"...yet you have not humbled yourself."
Daniel 5:22b
Daniel 5:22b
My Take Aways
Something Old:
I am holy, a holy possession of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am His Temple, His dwelling place. My role is too remain humble before the Lord not to think too highly of myself, learning from Belshazzar. He proudly defied the Lord of Heaven.
Something New:
Daniel 8:6
Gabriel instructed Daniel not to tell anyone about his dream. I wonder if he ever told anyone before it was published in the Bible.
Hebrew translation: shephel (shef-al')
abase, humble, put down, subdue
abase-to lower
humble-not proud or arrogant; to be humble though successful, courteously respectful
Subdue-
- conquer and bring into subjection (a person who is under the dominion or rule of a sovereign)
- to overpower by superior force; overcome
- to bring under mental or emotional control, render submissive
How do I proudly defy the Lord of Heaven?
8 Comments:
Good morning all,
I have some more maps for you. These relate to the vision in Chapter 7.
http://teachinghearts.org/dre00maps.html#babylon
And David Guzik has a good commentary on this vision as well:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=2&contentID=7792&commInfo=31&topic=Daniel&ar=Dan_7_1
I need to study further to fully internalize all that is here in these prophesies. They are multifaceted and rich in their meaning.
So on the surface, what immediately jumped our at me were the vision on "The Ancient One" on the throne prepared to judge in favor of His people. Other versions call God "The Ancient of Days". The imagery of Him on the Throne are also very deep.
*white hair and robe: eternal nature and purity of God
* Fiery throne: God's Glory and might; the heat of His anger
*wheels blazing with fire: perhaps symbolic of His endless activity
*river of fire from the throne: like the river from yesterday, this river also purifies, "in a refiner's fire", but it also, in contrast to the river yesterday, carries with it destructive power (pictured as a lake in Revelation).
If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20:15)
I thought this excerpt from Calvin was also worth noting here:
“We ought not to imagine God in his essence to be like any appearance to his own Prophet and other holy fathers, but he put on various appearances, according to man’s comprehension, to whom he wished to give some signs of his presence.” (Calvin).
Then there is the Son of Man; Jesus - Daniel 7:13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
Here is an excerpt from David Guzik: The title Son of Man was a favorite self-designation of Jesus, used more than 80 times in the gospels. He receives all dominion previously held by the beasts and His reign will be permanent.
As Wendy said, these visions are expanded in Revelation. But it is a balm to my soul to read that Jesus comes into the presence of the Father; that He is given honor, sovereignty and authority. That all the nations will obey Him, and that His Kingdom will be everlasting! Thanks be to God!
I hope you all have a good Tuesday!
Karen, Basel
Today we read about the vision of the future! So, much to internalize, like you said Karen (thank you for your post!) I decided to write my thoughts on the ‘terrifying beast.’
(antichrist) --- “this little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly” (Daniel 7:8). [the antichrist]
“The king will do as he pleases, He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined much take place” (11:36).
“He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is call God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thes. 2:4).
“The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blasphemy God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven (Rev. 13:5,6).
The antichrist, - “This fourth beast, so different from the others and so terrifying” (Daniel 7:19)
Characteristics:
“devoured and crushed its victims”
“trampling their remains beneath its feet”
“waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them”
“will rule the earth”
“it will be different from all the others”
“it will devour the whole world”
“oppress the holy people of the Most High”
*** “He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws”
“they will be placed under his control for a time”
But.
Look who is victorious: “the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him” (7:27). Praise the Lord! What a glorious time this will be! Satan knows the end is coming, that is why he remains ready to pounce, at any chance he has. He knows our weak spots. He works extremely hard keeping us busy, and focusing on things that do not have eternal purpose. Busy? Yes, too busy, to hear the quiet whispers that God is telling us.
My To Do: To read the Bible, to know it, so that when the antichrist arrives and ***changes the laws, I will not be tricked. To each day desire to be lead by God’s Word and the Holy spirit. Surround myself with Believers, like you all, that have the same heart that I do! Love…hugs…dear FIG! Lori
PS smile... my post was too long so i had to cut it in parts...
Thank you Wendy – lots to ponder over. I will say I have been noticing my “I”s –and to wonder now, about my “me’s & my’s!” I love how you brought out the benefits: knowing we are blessing out Heavenly Father, as we take out the credit of doing something.
PS Well, twin – we even think like twins, smile…luckily, or blessed I should say, all of our sermons are video-taped, and can easily be watched on-line! And, my boys do this if they have to miss.
