Bible Ballistics: BBs #196       The Match Game???

Most of us remember playing the ‘Match Game’, or maybe you called it ‘Concentration’, the game where you matched the items whether it was a deck of cards, or a board game; the object of course was to match all the cards on the board one pair at a time. Well I think we who claim to be ‘Christians’ need to be doing a better job on the “Match” game. I’m talking about our “walk”–what we do, where we go, what we say, how we behave toward others–matching our “talk”—what we claim to believe with our lips. Jesus quoting Isaiah 29:13 warns us about the danger of having a “walk” that doesn’t match our “talk”:

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:8

Jesus goes on in to reveal the root of the problem, and it’s not just the “mouth”, it’s the heart. It’s not religious ceremony that stops defilement but a transformed heart.

“Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Matthew 15:17-20

Jesus says it’s not what we eat, or even if we washed our hands (referring to ceremonial washing), because whatever we eat simply passes through the body and is discarded. Not pleasant dinner conversation, but truth, nonetheless. It’s what comes OUT of the mouth that defiles a man, woman, boy, or girl because the mouth reveals what is in the heart. So to walk the walk requires a heart that is set on Jesus. A transformed heart that the Holy Spirit possesses!

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” John 3:3-7

Born of God, by the Holy Spirit—you “must be born again”!

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

God the Father sent His Son to give us new life by His Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin and brings us to a place of repentance and faith in Christ Jesus alone, by faith alone, through grace alone! All because Jesus was willing to come and live in this body of flesh, to live a perfect sinless life and then to die for sins HE didn’t commit so we wouldn’t have to. That’s why He came! He came to live a life in flesh and die an unjust death on a cross because I sin!!! He paid a debt that HE didn’t owe, because we had a sin debt that would cost our death! He came to die, so we could LIVE!!!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 & 5

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:14-15

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

It’s not what we claim to have, but what we receive through Jesus’ blood–NEW LIFE!!! A life that reflects the work that God has done within! A life that reflects the “NEW COVENANT” relationship with God—one that is fixed in our hearts, not in ceremony or rituals regardless of how lovely or seemingly meaningful they may be. What brings transformation to a life is the blood of Jesus applied to the heart, soul and mind of all who come to HIM in repentance and faith! And our life-style IS the evidence to the world of what JESUS has done within our hearts or what we don’t really possess.

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:20-23

So??? Will you spend your life just “talking” about Him, or will you bow your knee before Him and be “born again” and walk in the power of His Spirit? If you know HIM, will you stop going your way, and yield to His work in your heart and mind? What is the measure and mark of a life—not what ‘goes into the mouth’—but what ‘comes out of it’? What does your “Match Game” reveal to the world?

“by their fruits ye shall know them”

What do your ‘fruits’ say to others? To God? It’s your choice—but remember there is a test at the end! And remember, if we belong to Jesus—HE is working in us at all times to fit us for glory:

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

And when we belong to Jesus, HE has a plan for our walk:

“For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”   Ephesians 2:10

How’s your match going????? It IS eternally important!!!

Bible Ballistics: Location, Location, Location? Vol. 6#19

We’ve all heard the old “Real Estate” adage, “What’s important in buying or selling Real Estate (property)? It’s ‘Location’, ‘Location’, ‘Location’! In other words, the important thing is LOCATION, where it’s located! What does that have to do with Bible study? Well, more than you might think, because the most important thing in Bible study is “CONTEXT”, or “Location”!!! Where is it in the scripture, who wrote it, who was it written to, what is the immediate context of the passage, what kind of literature it is (or what kind of writing: history, narrative, doctrine, poetry, prophecy or a combination of several of these things)? So we must remember that in Bible study, we must, must, must know that “CONTEXT IS KING”. Keep it in its ‘LOCATION’ and let scripture interpret scripture, for we must keep all of scripture in the context of the ‘Whole Counsel of God’!

