daniel gives this info about the dream:
1. You saw a great image whose appearance was frightening
2. Head of gold
3. Chest & arms of silver
4. Middle and thighs of bronze
5. Legs of iron
6. Feet of iron & clay
7. A stone was cut out and it struck the image on its feet and broke them
8. The rest of the image was then broken in pieces and blew away in the wind.
9. The stone that had cut down the image became a great mountain and filled the earth.
This was Daniel's interpretation:
1. God is the one who has given you authority over the land
2. You (the king) are the head of gold
3. Another kingdom (currently inferior) will rise after you, and then a 3rd kingdom (bronze) will rule over the earth.
4. The 4th kingdom (as strong as iron) will crush the other kingdoms.
5. It will be a divided kingdom (partly iron, partly clay). They will marry with each other.
6. A future kingdom will be established that will never be destroyed.
King Nebuchadnezzar commanded an offering and incense be offered to Daniel. He then testified that Daniel's God is the "God of gods". The king gave Daniel many gifts and made him ruler over Babylon and head of the wise men. Daniel was allowed to place Shadrach, Mechach, and Abednego in authority over Babylon and Daniel stayed in the King's Court.
1. You saw a great image whose appearance was frightening
2. Head of gold
3. Chest & arms of silver
4. Middle and thighs of bronze
5. Legs of iron
6. Feet of iron & clay
7. A stone was cut out and it struck the image on its feet and broke them
8. The rest of the image was then broken in pieces and blew away in the wind.
9. The stone that had cut down the image became a great mountain and filled the earth.
This was Daniel's interpretation:
1. God is the one who has given you authority over the land
2. You (the king) are the head of gold
3. Another kingdom (currently inferior) will rise after you, and then a 3rd kingdom (bronze) will rule over the earth.
4. The 4th kingdom (as strong as iron) will crush the other kingdoms.
5. It will be a divided kingdom (partly iron, partly clay). They will marry with each other.
6. A future kingdom will be established that will never be destroyed.
King Nebuchadnezzar commanded an offering and incense be offered to Daniel. He then testified that Daniel's God is the "God of gods". The king gave Daniel many gifts and made him ruler over Babylon and head of the wise men. Daniel was allowed to place Shadrach, Mechach, and Abednego in authority over Babylon and Daniel stayed in the King's Court.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Definition of Wisdom
"Wisdom in Scripture mean s choosing the best and noblest end at which to aim, along with the most appropriate and effective means of achieving that end."
"It is sometimes difficult, even impossible, for mortal humans to understand how obedience, putting us at a disadvantage in the world, is part of a predestined plan of furthering both God's glory and our good. But we glorify God by believing that it is so, because He who cannot lie has said it. One day we will see it to be so, because His wisdom is perfect and never fails."
(The Reformation Study Bible, edited by RC Sproul page 1214)
"It is sometimes difficult, even impossible, for mortal humans to understand how obedience, putting us at a disadvantage in the world, is part of a predestined plan of furthering both God's glory and our good. But we glorify God by believing that it is so, because He who cannot lie has said it. One day we will see it to be so, because His wisdom is perfect and never fails."
(The Reformation Study Bible, edited by RC Sproul page 1214)
Daniel 2:1-23
Observations:
King Nebuchadnezzar had restless nights filled with dreams
Magicians were called to recall and interpret the dreams.
The Chaldeans said this was an impossible tasks, only the "gods" could.
The King ordered all the "wise men" of Babylon be killed (including Daniel.)
Daniel requested an opportunity to meet with the King.
Daniel met with his friends and told them to pray to seek mercy from God regarding the dream.
That night, God gave Daniel the King's dream in a vision.
Daniel worshipped God saying the following about God
* Wisdom and might belong to God
* God changes the season
* God sets the kings in power.
* God gives wisdom to the wise
* God gives knowledge to the understanding
* There are no mysteries hidden from God, he reveals them
* Thanksgiving to God
Applications:
There are mysteries hidden from even the wisest, earthly men.
There are no mysteries with God.
God is the source of all wisdom and understanding.
Our job is to ask for wisdom, receive His wisdom, and offer thanksgiving!
Question for self:
1. Am I seeking God for His wisdom?
2. Do I expect to receive it?
3. Am I giving God praise and thanks immediately when he answers prayer?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Daniel 1:8-21
Observations:
Daniel's character displayed:
* not eating king's food
* not drinking king's drink
* discussed his convictions with his authorities
God blessed Daniel
* Gave him favor and compassion in eyes of authorities
Chief of eunuchs feared Daniel's health would fail from vegetarian diet and that he would be held
responsible
Daniel asked for 10-day trial
After 10 days they were healthier than those eating the king's diet
Other areas of success for Daniel, Shad, Mesh and Abednego
* Wisdom/skill in literature
* Daniel given understanding in visions and dreams
The King found them to be wiser than the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom
Applications of Chapter 1:
* God is sovereign over our lives and has plans for us we might not expect
* God has given us laws to follow and we will be given opportunities to disobey them
* God may choose to pour out his blessings upon us when we obey
* Our character is a testimony to our faith
Questions for my life:
Am I asking God to direct my steps so that I may follow His leading?
Am I discerning when my faith is being tested?
Am I thankful for the blessings God has bestowed upon my life?
Is my character (seen and unseen) testifying to Christ in me?
Daniel's character displayed:
* not eating king's food
* not drinking king's drink
* discussed his convictions with his authorities
God blessed Daniel
* Gave him favor and compassion in eyes of authorities
Chief of eunuchs feared Daniel's health would fail from vegetarian diet and that he would be held
responsible
Daniel asked for 10-day trial
After 10 days they were healthier than those eating the king's diet
Other areas of success for Daniel, Shad, Mesh and Abednego
* Wisdom/skill in literature
* Daniel given understanding in visions and dreams
The King found them to be wiser than the magicians and enchanters in his kingdom
Applications of Chapter 1:
* God is sovereign over our lives and has plans for us we might not expect
* God has given us laws to follow and we will be given opportunities to disobey them
* God may choose to pour out his blessings upon us when we obey
* Our character is a testimony to our faith
Questions for my life:
Am I asking God to direct my steps so that I may follow His leading?
Am I discerning when my faith is being tested?
Am I thankful for the blessings God has bestowed upon my life?
Is my character (seen and unseen) testifying to Christ in me?
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