What opportunities are tempting you? (89-1) ~ Barry Werner

What opportunities are tempting you? (89-1)

Leaders by their very nature tend to be people of action.

When given a chance to solve a problem that has been plaguing them or the opportunity to complete a task so they can move on to the next phase of a project, leaders generally take the necessary action to finish. Even godly leaders can fall into the trap of action at the moment of opportunity – even when that opportunity may violate other principles God has established in His Word. Leaders seeking to serve God take a moment to discern God’s will even in situations that call for instant action. Read 1 Samuel 26:5-11.

David had been anointed the future king of Israel by the prophet Samuel and through his exploits on the battlefield had great support among the people. Any reasonable leader would have assumed that any day now the Lord would put David in a situation to ascend to the throne.

Today’s passage in 1 Samuel brings us to the second David had a chance to take the throne – now. David could have killed Saul and forcefully become king of Israel. He and a fellow soldier were standing over a sleeping Saul, with spears in hand, and could easily have killed him while he slept.

The warrior with David saw this as an opportunity provided by God and was ready to take immediate action. David on the other hand discerned that God’s character is always consistent. God had established Saul as king of Israel and even David, a future anointed king, did not have the right to harm God’s anointed. Effective godly leaders do not alter elements of their character to grab a momentary victory. As David put it, “As surely as the Lord lives… the Lord Himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed.”

What opportunities are tempting you to take actions that may not be godly? Have you discerned how your action would potentially affect your relationship with God?

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Jesus Prepares Himself for the Cross in Prayer ~ WOW the 7 minute Bible

Jesus Prepares Himself for the Cross in Prayer

John 17; Mark 14:26-42; Psalm 110:1-3; Proverbs 20:6

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

"I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

"Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

'I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.'
"But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."
Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."

Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."

But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"

And they all said likewise.

Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch."

He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will."

Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.

Then He came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand."

John 17; Mark 14:26-42

WORSHIP

The LORD said to my Lord,
"Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."
The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!
Your people shall be volunteers
In the day of Your power;
In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning,
You have the dew of Your youth.
Psalm 110:1-3

WISDOM

Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,
But who can find a faithful man?
Proverbs 20:6

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Just say yes ~ Mark Balmer

Based on “Under HIS Influence - Yes, Lord” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 10/3-4/09,

Message #MB391; Daily Devotional #3 - “Just Say Yes”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Flo, a friend of my sister’s, recently came to visit her for a couple of weeks. In talking with my sister, she realized that she needed the power of the Holy Spirit to enable her to be an effective witness for Christ. She went forward after a Sunday morning service and asked for prayer to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. She left shortly thereafter to visit a friend with a terminal illness. Flo witnessed to this friend, called my sister for some key verses, and led her friend to the Lord. My sister sent her friend a Bible, and Flo helped her to find a church family where she could worship and grow in the Lord. One person opened her house to a friend, who opened her heart to the Spirit and led another person to accept Christ. Three people said, “Yes,” to God. How many lives will be impacted by this no one knows.

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Pastor Mark challenged us to make it a practice to start every day by telling God, “Yes, Lord,” to everything He asks of us. Our first, natural response to this challenge might be, “No!” Stepping out in faith always involves risk, and that impacts our comfort zone. Some of us are so wrapped up in our own comfort that we are willing to say, “No,” to God to preserve it. But, if we believe that our all knowing God loves us with the purest of love and has a perfect plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11), then we must believe that, “Yes, Lord,” is the only response we should have. When we say, “Yes,” to God we open the door for His Spirit to work through us in ways we could never imagine. For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13) He gives us the desire, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit, to work for Him. We can trust God to lead us where He has already been preparing for the work He has for us. As Philip reached the Ethiopian eunuch in the desert, he found the man open and responsive to the Gospel. (Acts 8:30-38). One man’s obedience resulted in another man’s acceptance of Christ. Again, how many lives were impacted by this, only God knows.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): God is not interested in our comfort; He is interested in our obedience. There is no limit to what He can accomplish through a heart that is willing. Take the challenge. Say, “Yes, Lord,” and experience the joy of the plan He has for your life.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): James 2:17; John 10:3-4

The voice of conscience ~ Raul Ries

“This being so, I myself always strive to have a concise without

offense toward God and men.”

Acts 24:16

God gave us a conscience and this conscience reflects the basis of God’s law- what is right and what is wrong. The more we resist God and the pricking of our conscience, the less conscience we will have. I’m afraid there are many Christians with half a conscience.

The Internal Revenue Service received the following letter from a conscience- stricken taxpayer: “Dear Sir: My conscience bothered me. Here is $175, which I owe in back taxes.” There was a P.S. at the bottom that read: “If my conscience still bothers me, I’ll send the rest.”

Thought for the Day:

Conscience is like a sundial. When the truth of God shines on it,
it points the right way.

The necessity of hope ~Jon Courson

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-3

In the first verse of his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul had commended their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope. Here, in his second letter, he commends only their faith and love.

Why?

No longer living for the Second Coming of Christ, they had lost their hope. Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love (I Corinthians 13:13) — however, all three elements are essential because it is faith and hope which allow us to love.

How?

Hung up by my past sins, I’d be too ashamed to love. But faith tells me my past sins and failures were totally cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Worried about the future, I’d be too afraid to love. But hope tells me He’s coming again, so there’s no need to fear the future.

Who do you trust? ~ David McGee

2 Kings 18:19

"Then the Rabshakeh said to them, "Say now to Hezekiah, 'Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria:"What confidence is this in which you trust?"
NKJV

Life Lesson

We should know who or what we are trusting in. We should trust in the Lord alone.

It is very easy to begin trusting in the 'things' of this world because of the subtle way they steal our attention away from God. It is because of this subtle infiltration of worldly things that every Christian should take the time to evaluate themselves. Is there something that you give a larger role in your life than God? Has your focus become a kaleidoscope of 'things' preventing you from clearly focusing on serving God? If so, you had better confess to God and turn your gaze toward Him before the subtle deception of accumulation leaves you trusting in the stuff instead of God. Otherwise, there will come a day when you will find yourself spiritually and possibly physically famished.

Dear Father,
Thank You for Your love. Lord, forgive me for the times I have placed my focus on the 'things' in my life rather than You. Give me the discernment and wisdom to see the deception in things of this world and keep my eyes fixed upon You. I surrender everything to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Jesus our ultimate example of faith's results ~ Bob Hoekstra

"The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary…The Lord God has opened My ear…I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed." (Isaiah 50:4-7)

In our previous prophetic verses, we saw that the promised Servant of the Lord would undertake His Messianic mission through faith in His heavenly Father. "My God shall be My strength" (Isaiah 49:5). These verses depicted Jesus as the ultimate example of faith. Now, a corresponding prophetic passage reveals the blessed consequences of trusting in the Lord. Herein, we see Jesus as the ultimate example of faith's results.

Once again, the prophetic parties are the Messiah and His heavenly Father. The confessions of Jesus (trusting in the Father) comprise the prophetic statements. "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned." Jesus was "discipled" day by day by the Father (certainly using, in part, His godly parents). "The Lord God has opened My ear." This equipped Jesus to minister to burdened lives: "that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary." In fact, people were amazed in general at the manner in which He spoke. "So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth" (Luke 4:22).

As Jesus would trust in the Father, He would also be prepared for the mounting difficulties that He would face. "I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting." In approaching the cross, these prophecies of Jesus (and the enablement He found through depending upon the Father) were fulfilled. "Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands" (Matthew 26:67). Though He knew all of this awaited Him before He came to Jerusalem that last time, He put His faith in the Father. "For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed." The Father helped Him. He marched on resolutely to keep His redemption appointment at the cross. "Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51). These are the wonderful consequences of faith.

Father, Your Son, my Savior, was prepared, strengthened, sustained, and used through faith in You. I need to experience these same blessed results of faith in my life. Please build my faith, more and more, for Your glory and service, Amen.

Can you keep a secret? ~ Chuck Swindoll

Romans 1:21-32

Be honest now, can you keep a secret? When privileged information passes through one of the gates of your senses, does it remain within the walls of your mind, or is it only a matter of time before a leak occurs? Do you respect a person's trust or ignore it, either instantly or ultimately?

The longer I live, the more I realize the scarcity of people who can be fully trusted with confidential information. And the longer I live, the more I value those rare souls who fall into that category! As a matter of fact, if I were asked to list the essential characteristics that mark a person of integrity and trust, the ability to maintain confidences would rank very near the top.

A portion of the physician's Hippocratic Oath comes to mind: "And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession . . . if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets."

We would be justly offended by a doctor who treated our "holy secrets" lightly. The same applies to a minister or an attorney, a counselor or a parent, a teacher or a secretary, a colleague or a friend. Especially a close friend.

Solomon wrote some strong words concerning this subject in his Proverbs. Listen to his wise counsel and remember it the next time you are tempted to run off at the mouth:

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (10:19)
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. (11:13)
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (13:3)
He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip. (20:19)

In light of these scriptural admonitions, I suggest we establish four practical ground rules:

1. Whatever you're told in confidence, do not repeat.
2. Whenever you're tempted to tell a secret, do not yield.
3. Whomever you're talking about, do not gossip.
4. However you're prone to disagree, do not slander.

Be honest now, can you keep a secret? Prove it.

A confidence kept gives others confidence in you.

Come as a child ~ Mike MacIntosh

Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10:16 I like the personal way in which Jesus cares for these children. First, He "took them up." This is such a wonderful phrase to describe the tenderness and compassion that Jesus shows. He didn't just pat little Johnny on the head and say, "You're such a fine young man." No. He took the time to carefully lift the children onto Himself, to embrace them, and to give them a big hug. You see, Jesus has time for you. He is never too busy to take care of your needs. Remember it was Peter who said to cast you cares upon Him and He will care for you (1 Peter 5:7). He is interested in every detail of your life and He wants to be a part of it. Second, He "put His hands on them." He held them and spent time with them. Jesus is a hands-on guy. Imagine what it must have been like for that young girl or boy to be in the arms of Jesus Christ. I can imagine that they told stories of this event to their kids and grandkids when they got older. I bet they were great witnesses of the Gospel. That's what happens when Jesus gets a hold of us and shows us His tenderness and His love. And lastly, Jesus blessed them. Wow, what an honor to be held in the arms of the King of kings and Lord of lords, to be the focus of His attention, and to be blessed by Him! You know, that is exactly what Jesus wants to do for you today. Have you ever let Jesus pick you up? Are you too big and macho, or too stubborn and strong-willed, or too independent for Jesus to reach down and care for you? Don't try to do life on your own, without His loving care. He wants to personally meet every need you have, and He wants to bless you.

An unlikely prophecy ~ Bob Coy

Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."-Genesis 12:1-3 (NKJV)

Look at the last verse again: "And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." You can't get any grander than that! Imagine how this promise, which was also a prophecy, must have been received by Abram (Abraham). Further reading reveals that he and his wife, Sarah, had been barren and were well beyond their childbearing years.

There was no son, no heir, no successor to carry Abraham' s line into the future. By all natural accounts, he was the end of the line, and the end wasn't too far off. How in the world could he ever be a blessing to all the families of the earth?

He couldn't, according to the ways of the world. But because this prophecy came from heaven it could be, would be, must be fulfilled. It was simply a matter of time before it came to pass, and it was fulfilled when God blessed Abraham and Sarah with a son in their old age. They named him Isaac, which means laughter, because it was laughable that they should have a child at this stage in their lives. Isaac carried on Abraham's line, which produced the nation of Israel, from which came the Messiah and through whom all the families of the earth are blessed (Galatians 3:16).

God's prophecies were often given under the most unlikely conditions so that their fulfillment could not be credited to natural or worldly means. Rather, God could receive all the glory because they could only come as a result of His heavenly handiwork.

Discuss with your group what made God’s prophecy in Genesis 12:1–3 so difficult to believe. How would you have responded if you had been Abram?

Dig into Genesis 12:1–3. What prophetic promises are made here? What were the implications for Abraham? When has God done something unlikely in your own life? What lesson did you learn from this?

Decide to commit to obedience. Determine what may stand in the way of your own obedience. Define some practical ways you can encourage each other to overcome these obstacles and walk in obedience. Take time to pray together about obeying God’s calling in your life.

The blessing of obedience ~ Greg Laurie

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
— Acts 9:17


One can understand the reticence of Ananias, the follower of Christ whom God instructed to go and visit Saul within days of his conversion. Saul of Tarsus, after all, was the hunter of believers, the killer of Christians.

Ananias even questioned the idea: "But Lord, I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name" (Acts 9:13–14).

But God told him, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake" (verses 15–16).

There will be times when God will put a burden on your heart to approach a certain person, say a specific thing, or go to a particular place. You have a choice in the matter. You can either go or not go. When God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, he got up and went in the opposite direction. Ananias, however, did what God told him to do.

You can be a Jonah or you can be an Ananias. You can go where God tells you to go or you can refuse. You can go and receive the blessing or you can refuse to go and miss it.