I’ve belabored this point because we are about to embark on a great adventure into the second half of the book of Daniel. And to do that with integrity we must look at each of the last 6 chapters by keeping them in their immediate context, in their historical context, and in their perspective as it relates to and connects with the whole Word of God, particularly the whole counsel of scriptural prophecy. I just ask that we understand and remember that scripture NEVER contradicts scripture. If there is a seeming contradiction, we must realize and agree/admit that we either don’t understand the passage fully (which is true for a lot of scripture), we don’t have all the information yet, or that God is simply not ready to reveal a particular portion of scripture to us at a particular time. Apart from the revealing work of the Holy Spirit we cannot clearly comprehend the truth/truths of God’s Word!!! So with that said, let’s jump into Daniel 7!

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. 2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. 5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. 6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. 12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:1-14

We see that the book of Daniel has 2 major divisions: first, chapters 1-6, which are a chronological account of events in the life of Daniel and his friends. These 6 chapters are in chronological order and take Daniel from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar and his conquering of Judah and Jerusalem to the reign of the co-rulers of the Medo-Persian Empire that conquered Babylon, Cyrus the Persian and Darius the Mede. In these chapters, Daniel interpreted no less than 3 dreams and/or visions that were experienced by the pagan kings of Babylon. Daniel did not have the dreams himself, but rather interpreted the dreams that were sent from God to Nebuchadnezzar of the statue and the tree, and the vision of the hand that wrote on the wall which Belshazzar saw on that last night of his life and kingdom.

The second division begins with chapter 7, where we once again have a chronological account of Daniel’s life and dreams, but not in a continuing chronology from chapter 6. As you look at verse one today’s passage you notice that our second division backs up to the realm of Belshazzar. If you remember when we looked at chapter 5, I mentioned that while Daniel was still in the “Civil Service” of Babylon, he was apparently not in the high position of leadership that he held under King Nebuchadnezzar. It would seem that Daniel had a bit more time on his hands than in earlier days, and we also know that Daniel has served for almost 70 years, probably in his 80’s, and God has a different task for him now. He will now receive from God, some of the most significant prophecies in all of scripture. In fact, you might call these prophecies of Daniel the ‘backbone’ in the skeleton of all Biblical prophecy. Upon these prophecies of Daniel hang every other prophecy in scripture, from Genesis to the Revelation!

Today in chapter 7, we find Daniel in the rule of Belshazzar, and he records for us the first dream that God sends to him. We’ll simply cover the elements of the dream today and then next week we’ll jump into the interpretation that Daniel receives and how it fits into the other prophetic scriptures that we want to consider!

“Daniel had a dream

and visions of his head upon his bed:

then he wrote the dream,

and told the sum of the matters.”

Daniel had this dream and he recorded it for us, yet Daniel was troubled by what he saw. He understood the words he heard but not the significance of what this dream would mean in the future:

“Hitherto is the end of the matter.

As for me Daniel,

my cogitations much troubled me,

and my countenance changed in me:

but I kept the matter in my heart.”   Daniel 7:28

So let’s take a look at the dream. I encourage you to make a list of all you learn about each beast in your own study this week, and then we’ll see how scripture unfolds next week. I’ll just list the major things from the passage above:

The four winds of heaven stirring up the sea—

Four diverse beasts come up out of the sea—

       The first-Like a lion–

              w/eagles wings-

plucked-

then lifted up—

made to stand up as a man—

given a man’s heart.

 A second-Like a bear—

 raised on one side—

 three ribs in it’s mouth—

 told to arise & devour/much flesh.

After this another—Like a leopard—

w/four wings of a fowl on it’s back—

 and four heads—

 dominion given to it.

After this a fourth—(unlike)

 dreadful and terrible—

 exceedingly strong—

 great iron teeth—

 it: devoured–

 broke in pieces—

 and stamped the residue with/feet—

  diverse from all/beasts before it—

  had ten horns—

  the ten horns—

 a little horn comes up—

 3 torn/roots up by the little horn—

 eyes like a man—

 mouth speaking great things.

