November 28, 2015

NOVEMBER 28

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Daniel 5

One of the reasons that God has put the stories of so many people in the Bible is for us to learn from them. In a way that only God would dare, He shows us their faith and their failures. At times, like with David, He shows us things in great detail. God does this expecting us to learn from them. Put another way, God really, really expects us to learn and be warned by what He shows us from those who lived before us.

Nebuchadnezzar’s life became an open book to the world, that Yahweh and His people were to be respected. It’s time to see who learned and who didn’t.

After Neb, the Babylonian Empire declined through murders and weak rulers. Finally, Nabonidus became king and reigned for the last 17 years of the empire. He actually left the city of Babylon to rule from another city further north. He appointed his son, Belshazzar, to rule in Babylon as a co-regent. So Babylon had two rulers.

We will see from the coming chapters, that Daniel lost his position in the palace when Nebuchadnezzar died. Two of the later chapters mention Daniel during the years of Belshazzar, and in one of those chapters, Daniel seems to be in the Persian capital of Susa, apparently working as a diplomat. If that was the case, God perfectly designed this “demotion” of Daniel. As a result, Daniel most likely knew both Cyrus and Darius, the coming rulers of the Persian Empire.

As Babylon was falling apart, the Persian Empire was going though its own growing pains. The young Cyrus wanted to expand Persia, but was held back by his grandfather who ruled in Assyria. A member of the royal family of the Medes, a general named Darius, sided with Cyrus and together they launched a civil war. Darius was an older man and was apparently highly respected. It seems that Cyrus and Darius agreed to co-rule Persia. Well, the civil war went so well that they decided to go against Babylon. Nabonidus was an absentee ruler and Belshazzar was really not a ruler at all. Persia began devouring Babylon. All of the diplomatic ties were cut and the city of Babylon began to become a small, lonely island.

The night of this chapter is the last night of the Babylonian Empire. Darius was working to take the city, having already captured Nabonidus. Belshazzar didn’t know that yet. The city had massive walls and enough supplies to endure a 20-year siege. Now we’ll look at what Belshazzar, this military genius and leader of the people, decided to do to stop the Persian attack on the city of Babylon.

Vs. 1-4 Belshazzar drank wine in front of them and tasted the wine. In other words, he got roaring drunk. At some point, probably recounting the victories of Babylon, he ordered those cups and vessels to be brought out that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem. We read about Neb taking these in chapter 1. Then they praised the gods represented by the precious metals.

Vs. 5-6 This was a visible hand and finger, and the writing was inscribed into the plaster of the wall. The king’s reaction might hint that he knew what he had done and that it wasn't smart.

Vs. 7-9 Now we see another crisis and another failed attempt by the wise men of Babylon. The king’s offer of being the third ruler in the kingdom was right, except that he didn’t know that Nabonidus had already been dethroned and captured.

Vs. 10-12 The actual genealogy of Belshazzar is hard to understand. It appears that he might not have had a clear blood tie to Nebuchadnezzar, but Neb is referred to as his father meaning he was his successor. I’ve read elsewhere that Belshazzar was a grandson and that the queen mother was one of Nebuchadnezzar’s wives, probably his queen. If this woman was Neb's queen, she was Persian. We just don’t have enough records to know. But this woman knew about Daniel. According to her, Daniel had to have been indwelt by the spirit of the holy gods. How else could he know what he knew? The excellent spirit describes Daniel’s attitude and heart. Not everyone who is an exile and a slave and demoted, etc., has an excellent spirit as a result of the Spirit. Daniel was a disciple.

Vs. 13-16 Notice that Daniel is still referred to as a Jewish exile. Since you know that the exile of the Jews lasted 70 years, and now with the Persians coming, you can imagine that Cyrus will soon be sending the Jews back to Jerusalem as God foretold, you can add up some years. If Daniel was taken when he was 16, that would make him about 86 now. Sometimes when you wake up old people they get grumpy. As Daniel walked in, having served all the years of Nebuchadnezzar, I’m sure he was disgusted to see what was happening. The empire had crumbled and this night was the cherry on top. Also, Daniel recognized the vessels of gold from the temple in Jerusalem.

Vs. 17-23 This is a very strong section of Scripture. Notice that while Daniel is respectful in turning down the riches and the offer to rule, there is a tone of acknowledging the foolishness of this evening.

What do you think is the key verse in this section? God expected Belshazzar to have learned from all He had done to Nebuchadnezzar. I would choose v. 22.

Vs. 24-28 Measured, measured, weighed and wanting, your kingdom is divided among the Medes and the Persians. Notice the writing was inscribed. It was not invisible/disappearing ink. It was written into the ballroom wall. That little observation might have a big impact.

V. 29 This is a very interesting and sad verse. In every chapter since chapter 2, we have had a pagan king worshiping God. I know this isn’t worship, but it sure feels like Belshazzar is saying that Daniel and God are right, and that he was a fool. Ordering Daniel to be given these things was his humble admission of guilt. Belshazzar was tested on what God had done with Nebuchadnezzar, and got an “F-.” He was measured and found wanting.

Understand what has just happened here: Daniel, the 86-year-old Jewish exile, has been made a ruler of the Babylonian Empire. A proclamation was made in the still uncaptured city.

V. 30 Later that evening, Darius entered the city practically without resistance. He captured and killed Belshazzar. At that moment, Daniel was the sole ruler of the Babylonian Empire. In a moment of time, God took Daniel from a place of forgotten obscurity, to being the wisest and sole ruler of the Babylonian Empire. It might look like this is dubbing someone the captain of a sinking ship, but God was on the move at the right time, to rescue His people and to show them grace. God was still bending the nations to His will. In Daniel’s years of obscurity after the death of Nebuchadnezzar, God was strategically positioning Daniel to save His people and begin their journey back to Jerusalem. What an amazing God and Savior.

Here are some thoughts for tomorrow. Why is it important that Darius was 62 years old. So what? Why didn’t Darius kill Daniel? You always killed the top rulers of a nation when you took it over. Do you think Darius was told what had happened that night? Was there any proof other than Daniel's new clothes and royal necklace? Keep all of this in mind when you begin reading chapter 6. There are reasons why the following events and a new crisis situation will develop.

2 Peter 2

Vs. 1-3 Peter and the Spirit are not holding back talking about the false teachers that are rising up in the church. Harry Ironside is credited with the saying, “Where there’s light, there’s bugs.” It sounds funny, but when it comes to teachers who create dissension in the church, there is nothing funny. It is terrible to see very good and godly people get drawn into bitterness or into something false. This is why elders have to know the Lord, know the Word and be committed disciple makers, passing on a passion for the Word. If you understand Ephesians 4:12-16, you see that disciple-making not only brings maturity in Christ, but is a protection against false teachers and deception.

Peter mentions four things in this section that result in the rise of false teachers. Take a minute to identify these. The bottom line is that the work of a church in the harvest is lost and Jesus is held up to ridicule.

Vs. 4-10 To get what Peter is saying here, notice the “if – then” structure. There are lots of “ifs,” but the “then” doesn’t come until v. 9. Highlight if, and when you get to the then, notice that it has two parts, a positive and a negative.

V. 4 This is the first if, and a very interesting verse. If you look at Genesis 6:1-5, you will find that the sons of God saw the daughters of man and mated with them. These sons of God are fallen angels. I don’t understand it, but it wasn’t good. That we know of, no other demons are bound. These are a special group. It would be nice if they all were bound, but this particular group violated something that God had forbidden. I’m not sure how it worked, but it increased evil in the world and it deepened the rebellion against God, and God stopped it. If you think of what demons said to Jesus, you can see that they were still afraid of being judged as God had judged those angels back in Genesis 6.

Notice that all of these “ifs” are chronological. So what you see in Genesis 6 is correct. This action by these angels preceded the flood.

Vs. 10-16 Peter and the Spirit are on a roll.

It is hard to boil down all of these descriptions, but look to see what themes you find in this section. A couple of things stand out to me.

First, these teachers have no real spiritual understanding, but play with spiritual things, like a drunk juggling knives. They get hurt and don’t really understand the powers they are dealing with. Remember that Jesus said it would be possible to use His name and to perform signs and still to be lost. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matt. 7:21-23) Never means never. Jesus never knew them. They didn't lose their salvation. They never had it from the beginning.

Second, they are in the company of believers. They are at the feasts. They are accursed children. Worst of all, they are like Balaam, who for the sake of money gave spiritual insight to the enemy, to the king of Moab, showing him how to bring God’s wrath on Israel. Paul told Timothy (2 Tim. 3:5) and the Romans (Rom. 16:17) to avoid these kind of people. They were to be disciplined and put out of the fellowship, but not to be argued with.

Vs. 17-22 These people promise freedom, but are themselves slaves. Worse than that, it appears that some of them might be saved; but they have twisted the truth so much, that they’ve shipwrecked their faith and warped their understanding. They will be permanently damaged on earth, only to be saved as through fire.

And in the meantime, they cause unbelievers to scoff and they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. (Rom. 16:18 RSV)

Romans 16:17-18, - I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Again, this is why you are in the Word, so that as you follow the Lord in the harvest, those you bring to Christ, and those who become disciples, will be firmly rooted in the Word and in following Christ in the harvest.

Psalm 119:113-128

As you see how David depended on the Word, find in each verse a concern on David’s mind. For example, in v. 113 David was concerned with those who were shaky in their loyalties, or in their promise to help him. But rather than worry about them, he found the faithfulness and firmness he needed in God and His law. That’s a good lesson for all of us. David was a very distressed individual. What would he have done without God and His Word?

Vs. 113-120 The double-minded are the problem here. This is very interesting since we are reading something like this in 2 Peter regarding the false teachers. They were kind of following God, but not following God. Notice v. 115. That sounds a lot like Matthew 7:23. The judgment that David feared in v. 120 would be that same judgment of fire and the revealing of the heart. This judgment would reveal those who truly loved God and His Word and those who were merely there to enjoy the benefits, using godliness as a means of gain.

Vs. 121-128 The first two verses define David's concern in this section. He had powerful, hypocritical, religious-sounding enemies. Yet David was true to God, following the Word. To honor God and honor the Word, David had spared Saul's life twice. Still, David had moments he feared for his life, or feared that he himself would be put to shame for having such trust in God and His Word.

David longed for everything he had read about in God's Word. God's promises cannot fail and His steadfast love never ends. You might want to listen to “Your Love Never Fails,” by Chris Quilala / Jesus Culture.

Proverbs 28:19-20

V. 19 It is interesting to read this. I like the “p’s” at the end and the play on the word plenty. Actually, I was just reading the parable of the man who built the barns in Luke 12:21. God says it is worthless to lay up treasure for yourself and not be rich toward Him.

V. 20 Why the punishment? But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (1 Tim. 6:9) They punish themselves.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link ^{http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/.} If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a complete description of this model of being and making disciples you can find it in my book:  Simply Disciples*Making Disciples.   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011WJIDQA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to ^{dgkachikis@gmail.com.}

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go to ^{https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes.} You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

November 27, 2015

NOVEMBER 27

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Daniel 4

This chapter is one surprising, amazing chapter. Who says there is no love and grace in the Old Testament? We get to see God conclude His education of Nebuchadnezzar. Not only was this God’s mercy to Neb, but in it, though it is still years away, God is paving the way for His people to return to Jerusalem by preparing the nations. That was also love and mercy for Israel. What we will read today was world news.

Vs. 1-3 So, to whom is this letter written? Since the reference to the peoples of the earth is general, it looks like Nebuchadnezzar is writing this to everyone. There were lots of nations outside of his control to the north, west, and east. It is very likely that there were trade and diplomatic relationships with some of these countries, like India, for example. Notice how the scope of the event and the communication of the event have increased in these past three chapters.

V. 3 We have the same question reading this that the original readers would have had, “What in the world happened to Neb?” And you and I would have another question, “Did he become a believer?”

Vs. 4-9 Nebuchadnezzar was having another bad dream and personal crisis, compliments of God. Notice that although Daniel doesn’t show up right away, he was still the head of magicians and wise guys. Either Daniel wasn’t on duty, or Neb didn’t think he needed Daniel for this “run-of-the-mill” malfunction.

Vs. 8-9 We’ll have to compare these words with Neb’s final words.

Vs. 10-26 This is the dream and its interpretation and it is pretty straightforward. I just have three comments. First, the seven periods were seven years. Second, the goal of this discipline on Neb is clearly stated in v. 25. Third, it is interesting that God is taking this kind of care to mold and teach Nebuchadnezzar. This isn’t to say that God didn’t give other kings lots of lessons and signs to get their attention. The kings of the northern kingdom of Israel saw miracles like crazy from Elijah and Elisha. So what is the difference? Besides the fact that Neb was a Gentile, he responded positively to God.

V. 27 If Nebuchadnezzar had listened, he could have avoided this.

Vs. 28-33 God gave Neb time to repent, an entire year.

Nebuchadnezzar ruled for 43 years and, like Solomon, did a lot of building. Apparently he was finished. One of those things he built was a wonder of the world. Since he will be out of it for seven years, I’d suggest this happened sometime around the 30^th year of his reign.

Notice that the words were not yet out of his mouth. Notice too that vs. 28-33 are now in the third person. This would have been Daniel’s account of what happened. And remember, this is all written in Aramaic. All nations could and would have read this.

What an incredible way to humble the ultimate human ruler. One minute you’re admiring your world wonder, and the next, you’re out on the front lawn eating grass. Now, there are Bible expositors who have found a human ailment that looks like this condition, as if to prove it is possible that this happened to Neb. So what did God do? Make him crazy? I wonder if God simply pulled away the image of God. We all take the spiritual for granted, that we are made in the image of God. This isn’t intelligence or IQ or awareness. It is something the animals don’t have, regardless of how much intelligence they show. We are spiritual and have the characteristics of God. We are not God, but He has shared with us His own attributes of personality and understanding. The image of God is an incredible gift, and no one really thanks Him for it. In fact, we use it to dishonor Him and claim He doesn’t exist. That’s ironic. Here is an example of what would happen if God ever took it away from us.

Vs. 34-37 This is Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony and worship of Yahweh before the world. There is a lot to observe here, but most significant is v. 37. The now goes hand in hand with praise and extol and honor. These last three actions of worship are written in a way that suggests that Neb would continue to do this.

So then, what happened here? What would this have meant for the kingdom? Why didn’t they appoint a new king? The fact that they waited for Neb to regain his “mind” meant that they believed Daniel. It is very possible that Daniel was in control of the government during this time. It was because of Daniel that when Neb's understanding returned, the government was peacefully handed back to him. Because of Daniel, they could have all had this date set on their iPhones. Maybe they had a countdown clock app.

Wouldn’t this have become world news? Information flow was slower than today, but it flowed. Not only would this have been news in the empire, but everywhere that people knew of Nebuchadnezzar, there would have been interest. Imagine if this happened to the President of the United States and he grazed daily on the White House lawn. Barbara Walters would be out there feeding him a carrot on national TV. It would be the top story in the news every day. And this lasted for seven years.

Note, too, that Cyrus, the future king of Persia, was probably alive, but young, when this happened; and Darius the Mede was already officially serving his country. They would have known about this.

So the burning question around the world was what had caused this. Surely the word got out that it was Yahweh, if only as a rumor. Now, with this letter, the official word had been heard and Nebuchadnezzar was a worshiper of Yahweh, the God of the Jews, the King of heaven. And, for the remainder of Neb’s reign, he would have given testimony to the greatness of God.

Can you see how God was preparing the nations for the return of the exiles to Israel? Can you see that Cyrus' decision to send Israel back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple has a connection to the work God was doing as the people were in Babylon, being punished? Daniel is an amazing book, and in the next chapters, we'll see how God used Daniel personally.

It was a long education, but I think that as a result of this letter, Nebuchadnezzar received an “A+” as his final grade from God.

2 Peter 1

It is thought that this letter was written close to Peter’s death in Rome. Peter apparently lived his final ten years in Rome, though never as the pope. The focus of this letter is not only encouragement for those who were facing suffering, but the churches were encountering more and more false teaching. Someone has said that one recognizes the miracle of the apostolic age in noticing how quickly error came into the church once the apostles were gone. Actually, we’ve seen error being countered in all of the letters of Paul. Even in Acts 20, Paul warned the elders in Ephesus that ravenous wolves would come from within that church, not sparing the flock. The next thing you know, after the history recorded in Acts, Paul sent Timothy (in 1 Tim.) to Ephesus. He was to stop false teaching and to rebuild the church. Apparently something happened to the church in Ephesus. This letter from Peter is also written around that same time.

V. 1 Notice the faith of equal standing. It seems that this might have been said to counter some teachers who were saying there were different levels of perception or of belonging to God.     

Vs. 3-4 These are two packed verses. Simply put, we are born again by His divine power. Notice that granted is used twice and each time the word refers to something else. The first has to do with God's divine power granting us life in Christ, as seen in knowing Him. The second has to do with the knowledge of Christ granting us the benefits of belonging to Him, or as Paul said in Philippians 3, the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Do you see how these things build on one another?

Vs. 5-9 Faith should automatically launch us into a process of growth, change and understanding. Being a child of God should change our lives and our conduct. Apparently there were teachers saying that the spirit of man was good; therefore, whatever you did now, in the body, didn’t count, so you could do anything. Peter is saying that conduct is important because it reveals your knowledge of Jesus and your understanding of what He has done. A person who knows Christ becomes like Him and becomes engaged in His mission as a fruit-bearing vine.

Vs. 10-11 Being diligent to confirm our calling and election is based on our gratitude to the Lord and our understanding of what He has done for us and for all of mankind. Knowing Him and knowing what is happening on this earth, how could we treat this lightly? This entrance into heaven is as someone who has worked hard in the harvest and honored God on earth, as opposed to someone who lived a life of hiding, gratifying their desires and dishonoring Christ. To put it another way, it is the difference between the gold, silver, precious stones, and wood, hay, straw. The Lord welcomes these people differently.

Vs. 12-15 This is Peter, the proven disciple and shepherd, making disciples right up to the end of his life.

Vs. 16-21 Peter is asking them to submit, to commit themselves to the Word and to the apostles’ teaching. Peter begins with the eyewitness account of the apostles. Peter was on the mountain with Jesus when Jesus was transfigured. He saw His future glory, as we'll see Jesus described in Revelation, and as He is in heaven right now.

V. 19 More sure than their testimony of the Transfiguration was the prophetic Word (the Scriptures) the apostles and prophets were now sharing with them. And even more sure than the prophetic word is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who was producing new Scripture by supernatural inspiration (through the apostles and prophets, Eph 3:5), and, according to John 14-16, the Spirit was teaching it to them. Remember, the Spirit's ministry is to reveal Christ.

The focus of all of this is the Lord Himself, and all of this goes back to v. 3 and the knowledge of Jesus. Notice that in Ephesians 4:14, Paul talks about the equipping ministry of the leaders as protecting the people against false teachers by bringing them to maturity in knowing Christ.

What Peter is saying here is exactly why we are in the Word. To make disciples, who are able to handle the Word and grow in the Word, we ourselves need to be in the Word, growing in our Lord and following Him. A disciple is not above his teacher. We need to know Christ fully so that the disciples we make will be like Him, not simply like us.

Psalm 119:97-112

And David will tell us how the Word protects and matures us.

Vs. 97-104 This reminds me of the comment of the Pharisees regarding Peter and John: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) And Jesus was the Word made flesh. Again, the disciple is supposed to be like his teacher.

Since the Word is from God, anyone who loves the Word and abides in it will have access to wisdom and understanding that are eternal and far above human achievement.

Vs. 105-112 Verse 105 is a famous verse, but notice the context of affliction. Emotional distress is almost blinding. It is hard to think straight or concentrate. It is hard not to react instinctively with anger or despair so quickly that it defies the ability to control ourselves. This was hard work, but this is what saved David. This is what God wants us, as disciples, to learn also. It is the Spirit, working through the Word that gives us control, leads us to safety and gives us an undivided heart in following Jesus.

V. 108 Notice too that David not only read God's Word, but he praised God, even in the storm.

V. 111 At this point David didn't have the promise of a continued throne, yet he considered his heritage and inheritance from God to be God's Word.

Proverbs 28:17-18

V. 17 That burden can be removed before God and before men, but that person has to be totally remade by God and be in submission to the Word.

V. 18 Amen.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link ^{http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/.} If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a complete description of this model of being and making disciples you can find it in my book:  Simply Disciples*Making Disciples.   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011WJIDQA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to ^{dgkachikis@gmail.com.}

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go to ^{https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes.} You can download these to use on your computer or to print.

November 26, 2015

NOVEMBER 26

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Daniel 2:24-3:30

Now, when I preach this, I don’t spend much time with the dream itself; but I discuss the dream along with the vision in chapter 7. The reason I do this is that if you get too wrapped up in all of the apocalyptic detail of the dream, you can miss the utterly amazing thing God is doing here. God is showing His steadfast love and is saving the Jews. Hold on to your hats.

Daniel 2:24-49

Vs. 24-26 This little introduction has some interesting detail.

V. 24 Notice that the wise men hadn’t yet been killed. Arioch rounded them up to be killed together. It wasn’t a house to house assassination action. Now, this means, that these men will owe Daniel their lives. Hmmmm.

V. 25 I like Arioch: “Oh king, look what I found.” The fact that they were designated as exiles from Judah is important. We’ll see in the next chapter, that this was a major cause for conflict and hatred toward these four men, but therein will hide a blessing.

The king addresses Daniel, but from v. 36, we know that all four were standing together. You need to see those little details to paint an accurate picture.

Vs. 27-30 The humility and honesty of Daniel is amazing. This would have been the place you might have wanted to let the king know how cool you were so he’d keep you around. These guys are too secure in God to do this. Jesus told His disciples to pray, “Hallowed be your name.” These guys were in a real crisis and praying that prayer. Daniel is honoring God and telling Neb that God is, in a sense, honoring him in that God is revealing some very important stuff to Neb.

Vs. 31-35 In this section, human rule up to the Millennial Kingdom is being condensed into a few words. Notice that the stone in v. 34 and the stone in v. 35 are Christ and His everlasting kingdom.

Vs. 36-45 Let me suggest what we are viewing here. These are world dominating empires. All of these empires ruled many nations of the known world. Since the Roman Empire, there has not been one single empire that has claimed dominant world ruling authority. Even the British Empire, as vast as it was, didn’t rule Europe. In the last days, there will be a final human empire that will claim world dominance and there will be some similarity to the Roman Empire, but with a strange twist to it. All of these empires also ruled over Israel.

Vs. 36-38 This is the Babylonian Empire, represented by Nebuchadnezzar. In God’s eyes, Nebuchadnezzar is the finest king of any who will claim dominance over the known world. Look at what God says about him. This is pretty good stuff for God to say about a pagan king. I think you will see how God’s opinion of him is borne out by what happens in the next two chapters.

V. 39 When we get to chapter 7, we’ll see who these two kingdoms are. That’s another reason why I preach this section of chapter 2 together with chapter 7. The next empire is Persia and the third is Greece.

V. 40-42 Here we actually have two different empires, but the one flows into the other in this image. Verse 33 tells us the legs are iron, but the feet are a mixture of iron and clay. This is a little foggy here, but when we get to chapter 7 it will make sense. The mention of the toes might not mean anything until we understand in chapter 7 that when the antichrist arises, there will be ten kings; and he will take out three of them, bringing the remaining seven in submission to him.

Vs. 44-45 Another tip-off as to the ten kings is that it will be in the days of those kings that Christ will come to set up His Millennial Kingdom. So we know the event is still future and we know there will be many kings.

The reason it mentions the stone destroying all of the metals (or empires) is not because all the empires will be in existence at that time, but that Christ’s kingdom on earth is so superior, it will overwhelm and end all human domination. Notice too that the kingdom will only come at the end of those kings and it will immediately grow large. That is all to say that the kingdom is not on earth today.

Among other purposes for this vision, I'm sure this was a huge encouragement to the faithfulness of Daniel & Co. So, now shake your head and forget the dream until we get to chapter 7. Buckle up, because now we get to the reason God created this crisis in Babylon.

Vs. 46-47 When is the last time you saw a Gentile king on his face worshiping Yahweh? Although he paid homage to Daniel as the representative of the god who humans can’t contact, Daniel understood that Neb was really worshiping God. Look at Neb’s words to be clear on this. God just took Nebuchadnezzar to school. To Neb's credit, and unlike Pharaoh in Exodus, Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself. This, I think, is why Neb didn’t destroy Jerusalem the next time they rebelled, but showed the city mercy. Nebuchadnezzar was overwhelmed by Yahweh of Israel. But this is just the first lesson. There are still two to go.

Vs. 48-49 You need to think slowly through this to appreciate the impact both for the Jews and for Babylon, the city, the province and the empire.

Daniel just became the ruler of the province of Babylon, the showcase province of the entire empire. A world wonder was there. This is exactly what had happened to Joseph by explaining a dream. Think of all of the Babylonians who would be appalled and jealous that a 19-year-old Jewish prisoner was now the ruler of this province. So much for seniority in office. Not only that, Daniel was now the head wise guy of the entire nation: a Jewish boy. (And remember, we are talking about what is now modern-day Iraq.) I’m sure this didn’t sit well with all the other wise men; but hey, Daniel, actually Yahweh, just saved their lives.

The amount of upheaval in these events and in this decision would have been beyond our comprehension, and though there was no internet or TV, it would have slowly become world news. Nebuchadnezzar married a Persian princess, so you can imagine that this news also made it to Susa and to Assyria, the capital of the Median kings. The grandfather of Cyrus would have heard about this. Darius the Mede, a young prince at the time, would have known about this. All the rulers and people of the surrounding nations would eventually have heard this story. Certainly they would have wanted to know why four Jews were in power and why a nineteen-year-old Jew was the head of the wise men.

Daniel’s first decision in office was to ask Neb to have Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego work under him, overseeing the affairs of the province of Babylon. Daniel was now so valuable to the king that his office was just a few doors down from Nebuchadnezzar’s. Daniel was now Nebuchadnezzar’s closest and most important advisor.

So, let’s talk about God’s grace. Jerusalem and Judah haven’t yet fallen, been destroyed or been taken into captivity. At first, Neb only took a few people. In about five years, he would again humble the city and take Ezekiel and 12,000 skilled laborers into captivity. Before this second wave of captives arrives in Babylon, God has installed four godly Jewish young men into the top leadership of Babylonian government. Before God has fully unleashed His wrath and judgment on Israel, God is already bending the nations to show grace to His people so that they can survive as a people and return to Israel after the exile. I don’t know what you call that, but I’d call it grace and mercy and love.

Daniel 3

V. 1 Where do you think Nebuchadnezzar got the idea for this statue? I think God was setting him up, knowing he was a proud man and was impressed by the image in that dream. It might have been that the statue was this size. Neb had already built one world wonder, why not a second? But I’ve seen statues like this in Germany that stand on a very high monument base. If so, the combined height would have been ninety feet. Who knows? It was tall.

The plain of Dura is a couple of miles southwest of the city of Babylon.

Vs. 2-6 So Nebuchadnezzar sent for and gathered all of his officials from every county of every corner of the entire Babylonian Empire. Some people think that King Zedekiah might have been there, but I don’t know.

Notice that these are people of every nation and language. Notice too that this was a test of their loyalty. It wasn’t just the dedication of a statue, it was a test of loyalty and submission. In those days people were highly lost, but highly religious. You broke the will by making people submit to your god. You didn’t break their minds, you compromised their souls. I believe that this was the final exam of Nebuchadnezzar’s educational program. Everyone he had taught and fed and compromised had been sent out to their own countries to rule and carry out his affairs and bring their people into submission to Babylon. Now they were all called back for a big party, but also to bow to him and to his gods.

Now think with me. If you were organizing an event for several thousand people, in the showcase province of the empire, in the capital city of the empire, what would you have to do? Think of the lodging. You couldn’t just put them in a Motel 6. You might have to actually build accommodations. That would take time. What about the food, the kitchens, the cooks, all the service? Also, how would you get all those people out to the plain of Dura, make them walk? No way. You’d have to make “stretch” coaches. You’d import Clydesdales from the Bud plant in St. Louis to draw the coaches. Nebuchadnezzar used the Jews for building projects in Babylon, and the preparation for this event might have been one of the jobs they worked on. Actually, it is interesting that when Neb took Jerusalem the second time, he showed the city mercy, but he took 12,000 people captive. They were all skilled craftsmen.

Also, how do you make a statue that big? They had to make a smelting furnace near the site and the heavy pieces would have been finished and polished and put in place. A foundation for the statue had to be made. That would require a lot of work and time.

So, if you were organizing this kind of a national party, who would be in charge? I would probably tell the rulers of the province of Babylon to do it. I think that Daniel, but especially Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were overseeing, organizing and responsible for the entire dedication event. How could you be the ruler of that showcase province (Daniel) and be the three top men over the affairs of the province (S, M, & A) and not be responsible for all of this? At least this way, S, M, & A got to see the crisis approaching them.

So, picture the event on the plain of Dura. Imagine it looked like a huge football field. At one end is the statue. All of the governmental officials, Neb’s trainees, are standing on the field in rows, facing the statue. Over to the left are very nice, raised booths for Nebuchadnezzar and his true-blue Babylonian officials. Because he is not mentioned, Daniel’s loyalty was not in question. Neb didn’t want to mess with Daniel and his God, so he probably left him in the city to attend to other business. Somewhere, probably between Neb and the field is the orchestra. Somewhere, back to the right or left of the statue, smoke rises gently from the smelting/foundry furnace used to make the statue - a gentle reminder of what will happen to anyone who does not submit and compromise his beliefs to worship the image.

Now, since you usually put the important people forward, I would think that S, M, & A were up on the one-yard line, with an ocean of people behind them. The music played and I’ll bet they could hear all of the bending going on behind them, the wrinkling robes, the cracking knees. But they didn’t bow.

Vs. 8-12 Notice that their ethnicity is mentioned immediately. This is what leads me to believe that there were lots of hard feelings among the true-blue Babylonians who thought they should have been in line for the jobs that Daniel, S, M, & A were “unjustly” given.

Their accusation in v. 12 is the key verse in understanding the amazing thing God is going to do here. What right did they have not to worship the gods of Babylon?

Vs. 13-15 Nebuchadnezzar was not only mad, but humiliated. He hadn’t expected a fly in the ointment or anyone to ruin his event. The smoking furnace should have been enough to curb any rebellious person. Here were three non-Babylonians whom he had “blessed” with great privilege. Now, if nothing else, Nebuchadnezzar would make an example of them; and every official in the entire empire was there to witness it. Now everyone would be given “the fear of God.”

Notice the eerie words of arrogance that Neb spews out. God was setting him up. As mentioned in Jeremiah 29:22, Nebuchadnezzar had already roasted two false prophets of Judah. Now, Neb didn’t know they were false prophets. He thought they were the real deal, so when he threw them in the furnace, and they lit up, it proved for him again that his gods were more powerful than Yahweh. Also, I’m thinking that there weren’t furnaces all over the place and that roasting wasn’t the normal way to kill people. I wonder, just speculation, if those prophets were not prophesying against this event, or during the time the statue was being made and were thrown in this very furnace. I think Neb was utterly arrogant because he had burned these two false prophets; and, in his mind, God was powerless to help them, so he said, And who is the God who will deliver you out of my hands? Watch out! Fire in the hole!

Vs. 16-18 Think of the spiritual presence and attitudes of these young men. They are probably now 10 years older, in their late twenties. Granted, they would have had time to prepare for this moment, but their devotion to God and their willingness to die rather than dishonor Him is remarkable. These guys were disciples.

V. 16 Since Neb asked, and who is the God…, they were telling Neb that he already knew who that God was. Nebuchadnezzar had already worshiped Him.

V. 17 Notice, they had no illusions. God could save them, and He would rescue them, if by no other way than by death. God’s will is God’s business. We simply serve. (Look at 2 Tim. 4:18 where Paul, knowing he will die, says God will rescue him.)

V. 18 No one talked to Neb like this.

Vs. 19-23 Nebuchadnezzar’s face became contorted in anger. All of the hype, the hotter fire and the stronger men were done to make a point to all of the foreign officials and government leaders in his empire who were standing there shaking in their sandals.

Vs. 24-25 Looking in the observation hole, Neb was amazed, not just by the fact that S, M, & A were unharmed, but that a fourth person was in there. He was either an angel, or, some think, the pre-incarnate Christ.

Vs. 26-27 Neb’s voice was now more humble and controlled. Notice what Nebuchadnezzar called S, M, & A. In the back of his mind, Neb knew.

V. 27 This is a huge verse. Everyone witnessed and many got close enough to really observe that they were fully OK.

V. 28 Nebuchadnezzar worshiped and gave honor to Yahweh. Notice that he blesses God.

V. 29 This decree was binding on the entire empire. All the governmental officials witnessed the event and heard the decree. No one could dare compel the Jews to worship any god but Yahweh. This gave the Jews a status of favor above any other people in the Babylonian Empire. It saved them by allowing them to remain a distinct people, worshiping their God only.

V. 30 S, M, & A got a raise. This might seem insignificant, but the status and wealth of Daniel, S, M, & A had ramifications. At this time, the Jews in Babylon may have numbered around 20,000. In seven or eight years the bulk of the people would arrive. The community of Jews was now free to organize around the worship of Yahweh. Many good things came out of the Babylonian captivity. The synagogue system came out of Babylon. A school of scholarship and study of the OT came out of Babylon. One of the Hebrew versions of the Bible came out of Babylon. It was a very fruitful time. But who financed it? Who bought the buildings? Who paid the salaries for the teachers or for the education of the students? You’d need some men with deep pockets to oversee this, but everyone was broke. The First National of Jerusalem was shut down, and no funds were transferred to Babylon. The exiles were broke and, if they were paid, they received a slave’s wages. I’m willing to bet when S, M, & A got their promotions, they didn’t buy flat screen TVs and iPads. These four men were devoted to their God and to their nation, and they had been reared in the revival of Josiah. I’ll bet they financed and continued Josiah’s revival among the exiles. Maybe that revival didn't die; it was just carried on by some disciples.

So, after three chapters of Daniel, what are the recurring themes or events?

A disaster and crisis lead to blessing in all three chapters.

A pagan king worships God in each of the last two chapters.

God is glorified in all chapters.

Notice the sphere of the testimony of the events. In chapter 2 the events were mainly in the city and province of Babylon. In chapter 3, the events were broadcast, through the eyewitnesses, to all parts of the empire.

I wonder if these patterns will continue in chapter 4.

1 Peter 4:7-5:14

Having seen what God is doing in Daniel, it is interesting to see how Peter is encouraging these disciples to keep following Christ in the harvest during crisis situations.

1 Peter 4:7-19

Vs. 7-11 This section begins with the call for alert, serious mindedness due to the growing crisis in the world. It ends with the glory of God, just like the chapters in Daniel. In the middle, this sure sounds like Romans 12. The church is to strengthen and encourage one another as it serves together.

Vs. 12-18 Suffering is normal and is to be expected. Isn't it interesting that Peter says this is a "fiery" trial. I wonder if Peter and the Spirit were thinking of Daniel, chapter 3.

Vs. 12-13 Suffering and crisis are parts of following Christ in the harvest. (See John 15:18-20.)

Vs. 17-18 Suffering and crisis are what God uses to strengthen our faith and cleanse us from junk.

If someone was forced to throw 50 lb. bags onto trucks, 12 hours a day, "saving him" wouldn’t necessarily mean stopping him from doing that task, but rather it might mean strengthening his body and mind as he did the task. "Saving" him the first way would make him comfortable and weak; the other would make him confident and very, very strong. Guess which way God works with us on earth, in the harvest?

V. 19 What does this say to you to see words like, God’s will, entrust their souls, and faithful Creator? Doesn’t this seem to say that God is the One doing it? Doesn’t this sound a little like Job?

1 Peter 5

Vs. 1-4 This is talking about shepherding/leading a group through a crisis. Notice the emphasis on leaders being shepherds.

V. 5 It is hard for younger men to subject themselves to the wisdom of wiser men, especially in times of crisis and stress. Everyone is exhorted to be humble rather than defiant in the situation they are facing. Again, Jesus’ trial before the Jews is the example Peter used earlier.

Vs. 6-7 Just like S, M, & A, we are to recognize God in the crisis and humble ourselves under His hand. God is ultimately responsible for each crisis. We are to honor Him, not duck the crisis. Do we really believe He cares for us? S, M, & A are examples of casting all their cares upon Him.

V. 8 Satan works by casting doubt on God’s care for us. “If He really loved you He wouldn’t let that happen. He’d give you a break, or a job, or better health.” Satan’s roaring has been likened to lions that encircle sheep in the wilderness that have been enclosed in a tall hedge of thorn bushes. The lions can’t get in and the sheep are really safe, but because of the roaring and the circling of the lions, the sheep will freak out. They will run in a circle in their enclosure and eventually a sheep will spring up over the hedge and become lunch. If we stay close to the Lord and to one another we remain safe. Roaring is just roaring.

Vs. 9-11 Now, how do you resist the devil? There is definitely the armor of God. There is the protection of being with others in the harvest. But if you look at Psalm 119, what was it that kept David safe and close to God? It was the Word that gave him the strength and perspective to resist giving into despair and spiritually-inspired fear.

Vs. 12-14 What can you say? What a great letter to encourage the people of God in the harvest. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Psalm 119:81-96

Vs. 81-84 Notice the longing for God. This kept David safe.

Vs. 85-88 This is the testimony of a man who faced dangers and stress that most of us will never face, yet resisted and remained strong in the Lord. Here is how. Keeping close to the Word and comforting ourselves, secure in the steadfast love of God, is our hope.

Vs. 89-91 The evidence of the Word and its power is seen in creation. Creation is a reminder that everything was created by the Word of God. This isn't just flashy power; it is security. If God can do that with His Word, then strengthening us is also within His power. It is also interesting to think that the creation itself testifies to God's power and the power of the Word. David might not have always had his ESV One Year Bible at hand, but he could always see the creation and gaze into the universe at night.

Vs. 92-93 What a great testimony to the power of the Word to save us.

Vs. 94-96 Even in David’s crying out for deliverance, he is focused and thinking about the Word. That is not an easy feat. We wonder sometimes what we need to do to take our mind off our problems and guard our minds against the memories of things that have been spoken against us. Filling our minds with the Word and God's thoughts is the idea that is being recommended here.

Proverbs 28:15-16

V. 15 It’s interesting to read here of another roaring lion. Is this referring to being brutal and inspiring fear? If so, that is just like Satan.

V. 16 A cruel oppressor is contrasted to someone who hates unjust gain. Is unjust gain what causes the oppressor to be cruel? If so, