2007-04-15 - Daniel

Installment 46 ~ Chapter 5 ~ God's Graffiti

All this leads to two applications. First, we need to live in light of our own security. This week, I want you to think about why you are stressing over whatever it is that is shaking you. If someone is looking at your walk, will they see God? Will our confidence in Him encourage others to want this same confidence?

Keep in mind that the work is the Holy Spirit's. Nevertheless, we are often blessed in being His instrument. Consequently, the second point is: Not only are our lives to be testimonies, but so are our words. Like Daniel, we are to be history teachers. We are not to desire God's judgment, but we are to be exercising His compassion. Those around us will one day find that ...

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man" (Matthew 24:37-39).

Therefore, let us remember our calling, to tell others and live ourselves in the truth ...

" ... that God is the Most High. He is sovereign. He rules. The lesson is clear. Lest we "finish our years like a sigh" (Ps. 90:9) as Belshazzar did, let us pray; "So teacher us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12)." ⁹

"A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy....How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. But since you rejected me when I called, and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you" (Proverbs 29:1; 1:22-26).

⁹ Ferguson, Sinclair, Mastering the Old Testament, Vol. 19, "Daniel," Word Publishing, Dallas, TX, 1988, p.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org