Then Daniel beheld and:

the thrones were cast down (what thrones?)—

the Ancient of Days sits—

garment white as snow—

hair pure as wool—

HIS throne like a fiery flame—

HIS wheels as burning fire—

a fiery stream from before Him—

thousands minister to Him—

 millions stand before Him—

the judgment was set—

 the books were opened.

 Then Daniel beheld (like looking back?):

  the voice of the horn spoke—

 the beast was slain (which one?)—

 his body destroyed—

 given to the burning flame.

  the rest of the beasts—

  had their dominion taken away—

 lives prolonged for a season and time.

  Then Daniel beheld:

 One like the Son of man—

 came with clouds of heaven—

 came to the Ancient of Days—

 brought near to Him—

 given dominion—

 and glory—

 and a kingdom—

 That: all peoples–

and languages—

should serve HIM—

 His dominion:

 Is an everlasting dominion–

which shall NOT pass away—

will NOT be destroyed.

Whoa??? Is that a boat-load or what? A great deal of information, and I pray that you will ponder this week on what you observe in these verses. Pray as you read over them and ask God for understanding. We will see what the interpretation reveals to Daniel and to us next week, so please remember to keep the verses in their natural and normal context. Also don’t’ forget the historical relevance of where Daniel is, how he got there; who’s Word declared the circumstances that Daniel has endured.

In closing, where are you living? What difficulties are you facing? Is your God able to deliver YOU, or see YOU through the valley you may be in? We have observed in Daniel, a determination to faithfulness, a man whose confidence is in his God, not shaken in his circumstances! May we not forget that this man who is now in his later years, set his mind on God in his youth and has faithfully served his God through every valley and mountain experience of his long tenure in Babylon. Can the same be said of us? I pray that we will learn from Daniel how to reflect the character of our God.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8

A young man devoted to his God, knowledgeable of and dependent on Him! How about you? Do you know HIM? Are you depending on God or self? It’s your choice!!!

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said,

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever:

for wisdom and might are his:

21 And he changeth the times and the seasons:

he removeth kings,

and setteth up kings:

he giveth wisdom unto the wise,

and knowledge to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth the deep and secret things:

he knoweth what is in the darkness,

      and the light dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.” Daniel 2:19-23

Bible Ballistics: BBs #195 Rejoice In The Lord???

I’d just like to share a bit of encouragement for the weekend to lighten your burden and brighten your days. Sometimes we just need a boost to get through the week, and I pray that his will lift your eyes to the Lord and your heart to His faithfulness. I pray God’s blessings of grace, peace and truth to pervade your life each day. After all, our desire here at Bible Ballistics is to simply be God’s servant to call us all to grow in the knowledge of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Word of God.

Our prayer for you comes from Colossians 1:

“For this cause we also,

since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to desire

that ye might be filled

with the knowledge of his will

in all wisdom

and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy

of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might,

according to his glorious power, unto all patience

and longsuffering

with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image

of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”     Colossians 1:9-17

And as you “think on these things”, know that we pray these very things for you—each one of you. May you know “redemption through His blood”, and “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing”, rejoicing in all that we have in, through, by with and from Jesus, and His Father through His blessed Holy Spirit?

Here are a couple of reminders to rejoice.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm28:7

He’s here for YOU. Won’t you call on Him—and rejoice in HIM, because we have much to rejoice in:

“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. 17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.” Psalm 40:16-17

Only when we recognize our ‘spiritual poverty’ will we see His abundant provision for us in Jesus. And He promised to ‘be found’ of those who seek Him diligently—won’t you seek HIM today? He is faithful in every way—in His love, in His righteousness, in His mercy and grace, but also in His justice, for a day of judgment is coming. Won’t you choose to stand with God and His people through the blood of The Lord Jesus Christ? Then you can rejoice in HIM!!! Always!!!

“Rejoice in the Lord always:

and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:4-5

Won’t you join me in seeking to be known by our faithful hope and ‘rejoicing’ in the Lord? He alone is worthy of our praise!!!