Rhonda sweet-pea, (love that flower!) smile, from one sports mama to another. You know my heart. May Connor and Brady love the LORD our God, just as we do! May our faith be their faith. May they give God the glory thru the talents He has so clearly given them, and may satan not use these talents to draw them deeper into the world & away from their Father.
off to enjoy the peace that a walk brings! Love you all, Lori
Today's reading is beyond rich! According to Courson's commentary on Daniel 5, we see 2 prophecies, one from Isaiah and one from Jeremiah come true.
In Jeremiah 27:5-7, he states that Nebuchadnezzar's family reign will end with his grandson. "I have given King Neb his empire, the Lord declared. But in his son's son's day, it will end".
The 2nd prophecy fulfilled is found in Isaiah 45:1-4: Cyrus was the general who lead the Medo-Persian troops that entered Babylon and took the reins from Belshazzar. Cyrus wasn't born until 200 years after Isaiah wrote this; but God said it would happen and it did.
Don't ya just love when God's Words are connected?
Blessed Tuesday all
Morgen
The words written on the wall in Daniel 5 teach us three lessons:
1)God is sovereign and in control- I need to hand over the control I think I have in my life to Him,
2)Pride comes before a fall- with great power, comes great responsibility- how am I using the power the Lord has given me?,
3)God's kingdom will be enlarged- what am I doing to expand the kingdom of God?
Have a great Tuesday all.
Gaylene
Good Morning all...Just letting you all know I am still with you all. I am a bit behind on my reading but will catch up soon. We have moved my Dad up here from So. Cal and he seems happy in the new home we bought him...Glad he is here. Thank you for your grace in letting get back up to speed...
I remember Daniel from my Beth Moore study...loved it...Thank you, Karen for the links...I will check them out after work.
Wendy, I was wondering the same thing myself about keeping quiet about the vision...
God see's ALL!!! All will stand in judgement before Him...that is comforting considering all the evil things that have been done since the beginning of time...
See you all tomorrow
God Bless,
Sue
Wendy,
I listened to your vlog before going to bed last night. It was just what I needed to hear. Thank you for your faithfulness in recording the vlogs for us daily. It's hard enough to find a nugget sometimes but to have to film something everyday regardless of what is happening in your life - well, that takes dedication. I can't thank you enough.
Lori,
I'm hoping by the time antichrist comes into the picture, we'll be out of here.
Karen,
Thank you for the reference!
Morgen,
You saved me some typing time in citing Courson. The prophecies coming together proves the accuracy and divine authorship of our Bible.
Here is an interesting fact about Cyrus and how the bible anticipated this event:
"And, of course, this is the night that Babylon fell. Cyrus the Persian king, Medo-Persian king came in to conquer and that, of course, brings up another interesting prophecy in Isaiah, as he was prophesying the destruction of Babylon in which he names Cyrus, in chapter 44 of Isaiah, verse 28. "Then saith He of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd. He shall perform all My pleasure.' Even saying to Jerusalem, 'Thou shalt be built,' and to the temple, 'Thy foundation shall be laid.' Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held to subdue nations before him and I will loose the loins of kings." (Pastor Chuck Smith from blueletterbible)
Can you imagine how Cyrus must have felt when he saw his name and what he did mentioned, a hundred and fifty years before it happened? Chills!
May I ask for your prayers for the father of Leah, one of my son's friend from 4th grade? Her Dad's name is Doug. He was biking and had a heart attack. Someone found him laying on the road, unconscious. They don't know how long he was without oxygen to his brain. He is under heavy sedation and they are trying to get the fluid off his lungs before they can even deal with the heart issues. Leah is going back to college next week and she is torn. She doesn't want to leave her Daddy behind. Please pray for healing for Doug, wisdom for the doctors and peace for his wife, Susan, and kids Leah, Gabe and Benjamin.
Thank you.
Good evening, GIGs,
We were without internet here all day! My son finally, after many frustrating attempts, managed to get us reconnected. Thank you, Chuck!
Wendy, there was much food for thought in your teaching today about the I's, Me's and My's. It's very hard to have a peaceful life if we are always scrambling for recognition from others. And in many instances, it's frustratingly futile anyway! Life is more peaceful and simple when we keep our eyes on Him and just concern ourselves with obeying Him. Just the fact that I admit I am attempting to live this way shows me what a powerful change our Lord has made in me. I have spent over 50 years with a personality that craves attention and recognition, but I don't anymore. Thank you, Lord, and Wendy. This is one way you have both helped me to "experience the real meaning of free."
Elizabeth, thanks for checking in this weekend. You sound like you are enjoying your new job. I'm very happy for you!
Jessiiiiccccccaaaaaaaa, where aaarrrrreeeee you and how did your moooooove go?
I'm pooped and am headed to bed, but will "see" you all in the morning, hopefully with some decent comments on tomorrow's reading.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
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