You are where you are right now for such a time as this (see Esther 4:14). God may ask you to do something that you feel hesitant to do. But if He tells you to go, then you should go. And if you choose not to, God will get the job done anyway—but you will miss out on the blessing of obeying Him.

Speaking through tragedy ~ Charles Stanley

Numbers 21:4-9

Although we never like to admit it, God will at times use even tragedy to shake us out of self-centeredness or some other misguided attitude. Unexpected hardship often brings with it a season of intense clarity, as the Lord strips away something meaningful to us in order to refocus our minds on Him.

We see this clearly in Numbers 21:4-9. Here, we once again find the Israelites complaining. God had directed them to take the long way out of Mount Hor so as to avoid the Edomites. However, the people became impatient by the longer journey. And in turn, they began to grumble and complain about Moses and God Himself. They had turned their minds away from the Lord, who therefore needed to get their attention once again.

It is interesting that God decided not to do so through blessing or another great, miraculous sign. After all, the Israelites had seen Him move in this way time and time again. Instead, God sent poisonous snakes into the camp, causing the death of many people.

What was their response? They immediately confessed their sin and asked Moses to intercede for them to the Lord. Though it was a costly lesson for their community, this act got their attention.

Speaking through tragedy is an intensely personal way in which God communicates with His people. While we cannot presume to know what He's trying to tell others through their heartaches, we should meet our own hardships by looking for His divine purpose and instruction.

The Spirit of Peace ~ Joyce Meyer

But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to say will be given you in that very hour and moment, for it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
— Matthew 10:19-20

Do you realize how much peace can be ours if we will just stop trying to figure out in advance everything we need to say and do in every situation we face in life?

If you are like me, you wear yourself out trying to prepare yourself for every situation you are likely to run into in the future. You try to plan and rehearse every word you are going to speak in every interview and conversation.

Jesus is telling us here that we don't have to do that. He is telling us to trust all that to the Holy Spirit Who will guide us and direct us.

When we do have to make hard decisions or solve complicated problems or confront difficult people, the Holy Spirit will decide the proper time and the best approach. He will give us the right words to say.

Until then, we don't need to bother ourselves with it. If we will listen to what the Lord is telling us here in this passage, not only will we have more peace, but we will also enjoy more success. Because when we do have to speak, what comes out of our mouth will be spiritual wisdom from God and not something that we have come up with out of our own carnal mind.

The cure for the broken heart ~ Kay Arthur

It’s broken. I am hurting. I am frustrated. I feel like everything is over. People have told me, “Be calm. Be peaceful.” I can’t because my life is broken. I feel like I am absolutely ruined, and I don’t know any way to cure it. O Beloved, listen, there’s a balm in Gilead, and we’ll talk about it today.

When you look at the United States of America, and you take a good close look, what do you see? I see brokenness. I see homes that are broken. I see lives that are broken. I see relationships that are broken. I see dreams that are shattered. I see people just falling apart, young people just ruining their lives, getting involved in things that are going to hold them captive. I look at our society, Beloved, and I think “Oh we are so broken.” Deception results in brokenness. Deception doesn’t bring healing. It brings destruction. And this is what we’re looking at this week.

We’re looking at Jeremiah 7, 8 and 9. We’re seeing what happens when a people hold fast to deceit, when they trust in empty things like thinking that because the temple of the Lord is here in Jerusalem we’re gonna be all right, because we’ve got the law of God, we’re going to be all right. We’ve got the Torah. It’s gonna be all right.

No, it’s not. It’s not going to be all right if you’re not all right. And when I’m talking about you being all right, I’m talking about you being righteous, being full of lovingkindness, being just, amending your ways and living according to the precepts of God, [according to every word that comes out of the mouth of God]. (PARAPHRASE, Matthew 4:4) These people were broken because they did not know the ordinance of the Lord. They didn’t know the Lord. And so we come to Jeremiah chapter 8, verse 11 where I left off. It says “„They heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially…..” (Jeremiah 8:11)

Who is this? It’s the prophets. It’s the priests. It’s those that are supposed to be ministering the Word of God, ministering truth, speaking for God, telling the people what God has to say because they don’t have their own copy of the Word of God. They’ve got to hear it from someone. The scribes are giving them a lie. And they think that they’re wise, and they’re not. And so he says “„They heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially, saying “Peace, peace,” but there is no peace..” (Jeremiah 8:11)

I mean the prophets were going around prophesying falsely. His people loved it. And they were saying ah, “Peace, peace. God’s, God’s not gonna judge this country. The temple is here. We’ve got the law of God. We’re God’s chosen people. God’s not going to judge us.”

Oh, God was. He had been judging them, but the severity, the climatic judgment had not yet come yet. And when you look at this and you compare it to chapter 6, verse 14, you find out, hey, he said this word for word in another message in chapter 6, in verse 14, this is what he says. He says, “„They have healed the brokenness of [the daughter of] My people superficially, saying, “Peace, peace,” but there is no peace..” (Jeremiah 6:14) They say it, but it’s not deep. It’s not inside. It’s not a comfort. It’s not a balm.

Go back to chapter 8, verse 12. “„Were they ashamed because of the abomination [that] they had done? They…were not ashamed…..” (Jeremiah 8:12) They would be shamed because they would not be ashamed. Do you understand? When you’re not ashamed, and you’re doing something wrong it’s going to lead to eventually you being shamed. I mean you hear people confess all the time, “I’m ashamed I did that. I’m ashamed that I forgot to declare that on my income tax. I’m ashamed that I lied. I’m ashamed that I smoked the marijuana. I’m ashamed that I was unfaithful. I’m ashamed that I had this affair with another man. I’m ashamed of that.”

But listen, if they don’t say, “I’m ashamed,” if they don’t call it what God calls it then they’re going to be shamed because they’re not dealing with the heart of the matter. He says, “„Were they ashamed because of the abomination they had done? They…were [certainly] not ashamed…they [didn’t even] know how to blush…..” It did not even bother them. “„…Therefore …..” When you find a “therefore” find out what the “therefore” is there for. “„…[Therefore they] shall fall among those who fall; at the time of their punishment they shall be brought down,. says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 8:12)

Now if you are studying along with me, you have gone to our website “preceptsforlife.com,” and you have studied along with me, you already have the text marked. We’ve already told you that “therefore” is a term of conclusion. I mark it with three red dots in the shape of a triangle. And when I see it I know, hey, he’s concluding something. He summarizing something. He’s letting us know, and what he’s letting us know is this that deception leads to a fall, that deception leads to judgment. Deception leads to brokenness. Deception leads to shame. And deception leads to a fall.

So He goes on to say in verse “„…at the time of their punishment they [will] be brought down,. says the LORD. „I will surely snatch them away,. declares the LORD; „there will be no grapes on the vine…no figs on the fig tree…the [leaves] will wither; and what I have given them will pass away.. Why are we sitting still? Assemble yourselves…let us go to the fortified cities….”

Okay, all right, this is the way it is. I can’t do anything about it. Take me to the fortified cities. Let me perish there. It’s over. “…[the LORD]…has doomed us and [He’s] given us poisoned water to drink….” (Jeremiah 8:12-14) We might as well go, God’s doomed us. He’s given us poisoned water to drink.

God’s saying, “Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I’ve been calling to you “Return, return to Me. Return to Me. You forsook Me. Come back. I’ll take you back. I’ll heal your brokenness. I will, if you’ll just return to Me.” He says now, “We waited for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror! From Dan is heard the snorting of his horses; at the sound of the neighing of his stallions the whole land quakes….” (Jeremiah 8:15-16) What is he saying?

We know evil’s coming from the north. We know that evil is coming down right upon them and down from the north as it came from Assyria and now it is eventually. He hasn’t mentioned who it is yet, but it’s going to come from Babylon. It’s going to come down. It says “We can hear the neighing of his stallions. We can hear them as they lift their heads, as they snort into the wind, we can hear it.” Here are a people that do not fight on horses. These are people that don’t have a cavalry. And a cavalry is coming, charging down against them. And this is what it says, “…For they come [to] …devour the land and its fullness, the city and its inhabitants.” (Jeremiah 8:16)
Beloved, when you choose to be deceived, when you refuse truth what happens is it leads to judgment. It leads to a brokenness. It leads to a bondage. And this is what he’s saying. “…They [have] come [to] devour the land and its fullness….” (Jeremiah 8:16) It leads to a land that is devoured, that is just absolutely consumed. He says, “„For behold…,.” and God is speaking, “„…I am sending serpents against you, adders, [and] …there [will] be no charm…..” Those, those snakes and adders are going to come up and you’re not going to be able to play your music and send it back into it’s basket. It says, “„…[There will be no charm,] and they will bite you,.
declares the LORD.”

Listen to Jeremiah. “My sorrow is beyond healing, [my sorrow is beyond healing] my heart is faint within me!” (Jeremiah 8:17-18) He sees, he knows what is coming. He’s the spokesman of the Lord. He’s faithfully delivered the message. He hasn’t been dismayed by their faces, and he knows that God told him in Jeremiah chapter 1, “„…I [will watch] over My word to perform it..” (Jeremiah 1:12) It’s going to happen.

And so he says, “Behold, listen! The cry of the daughter of my people from a distant land: „Is [not] the LORD…in Zion? Is her King not within her? Why have they [forsaken] Me with their graven images, with foreign idols?.” God’s there to help them. Why did they turn away from the living God? Why did they turn to these idols, these foreign idols that are made with hands?

And then he says, “„Harvest is past, summer is ended, and we are not saved.. For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken….” Jeremiah’s looking at them. He’s looking at their future. He’s looking at what’s happening. He’s looking at their brokenness and he says, “[For the brokenness of the daughter of my people, I’m dismayed, I’m broken;] I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? [Then why] has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?” (Jeremiah 8:19-22)

There is healing. There is healing for brokenness, and His name is Jehovah-Rapha. We’ll talk about it more, and you don’t want to miss it.

Years ago, I looked at people that were so broken, that were hurting so bad. I would teach them, and then they would come and they would tell me about the sexual abuse that they endured, about the rejection and many times they hadn’t told anyone else. And my heart just ached for them. And I saw them going from counselor to counselor to counselor getting all this psychology, and it wasn’t helping. And one day as I was reading Jeremiah, I came across this verse, Jeremiah chapter 8, verse 21 and 22. “For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am broken; I mourn, dismay has taken hold of me.” I’m dismayed. Why am I dismayed? Why am I floored? I’m floored, he says, because, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no [great] physician [is there no physician] there…?”

And he says, “Yes!” The implication is, hey there is a balm in Gilead. There is a great physician there. And so then he asks the question, well “…Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?” (Jeremiah 8:21-22)

There is a balm in Gilead. There is a great physician. Do you know what the great physician’s name is? Jehovah-Rapha, it’s the name of the Lord. As I was thinking about all this, I thought about Psalm 107, verse 20. “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from [all] their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20)

I remembered as we would travel because every year without fail, we take people to Israel and we teach them the Word of God. And one of my favorite drives is to leave the Galilee, to come down to the very southern end of the Sea of Galilee, and to start down that road that runs parallel with the Jordan River. You look across and there’s a fence there because Jordan is on the other side. But you see the most lush valley. You see green everywhere, and you know that that’s Gilead, in Genesis and you might want to write this down, 37:25 and write down Ezekiel 27:17, talks about the balm of Gilead. (See Ezekiel 28:17)

And what I want us to see is in verse 25 of Genesis 37 it says, “Then they sat down to eat a meal….” And it’s talking about when they take Joseph, and they put him in a pit. And then they’re going to sell him to passers by. Who did they sell him to?

It says, “…As they raised their eyes and looked, behold, a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing aromatic gum and balm and myrrh, on their way to bring them down to Egypt.” (Genesis 37:25) They had gone up to Gilead to get, among other things, among the myrrh and that, the balm, the healing substance that they would take down to Egypt.
And when they took the healing substance they took the man that would be the source of healing even for Egypt, which was Joseph. Of course, Joseph didn’t know it, and his brothers didn’t know it. But he would be the restorer. He would be the healer.

So Jeremiah is dismayed because people do not have to be broken. Well as I studied all that, then I went and I stayed in the home of Ruth Hunt, who was married to H.L. Hunt who was an incredibly, one of the most wealthy men in the whole world. He had two wives going, and they didn’t know it. And June’s a good friend of mine. And I would suggest that you get her book on forgiveness and read her story. And you’ll read about the healing that can come to a broken, broken family.

But as I stayed in this mansion, it was like Mount Vernon. And I stayed there. And I was up in the bedroom, and I was going to speak at Dr. Criswell’s church, First Baptist in Dallas, Texas, God began to give me the beginning of a book now that you can get. It’s called, “Lord, Heal My Hurts.”

And I began to study the Word of God, and I saw, hey, there’s no hurt, no wound that God cannot heal. There is a balm in Gilead. It’s the Word of God. And there is a physician there, and His name is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord God that heals. So if you want health, you can have it. I would suggest that you get the book. We start out in the book of Jeremiah, and you go through it. And you cry, “Heal me, oh Lord, and I shall be healed.” That’s from Jeremiah, and we’ll study it later.

Well, he’s looking at the brokenness of the daughter of his people. He’s looking at the fact that there’s healing, and they’re not being healed. And he says, “Oh…,” and this is Jeremiah and you color these pronouns here orange. “[Oh] that my head were waters [that] my eyes [were] a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” He says, “Oh that I had in the desert a wayfarers. lodge…that I might leave my people [that I might] go from them…!”

He says, “…All of them are adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.” (Jeremiah 9:1-2) And he’s not just talking about spiritual adultery. Because as we saw last week they are trooping to the harlot’s house, these are a people that are supposed to be moral. God has said to them that they should not covet another person’s wife and their wives are being taken by other men. (See Exodus 20:17) He says, they “…are adulterers…,” they are “…an assembly of treacherous men.” (Jeremiah 9:2)

When people are deceived, when people walk their own way they become very, very treacherous. You look at it. You look at Hitler. You look at Mussolini. You look at Stalin. You look at Lenin. You look at the leaders of China. They’re treacherous, treacherous men in their history that have done brutal things. You look at the head of North Korea. You look at this. He says they’re, “…treacherous men. „They bend their tongue like [a] …bow…..” It says and “„…Lies and not truth prevail in the land…..” So their tongue comes and it shoots the arrows of lies into people’s hearts. He says, “„…They proceed from evil to evil…..” It says, “„…They do not know Me…..” (Jeremiah 9:3-4)

Now one of the key things, the preventative for deception is to know God, to know Him intimately, to know Him as He is. That’s how this chapter ends. And that’s how we’re going to end it.

But He says “„…They do not know Me…..” And because they do not know Him, “„Let everyone be on guard against his neighbor…do not trust any brother; because every [one] deals craftily…..” It says, “„…And every neighbor goes about as a slanderer..” (Jeremiah 9:4)

I mean they’re in your house, and they’re talking nice about you. And then they’re out in the streets, and they’re among others, and they’re cutting you down. And they’re saying, “Oh, let me tell you this.” He says, “You can’t trust anyone.” This is a people that have rejected the knowledge of God. This is a people that have forsaken the fountain of living waters. This is a people that are self-destructing. Why?

Listen to this. “„Everyone deceives his neighbor and does not speak the truth…..” They do not know the truth. “„…They have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity..” (Jeremiah 9:5) They are just plumb worn out, because of all the sin that they’re involved in. O Beloved, they’re broken, and they need healing. And there is a balm in Gilead.

Twitter Proverbs from Rick Warren

• I'll follow anyone attending Catalyst 09 who lets me know you're there.Send me your favorite insights.Praying for u #CAT09about 6 hours ago from web

• For every book on serving,there's a 100 written on leading.Which have u read more of & what does that tell u? Matt20:26about 12 hours ago from web

• I hate missing Catalyst this yr.I believe in Next Gen & I'm praying for u! Please tweet me the best insights u hear.#CAT09about 17 hours ago from web

• True success:Having those who know me best,respect me most.“I will lead a life of integrity in my own home” Psalm101:2(LB)about 17 hours ago from web

• Paul's last request:Bring my books! 2Tim4:13 In Dec-begin a wkly webcast on essential books.Began mylibrary@16. 20,000vols11:26 PM Oct 6th from web

• Show me ur library& I'll predict ur future in ministry.Cant build without tools! I buy used hardback instead of new pb.11:07 PM Oct 6th from web

• WorshipWars arent new.Benjamin Keach wrote "A Breach Repaired" in1691 His controversial innovation? Congregational sInging!6:02 PM Oct 6th from web

• @Ann Dunagan- AMEN Rick! God isn't Republican, Democrat- or even American! His heart is for the WHOLE WORLD & HIS KINGDOM!10:44 AM Oct 6th from web

• Joshua:"Are you for us or for our enemies?" Angel:"NEITHER! I'm commander of God's army"Josh5:14 Pastors cant be partisans!10:38 AM Oct 6th from web

• Balance ur preaching:“Edification,Exhortation & Comfort”1Cor.14:3 BUILD UP(doctrinal)FIRE UP(motivational)HOLD UP(pastoral)12:29 AM Oct 6th from web

• 95% of criticism is caused by envy, ego, or erroneous info.The 3rd is usually motivated by first 2. James3:16=why confusion12:00 PM Oct 5th from web

• RT @carlester I'm reading & studying Purpose Driven Life over the next 40 days. Do you know anyone who wants to join me?11:17 PM Oct 4th from web

• If u look at the world,u'll be depressed.If u look within, u'll be distressed.If u look at Christ,u'll be at rest.-CTenBoom5:02 PM Oct 4th from web

• People tend to believe the parts of the Bible they like & ignore/deny what doesnt fit their system.U cant box in God!2:17 PM Oct 4th from web

• Sex is far more than a physical connection.You give yourself.Tell teens they don't make a condom to protect your heart.10:06 AM Oct 4th from web

• http://twitpic.com/k388k - How'd you like to have this usher greeting at your services?7:35 AM Oct 3rd from TwitPic

• Seminary teaches u to THINK & learn essential tools u dont know u need yet. Just beware "Knowledge puffs up"1Cor.8:1 I7:25 AM Oct 3rd from web

• Kingdom-minded leaders give children's & student ministry PRIORITY "...They ARE the kingdom of God!"-Jesus. Love Next Gen!7:14 AM Oct 3rd from web

• it takes about 10yrs of local church pastoring to lose the arrogance u pick up in seminary,otherwise u likely wont lose it.9:55 PM Oct 2nd from web

• "The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns.Enemies flee!This one thing I know:God is for me!" Psalm 56:9 LB3:58 PM Oct 2nd from web

Everlasting life or shame ~ Bob Caldwell

Daniel 11:1-12:13

Everlasting Life or Shame—Which Do You Cause?

Daniel 12:2-3 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.

The writings of Daniel stand out in the scriptures as one of the primary proofs of the divine inspiration of scripture. With great detail, we are given prophetic declarations of the events that will follow the rise of the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. No other literature upon the Earth has within it such an amazing number of prophetic statements that have been fulfilled in human history. Every skeptic, and even believers, would be astonished if they took the time to discover all the links between biblical prophecy and recorded history. It is because of this consistent accuracy in the fulfillment of prophecy that the remaining prophecies can be approached with such complete confidence. An example of this is in Daniel 12:1-3.

At the end of the age, when Christ returns to set up His promised Kingdom on Earth, all whose names are written in the Book of Life will be given a resurrected body like Christ's and eternal life that culminates in a completely new world and universe (1 Cor. 15:1-58, Rev. 19:1-22). The former things of a cursed and sinful world will be both forgotten and completely removed. All things will be new. Bliss will become our unending pleasure.

Tragically, there is also promised an unending, everlasting existence of shame for those who have rejected the offer of life eternal from God in Christ. This insane choice of pride against God will result in each one's own self-hatred and shame. This prophecy ends with a hope and honor reserved for those who give themselves to bring others to the righteousness found only in God and that through Christ gives us eternal life with its amazing bliss. All will be fully, perfectly right.

God's promised eternal reality points us to the glory of His grace and love. It is not God's desire that any person, not even one, would suffer eternal shame and alienation from all that Heaven will be. But He also makes it perfectly clear that the offer to turn to God and His righteousness is the personal responsibility of each one of us (John 1:12).

The prophecies given to Daniel are more sure than the eyes you are using to read this sentence. Therefore, live in light of God's ordained purposes in this fallen world and for the world to come and you can be assured that you will possess every prophetic promise of God.

NJKV BIBLE TEXT

Daniel 11:1-12:13

1 "Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him.) 2 And now I will tell you the truth: Behold, three more kings will arise in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than them all; by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. 4 And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for others besides these.

Warring Kings of North and South

5 "Also the king of the South shall become strong, as well as one of his princes; and he shall gain power over him and have dominion. His dominion shall be a great dominion. 6 And at the end of some years they shall join forces, for the daughter of the king of the South shall go to the king of the North to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the power of her authority, and neither he nor his authority shall stand; but she shall be given up, with those who brought her, and with him who begot her, and with him who strengthened her in those times. 7 But from a branch of her roots one shall arise in his place, who shall come with an army, enter the fortress of the king of the North, and deal with them and prevail. 8 And he shall also carry their gods captive to Egypt, with their princesand their precious articles of silver and gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the North.

9 "Also the king of the North shall come to the kingdom of the king of the South, but shall return to his own land. 10 However his sons shall stir up strife, and assemble a multitude of great forces; and one shall certainly come and overwhelm and pass through; then he shall return to his fortress and stir up strife.

11 "And the king of the South shall be moved with rage, and go out and fight with him, with the king of the North, who shall muster a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into the hand of his enemy. 12 When he has taken away the multitude, his heart will be lifted up; and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail. 13 For the king of the North will return and muster a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come at the end of some years with a great army and much equipment.

14 "Now in those times many shall rise up against the king of the South. Also, violent men of your people shall exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they shall fall. 15 So the king of the North shall come and build a siege mound, and take a fortified city; and the forces of the South shall not withstand him. Even his choice troops shall have no strength to resist. 16 But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one shall stand against him. He shall stand in the Glorious Land with destruction in his power.

17 "He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do. And he shall give him the daughter of women to destroy it; but she shall not stand with him, or be for him. 18 After this he shall turn his face to the coastlands, and shall take many. But a ruler shall bring the reproach against them to an end; and with the reproach removed, he shall turn back on him. 19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fortress of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

20 "There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle. 21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.

25 "He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. 28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land.

The Northern King's Blasphemies

29 "At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage.

"So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. 32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.

36 "Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.
The Northern King's Conquests

40 "At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. 44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.

Daniel 12

Prophecy of the End Time

1 "At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book.

2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting life,
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.

3 Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.

4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

5 Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?"

7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.

8 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "My lord, what shall be the end of these things?"

9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.

11 "And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.

13 "But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days."

STUDY NOTES

Daniel 11:1-12:13

v. 1 I even I ? Although still not calling himself by name, this angelic being seems to be identifying himself as Gabriel by asserting that he had strengthened Daniel earlier during the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, which was recorded in 9:21.The rest of this chapter is a continuation of the previous one and involves a series of prophecies about events that would follow for the next 350 years regarding the nation of Israel. These events have been fulfilled and can be identified with historical events.

v. 2 Three more kings ? Three more kings will arise in Persia after Cyrus. These are Cambyses his son, Smerdis his brother, and Darius his nephew, who would expand the boarders of Persia to a great extent. This Darius is not the Darius the Mede mentioned in earlier chapters.
Fourth ? The fourth in the line of the kings of Persia was a man called Xerxes by the Greeks and Ahasuerus by the Hebrews. This king is the husband of Esther and was notorious for organizing a million-man army for the invasion of Greece. In spite of far superior numbers and vastly surpassing the Greeks in resources and technology, a confederacy of Greek city-states ultimately defeated Xerxes and forced him to return to Persia.

v. 3 Then ? About 130 years will pass after the death of Xerxes before the arising of Alexander the Great.

Mighty king?great dominion ? This is referring to Alexander the Great, who will ultimately invade Persia and take control of the Middle East. His kingdom will extend all the way from Greece to India. He would die from a sudden illness.

v. 4 Broken up?toward the four winds of heaven ? See study notes for Daniel 7:24 and 8:8.

Not among his posterity ? Alexander's kingdom did not pass to his son, who was assassinated by one of his generals, but was divided up among his military advisors.

Nor according to his dominion ? These successor states were not as powerful as Alexander's nor did they control as much territory.

v. 5 Also ? In what follows, the vision will focus on the two empires that bordered Israel. These two empires would struggle for control of the Holy Land during the 170 years that followed Alexander's death in 323 BC and culminated in Israel reclaiming its independence in 165 BC. The South is referring to the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt which bordered Israel to the south and the "North" is referring to the Seleucid kingdom of Syria which was to the north of the Holy Land.

King of the South ? Ptolemy Soter, one of Alexander's generals, emerged from the wars for imperial control by gaining control over Egypt.
One of his princes ? This probably refers to Seleucas Nicator, who would eventually gain control of the Middle East. Initially his kingdom was the weaker of the two, but he would grow in power until he surpassed Ptolemy.

v. 6 Some years ? This chapter rushes through various historical events and surges forward 40 years. It is important to keep in mind that the terms "King of the South" are referring to different kings of the Ptolemaic line and not to any one particular individual. The "Kings of the North" are referring to those of the Seleucid line.

Daughter ? This is Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy II, who married Antiochus II, grandson of Seleucas in the hopes of establishing an alliance between these two empires.
She shall not retain power ? Ultimately, Antiochus, Berenice, and their infant son would be murdered by Antiochus's first wife and the alliance ended.

He nor his authority shall stand ? Berenice's father Ptolemy II would die in the same year as his daughter.

v. 7 Branch from her roots ? After her husband was murdered but before she died, Berenice asked her brother Ptolemy III to intervene militarily and ensure that her son would become the next king of Seleucia, but the child was killed before he came of age. Her brother was able to take the capital city of Antioch but it was eventually recovered by Seleucas II.
v. 9 Come?return ? Seleucas II attempted an invasion of Egypt, but failed in his attempt and was forced to return home.
v. 10 His sons ? Seleucas Ceraunas and Antiochus III. The next 9 verses will deal with the deeds of Antiochus III who is also called the Great. He is considered important in the context of Daniel's vision, because he would ultimately wrest control of Israel from the hands of the Ptolemies and put it under the control of the Seleucids.

Overwhelm?pass through?stir up strife ? This is speaking of Antiochus' victories against the Egyptians.

v. 11 South ? Ptolemy IV Philopater, who would fight many battles with Antiochus III

Muster a great multitude ? Both men had large armies, but this refers to Antiochus' army.
Given into the hand ? Antiochus would be defeated by Ptolemy at the battle of Raphia.

v. 12 He ? This is speaking of Ptolemy IV.

Lifted up ? He acted arrogantly and, thinking he had won the war, entered a life of luxury. There is also a tradition that says that he forced his way into the Holy of Holies at this time, as Israel was still under his control.
Cast down tens of thousands ? This may refer to people from Antiochus's army that Ptolemy had killed.
v. 13 Return and muster a multitude ? Antiochus, who escaped the previous battle with his life, would reorganize his army and come back to fight Ptolemy.

Muster ? to summon or assemble troops
v. 14 Many rise up against ? An alliance would be formed between Antiochus and Phillip the king of Macedon to fight against Ptolemy.
King of the South ? Ptolemy V Epiphanies
Your people ? Israelites

Exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision ? During the ongoing conflict between the Ptolemies and Seleucids, some of the more violent, warlike Jews will try to take advantage of this opportunity to secure their independence. The angel is telling Daniel that they will use his prophecy about their independence as their motivator for rebelling. Because Daniel is going to prophecy that the Jews will gain their freedom, these people try to jump the gun and obtain it before the time appointed in the vision.

They shall fall ? They'll fail in their attempt to gain control.

v. 15 Not withstand ? The armies of Egypt will fall to Antiochus who will continue to increase his territorial control.

v. 16 He shall do according to his will ? Antiochus III

Glorious land ? This is a reference to Israel. Israel would fall under the control of the Seleucids during the reign of Antiochus III.

v. 17 Strength?upright ones ? The phrase "upright ones" seems to be mistranslated. This passage is saying that Antiochus wanted to march towards Egypt with his full force, but, because the Romans were the special protectors of Egypt, he did not want to invade, and instead sought to bring favorable terms of peace. Upright ones should have been translated as "equitable terms of peace."
Daughter of women ? Antiochus will seek to gain control of the Ptolemaic empire through intrigue, by fashioning a false alliance between himself and Ptolemy V through marriage. Thus, Antiochus gave his daughter Cleopatra to be the wife of Ptolemy.

To destroy it ? to destroy the kingdom from within
She shall not stand with him ? In the end, Cleopatra will end up siding with her husband against her father.
v. 18 Coastlands ? In his attempts to expand his empire, Antiochus would turn to the islands and coastlands of the eastern Mediterranean.

Ruler ? This is referring to Scipio Asiaticus, who was a Roman nobleman that drove Antiochus out of the region.
v. 19 Face toward the fortress ? After losing to Scipio, Antiochus would return to the protective confines of his own country.
Stumble and fall, and not be found ? Oddly, in an attempt to steal money from the Temple of Jupiter, Antiochus was killed by a mob of his own people.
v. 20 One who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom ? Seleucas IV, the son of Antiochus, levied excessive taxes on Israel and seized those funds when they didn't pay.

Few days ? His reign would not last long. This is not literal, it is a litote: a figure of speech that understates a situation in order to produce the desired effect.

Not in anger or in battle ? Seleucas IV would ultimately be poisoned. Although we are not certain who did it, his brother Antiochus IV has always been suspected.

v. 21 Vile Person ? Antiochus IV called himself Epiphanies, meaning bringer of light, a title that implied he was a god, but was called Epimanes by his subjects, a word meaning "insane." This man is one of the chief subjects of the book of Daniel. He is spoken of extensively in both chapters 7 and 8. He is the wicked person who operates under a demonic power and from whom the Jews would eventually win their independence in battle.

Honor of royalty ? As his nephew was the rightful heir to the throne, his people did not recognize his right to rule.

Peaceably ? Or quietly. In other words, he would not gain control through force of arms, but through intrigue.

v. 22 Force of a flood ? After gaining control of his own kingdom, he will begin invading the surrounding nations and attempting to expand his kingdom as his father had before him.

Prince of the covenant ? This is a difficult term to interpret, but is usually taken as referring to the King of Egypt who was supposed to be allied to Antiochus through a covenant.

v. 23 League ? the peace accord between Antiochus and Ptolemy

Deceitfully ? Antiochus will invade Egypt while ostensibly being at peace with them.

v. 24 Peaceably ? He entered Egypt making overt gestures of peace, saying that he had no wicked intentions, but would seize every opportunity to take control of the various cities of Egypt.

Devise plans against the strongholds ? While taking the defenseless cities through a pretense of peace, he would begin to plan military operations to take control of the better fortified cities of Egypt.

v. 25 Stir up?with a great army ? Finally, Antiochus IV would invade Egypt openly. This was one of several times that he invaded Egypt: each with a varying degree of success.

King of the South ? Ptolemy VI

He shall not stand ? He would be defeated in several battles by Antiochus. At this time, Antiochus took control of Egypt and took the king captive.

v. 26 Eat the portion of his delicacies ? close family and friends that shared in the king's meal with him

Shall destroy him ? Ptolemy is reputed to have made disastrous wartime decisions that were based on bad advice given by his counselors. These advisors purposely thwarted his plans, giving Antiochus the victory.

v. 27 Speak lies at the same table ? As Ptolemy was under the control of Antiochus, he was treated well and allowed to eat at the same table with him. Both men put on the guise of seeking an alliance, but each one sought to destroy the other.

Not prosper?appointed time ? The schemes of these men would not succeed. They each had a role to play that would be determined by God and their roles would be fulfilled at the appointed time.

v. 28 Returning to his own land ? leaving Egypt after the wars
Against the Holy Covenant ? He would begin to persecute Jews that worshipped Yahweh faithfully according to the Law of Moses. Antiochus wanted to force Greek culture and language on the Jews.

v. 29 Return ? Later he would march back to Egypt bent on taking more territory.

Not like the former ? He would not be successful as in former times.

v. 30 Cyprus ? Technically, this is an island to the southwest of Turkey, but was commonly used to speak of the westernmost lands, as Israel had not had much contact with the west as of this time. In this case, Cyprus is referring to Rome. Daniel would have been ignorant of Rome at this time.

Ships ? An entourage of Roman senators sailed to Egypt to warn Antiochus to go back to his own country and leave Egypt alone.

Grieved ? Without striking one blow against any Roman, Antiochus would be humiliated in front of his own army by a team of Roman senators.

Returned in rage against the Holy Covenant ? Fearing reprisals at the hands of the Roman armies should he take his anger out on the senators or the Egyptians, Antiochus decided to vent his anger against the Jews as he was on his way back to Antioch.
Regard for those who forsake the holy covenant ? As stated before, Antiochus hated Judaism and demanded that Jews adopt Greek style, dress, language, and religion. Those that did as he desired were favored and put into positions of honor. Even the high priest himself fit this description and was placed into his position by Antiochus.

v. 31 Forces mustered ? He would organize an army to come into the city and seize control of the Temple of God.

Defile the sanctuary ? He would set up a statue of himself as Zeus in the Holy of Holies of the Temple of Yahweh.

Daily sacrifices ? He put an end to the daily routine of sacrifices offered according to the Law of Moses.

Place there the abomination of desolation ? This occurred when he ordered that pig, which is considered an unclean animal according to Jewish law, sacrificed on the altar in honor of himself and Zeus.

Wickedly?flattery ? Many of the Jewish people fell right in line with Antiochus's regimen and they would be nicely compensated by him for doing so.
People who know their God?great exploits ? Those faithful to God and His Law would flee to the mountains and stage a revolt against Antiochus and his armies. This revolt was led by a national hero named Judah Maccabee, who was aided by his entire family. These men would engage in guerrilla-style warfare (hit-and-run tactics) and accomplish many surprising victories against Antiochus.
v. 33 Instruct ? The Maccabees would teach warfare to the people that came to them and would prepare them to fight and survive.

Fall ? Initially, the Maccabees would suffer defeats

v. 34 Many shall join ? As their numbers grew they would gain more success in battle and morale would rise.

Intrigue ? Some faithful Jews stayed in the cities and used their positions to undermine Antiochus through trickery and deceit.
v. 35 Fall?refine?purify?make white ? Many died during this time and Daniel is being comforted in knowing that ultimately they would end up in heaven. They would not lose their reward even though they might not take part in Israel's independence.

v. 36 Magnify himself above every god ? Antiochus will come to consider himself to be a god in the flesh and will demand to be worshipped by his subjects.

v. 37 God of his fathers ? He came to the point where he didn't even respect the Greek gods, but saw himself as the only god worthy of worship.

Desire of women ? This seems to mean that he fell into many different forms of sexual perversions.

v. 39 Divide the land for gain ? This seems to say that he would divide the Holy Land up and give it to his followers for a price.
v. 40 At the time of the end ? This does not mean the end of time altogether, but only the end of this particular epoch in history. It must be said, however, that there is not enough information in the historical records to give a full account of what is described in verses 40-45, but it does seem to describe one final invasion of Egypt with several victories along the way for Antiochus. We do know, however, that the Maccabees won their revolt and their freedom from Antiochus, who ultimately died in battle in Persia.

Daniel 12

v. 1 At that time ? The previous chapter speaks of events that were prophetic from Daniel's standpoint, but which are in the ancient past from ours, whereas chapter 12 seems to fast forward in human history and speak of events unfolding at the end of time. This is not altogether uncommon, as prophecies often fast forward through history. This has happened several times in the previous chapters.

Time of trouble ? This refers to the Great Tribulation period: that final seven-year period mentioned in Daniel 9, during which God will finish His work with the Jewish nation.

You people will be delivered ? As many of these prophecies have dealt with temporal benefits to the nation of Israel, discussing their freedom from slavery and oppression in Babylon and Greece, this chapter, as with chapter 9, points to the final salvation that will be given to God's people in eternity.

Written in the book ? This surely refers to the Lamb's Book of Life, in which are written the names of all those that have placed faith in Jesus Christ. (Rev. 13:8, 20:12)

v. 2 Sleep in the dust ? The Scriptures teach that the soul of the believer goes to be with the Lord upon his death (Phil. 1:23), while the soul of the unbeliever goes to a sort of holding place, commonly called Hades (Luke 16:19-30). The bodies of the deceased return to the dust from whence they came. On the last day, at the judgment, our souls will be reunited with our re-created bodies (1 Cor. 15). This is why we are said to "sleep in the dust." Our bodies do indeed return to the dust, and are awakened at the last day.

Everlasting life ? Those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will have resurrected bodies and will live on the New Earth with the Lord forever (Rev. 21-22).

Everlasting shame?contempt ? Those whose names are not written therein are destined for eternal separation from God in hell (Rev. 20:13-15).

v. 3 Shine ? This speaks of the great glory that God's people will receive in the New Heaven and Earth.

Turn many to righteousness ? Those that turn people to Jesus Christ will be greatly blessed eternally.

v. 4 Shut up the words and seal the book ? It was not the time for people to understand Daniel's visions. Many of the things written therein could only be understood after certain prophecies had been fulfilled.

v. 7 Time, times, and half a time ? This is generally regarded as a 3½-year period and is usually interpreted as referring to the second half of the Great Tribulation, which will mark the greatest of sorrows for the Jewish nation, but will end with its ultimate redemption.

Power of the holy people has been completely shattered ? When the tribulation is complete, the judgments have been poured out on the world, and the Israelite nation has endured all its hardships to the end, then the time for resurrection will have arrived.

v. 9 Sealed till the time of the end ? Not even Daniel understood his visions when he received them. We understand them much better now looking back on history, and as things continue to unfold today, we understand them even better, but we won't have complete understanding until the final time is upon us.
v. 10 None of the wicked shall understand ? The wicked won't understand the importance of the words spoken here to Daniel. They will continue in their wickedness and won't comprehend that there is a future implication to their actions.
The wise shall ? Those who are wise will be purified, made white, and refined.

v. 11 1290 ? This seems to say that from the time of the setting up of the abomination of desolation there would be 1,290 days till the end. The end of the world obviously didn't happen with Antiochus's abomination, which means that there must be a dual fulfillment. The assumption is that the Antichrist will perform the same kinds of deeds that Antiochus did.

v. 12 1335 ? Much of what is being communicated in this chapter is meant to be sealed. It does not seem as though it's supposed to be understood yet.

PRAYER FOCUS

"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever." –Daniel 12:2-3

Let us not fail to forget, Jesus, the significance of what is on the line for those who do not believe in You as Savior. Rid our minds of the thought that there is always more time to pray for others and to share You. We know not when each life will end, so we pray to reach out and make opportunities to share You and Your salvation with those who do not know You.