“Let thy mercy,

O Lord,

be upon us,

according as we hope in thee.”    Psalm 33:22

Bible Ballistics: BBs #194 You Trust WHAT???

We here in America can’t escape the ‘political’ whoopla going on at every turn. Accusations, promises, threats and name-calling abound and many are swayed in one direction or another by the words, actions, advertisements and ugly pictures painted of each politicians own “personal” opponents! What has happened to reason and civility? We don’t have much of either around us today, but more than a lack of reason and civility, I think we have a deeper problem and I’d like to call people, and especially those who claim to follow Jesus, to take a deeper look at what we are doing. Where is our confidence? In the government? In the weatherman? In the economy? In the energy policies? In our border policies? In our moral policies? In our military strength and might? In our “RIGHTS”? Or in our “WRONGS”?

I think we need an attitude and focus adjustment—and only by God, His Word, His Son and His grace can we achieve that.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

It doesn’t matter whether you trust in “chariots….or horses”, the picture God is painting here, is that our confidence, to be sound, must be placed in HIM!!! While we live in a country that has historically recognized God as God, we now find ourselves living in a culture hostile to historical and biblical faith, be it the Jewish faith based on the Old Testament or the Christian faith based on the Bible (Old and New Testaments) and Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection as the promised Messiah and Redeemer for mankind! Many who claim the name of Jesus are calling God’s own people to trust in things other than God and His Son Jesus Christ. When will we realize that our only real security and confidence rests in our God? There is NO OTHER HOPE—-

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

It doesn’t matter whether you are an Independent, a Democrat, a Republican or of some other political persuasion—POLITICS WON’T SAVE US!!! Only God can change our circumstances, because contrary to the political jargon, only ‘changed’ hearts will produce a ‘changed’ people, who could then create a ‘changed’ environment! We must, must, must get our hearts and minds on the only true and sovereign solution to our broken families, our broken states, our broken nation, our broken world—and that is God and His Son Jesus Christ, and the Word of God that reveals what we need to know about HIM. Only Jesus can change a heart, and we must focus on Him and seek to share His truth—one person at a time!!!

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” 2 Peter 1:2-9

When we belong to Jesus, He gives us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness”, and we are to affect our world with the “life” and “godliness” that HE gives to all who come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS death, burial and resurrection “for our sin”!!! (See 1 Cor. 15:3-6) And the sad thing is, that today many have forgotten that each one must be “purged from his old sins”—many in ‘Christendom’ have forgotten that the issue IS SIN!!! We have also forgotten that we are called to grow in the “life” and “godliness” that Jesus puts into us by His Holy Spirit, which is given to each true believer, fulfilling HIS purpose for coming to the world. God with US!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23

Jesus came to save us from our sins!! And only Jesus can and does save us from our sin. BUT HE saves us from our sins to ‘life’ and ‘godliness’, which HE provides. Our confidence must be IN HIM!!! Please friends, get your eyes on Jesus, your minds into HIS Word, your hearts devoted to living for Him, and by HIM in all your ways. The government will never meet your needs! It’s not supposed to. Please seek the Lord in prayer and Bible reading and study that He might show you the way to go! That He may open your eyes to see truth and act accordingly! You can do it because Jesus has supplied all you need for living a godly life!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience;

and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.”   Romans 5:1-5

So??? What about us?

We can have victory in Jesus, no matter what the political scene looks like.

We can have the power to know and see with God’s perspective.

We are to be wise stewards of our citizenship and vote when we have the privilege, but with godly wisdom.

We must remember that our confidence isn’t in the politicians or the process BUT in our God!!! What are you trusting in? Jesus is coming soon. I want my eyes want to be on HIM!!! Because my heart is “fixed” on HIM!!!

Bible Ballistics: Courage To Live With Integrity!!! Vol. 6#18

Well here we are at Daniel chapter 6. A chapter that is chock full of powerful spiritual lessons that we often overlook because all we think about is the “lion’s den”. But this chapter and this man of God has so much more to say to us, I can’t wait for us to dig in. So, let’s go!!

Remember last week in chapter 5 we saw Belshazzar’s fall-literally! Daniel prophesied and saw his last night as king, as the Medes and Persians conquered the city and kingdom of Babylon as surely as Babylon had taken Jerusalem. And as a matter of fact by the same God’s sovereign control and prophecy of what HE would accomplish in Israel’s national life through Nebuchadnezzar first and now Cyrus and Darius.

“And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.”. Daniel 1:21

“Thus saith the Lord,

thy redeemer,

and he that formed thee from the womb,

I am the Lord that maketh all things;

that stretcheth forth the heavens alone;

that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars,

and maketh diviners mad;

that turneth wise men backward,

and maketh their knowledge foolish;

26 That confirmeth the word of his servant,

and performeth the counsel of his messengers;

that saith to Jerusalem,

Thou shalt be inhabited;

and to the cities of Judah,

Ye shall be built,

and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

27 That saith to the deep,

Be dry,

and I will dry up thy rivers:

28 That saith of Cyrus,

He is my shepherd,

and shall perform all my pleasure:

even saying to Jerusalem,

Thou shalt be built;

and to the temple,

Thy foundation shall be laid.” Isaiah 44:24-28

If you remember (if not go back and read it) chapter two identified the kingdom that would replace Babylon as a two-armed kingdom; weaker than Babylon but by God’s sovereign design they would rule the known world, and they would allow for His people to return to Jerusalem and Judah. And now we find Daniel serving in the Medo-Persian kingdom under Darius-the Mede (Who was co-ruler with Cyrus—the Persian). So now that we have a little background we’ll see what causes Daniel’s dilemma.

“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” Daniel 6:1-3

Here we find Daniel making the transition to a new regime, and God is still using and bringing Daniel into favor with the ‘powers that be’. Darius is a delegator and sets up 120 princes (satraps or governors), and 3 presidents (commissioners) over these 120 that “the king should have no damage”, in other words to keep down on the graft, greed and shady dealings of high officials! And once again we find Daniel at the top of the heap! In fact Daniel’s character and integrity is such that the king was considering setting Daniel over the whole realm. One of the things that we miss in this account is the fact that Daniel has already served some 70 years in the Babylonian ‘civil service’. Now if he was an older teenager at his transport to Babylon, and this is 70 years later—Daniel would be maybe 85-90 years old. A different perception than the old Sunday School pictures present. If you’ll think back to your childhood you probably remember a very “young” man pictured in that “lion’s den”! But the truth is Daniel is an older man, and one who has served his God with honor and integrity not in only his private life, but in all his public endeavors. So he must have been a really popular guy, right? WRONG!!! As Paul reinforces in the New Testament, serving God can often have a price.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Serving God with devotion, honor and total integrity will have a price tag—one that many are not willing to pay. I will do some things that others refuse to do, and I will refrain from doing some things that others find it completely acceptable to do. Righteousness and integrity can bring ridicule, resentment, jealousy and many other negative responses from others. What are we willing to endure to stand with God? What was Daniel willing to face?

“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom;

but they could find none occasion nor fault;

forasmuch as he was faithful,

neither was there any error or fault found in him.

5 Then said these men,

We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel,

except we find it against him

concerning the law of his God.”   Daniel 6:4-5

Talk about a ‘hostile’ work environment? Here is a man of such integrity that his co-workers and subordinates couldn’t find anything to charge him with. Now, we’re not talking about Daniel’s best friends glossing over his record, but his enemies who had surely combed through every record in his 70-year history of government service –and all to no avail!! While these men, who were so jealous of Daniel’s integrity, had no desire to seek to copy his integrity, they were set on removing him from their environment and getting him out of the king’s favor. What do we do when we deal with those kinds of people in our lives? Whether at work, or in our families, or in our social settings, or yes, even in our churches? Can people say of us, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God”, or do we get so caught up in the ways of the world that we find that we’ve been doing things that are less than honorable before God and men. Satan’s lies always sound good on the front end but the results:

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 16:25

Or have we learned that only God’s ways bring fulfillment and success (Spiritual success by God’s standard NOT man’s)? Daniel had made his choice many years earlier and he has stood by his commitment to God, regardless of the cost in the past, and I think he sees no need to change now. Even when people come against us, we can stand fast in our God, HE is trustworthy and faithful to direct our every step.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8

I think it’s entirely possible, even likely, that Daniel was familiar with these verses, because his life certainly reflected this same commitment to God. And when we look back to chapter 1, he had made his choice.

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8

May we ever learn to be men, women, boys and girls of the Word of God, and devotion to the God of the Word!!

“Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.” Daniel 6:6-9

 

Talk about a ‘snow job’—did they sell a bill of goods? Let’s examine this scenario:

They assembled together—WITHOUT DANIEL–

They devise a plot to trap Daniel—IN REGARD TO HIS GOD—

They then deceive the king—that “ALL” the leaders agreed on this plan (except Daniel, their victim)—

These enemies were so sure of Daniel’s character that they knew it was a fail-safe plan—EXCEPT FOR GOD—

While they put their plan into effect—Daniel’s God had a different plan—

And then………….

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed,

he went into his house;

and his windows being open in his chamber

toward Jerusalem,

he kneeled upon his knees three times a day,

and prayed,

and gave thanks before his God,

as he did aforetime.

11 Then these men assembled,

and found Daniel praying

and making supplication before his God.”   Daniel 6:10-11

Now Daniel wasn’t ‘born yesterday’, I have every confidence that he knew exactly what was going on. I think he knew about the plot, I think he knew about the jealousy, I think he knew their evil and selfish motives and that they were out to get him, yet his focus wasn’t on the trouble, but his eyes stayed on task and his trust in his GOD!!! What do we see him do? “Now when Daniel knew” that the law had been enacted, “he went into his house……… and prayed….. and gave thanks before his God”! But be sure not to miss the major phrase here, “as he did aforetime”! Daniel didn’t run to God in a panic! He didn’t start to pray in the crises! He didn’t even call his prayer group together! Daniel simply did what these men knew he would do, because it’s what he had always done—he went to his house and prayed to His God—toward Jerusalem—in front of an open window!!! Daniel simply did what he knew to do, what he had always done, what he was devoted to doing—HE PRAYED!!! He prayed to his GOD even though it was now illegal! How happy these men must have been—he has proven their plan a workable one. But they haven’t even considered the God that Daniel served. They think it’s all in the bag—but Daniel knew it was all in his GOD’s hands. The same God who provided for he and his friends in chapter 1 (Some 70 years ago) is still on His Throne! The same God who answered their prayers regarding the King’s dream in chapter 2 is still on His Throne! The same God who delivered his friends from the fiery furnace in chapter 3 is still on His Throne. The same God who humbled King Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4 is still on His Throne. And the same God who brought down Belshazzar by this new King IS STILL ON HIS THRONE!!! Do you get it? Daniel’s confidence in his God never wavered due to his circumstances, his crises, his prominence or lack thereof—Daniel knew his God. While Daniel had probably not yet received this Word from the Lord, I think it fits his situation, “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (See Dan. 11:32b)

“Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king’s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.” Daniel 6:12-13

The fat is now in the fire, so to speak. These fine upstanding public servants have snapped the trap shut on this “Daniel”, whom they so despise. Do you notice their method—so subtle!! O king, didn’t you….sign the law? O king, didn’t you…..make the irrevocable law? And when the king affirms the veracity of the law, they snap the trap—Daniel has violated YOUR law, O King—your favorite Daniel has disobeyed and disregarded YOUR law. But this King isn’t quite as erratic as Nebuchadnezzar was; instead when he realizes that he has ‘been had’, he is grieved:

“14 Then the king,

when he heard these words,

was sore displeased with himself,

and set his heart on Daniel

to deliver him:

and he laboured

till the going down of the sun

to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.”   Daniel 6:14-15

This King now regrets his ego that was so easily pumped up by these seemingly ‘interested’ servants, but who in reality were men with an agenda!!! Ever been taken? Been tricked into doing something that you didn’t think through? Well, that’s where Darius is! He is mad at himself, and works all day long to think of a way out………….   THEN along come his ‘interested’ servants, who probably gloatingly remind King Darius that his law is irrevocable, that he must follow through and cast Daniel into the den of lions. But as one of my favorite modern proverbs says, “Watch your words, and keep them sweet, you never know, which one’s you’ll eat”. I think these deceitful public servants are in for a surprise!

“Then the king commanded,

and they brought Daniel,

and cast him into the den of lions.

Now the king spake and said unto Daniel,

Thy God whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought,

and laid upon the mouth of the den;

and the king sealed it with his own signet,

and with the signet of his lords;

that the purpose might not be changed

concerning Daniel.

18 Then the king went to his palace,

and passed the night fasting:

neither were instruments of musick

brought before him:

and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning,

and went in haste unto the den of lions.”  Daniel 6:16-19

What a drama of amazement we see here. A pagan king so impressed with the elderly statesman of the God Almighty of all creation, that he was grieved to cause his punishment. Yet because of his hasty judgment, he had to follow through, but notice his confidence in not only this faithful man but also the God in whom his faith and devotion are placed. King Darius was caused by Daniel’s integrity and faithful service to make one of the most powerful declarations in all of scripture:

“Thy God whom thou servest continually,

he will deliver thee”

Unlike Nebuchadnezzar in chapter three who declared: “and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” We find Darius convinced of the power of Daniel’s God—I think as much in hope for deliverance from his own hasty actions, yet he did hope for Daniel’s vindication. He spent a sleepless night fasting and denying himself the pleasantries that he could have taken comfort in, and then “arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions”. But expecting what? Can you imagine the things that went through his mind? Could Daniel have a God who could control hungry lions? God this elderly statesman survive a night in a rugged den with ravenous wild lions circling him all night long? But God………..

“And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? 21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.” Daniel 6:20-24

Be careful whom you go after. God calls us to remember that “vengeance is mine, saith the Lord…..I will repay”! I guess these men hadn’t heard that message! The picture of the anxiety of Darius on his way to the lion’s den, a desperate man hoping in a God he didn’t really know, and yet not understanding how anyone could survive a night in that place! Can you hear that shaky, fearful, uncertain voice calling out to Daniel: “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” And we don’t need Paul Harvey to find out the rest of the story! Daniel answered powerfully and confidently that” My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” Daniel declared his own innocence and God has confirmed him before the king. What does our life confirm about our faith in God? What do others see in us? Are we the innocent or the guilty? Do our lives testify of the glory of God and our devotion to Him? Our have we allowed so much of the world to creep in that we are ineffective or even an embarrassment to our God, before the world? Remember what Paul tells us in Galatians 6:7:

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

What are you sowing? What kind of crop will our ‘seeds’ bring forth? Or will you find yourself on the side of those who are plotting against God and His own? There is a day of reckoning coming, and only those who have been washed in the “blood of the Lamb” will have ‘everlasting life’. My desire is to finish like Daniel. To be the instrument of God’s grace in the lives of those He places in my path. What did Daniel’s quiet, faithful testimony yield?

 “Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel:

for he is the living God,

and stedfast for ever,

and his kingdom that which shall not be    destroyed,

and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

27 He delivereth and rescueth,

and he worketh signs and wonders

in heaven and in earth,

who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”  Daniel 6:25-28

May our lives be this kind of testimony to the world. OUR GOD REIGNS!!! Won’t you learn to know Him through His Word? May you draw near to Him, that He may draw near to you—that is my prayer for each of YOU and myself!!!

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;

and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”   James 4:7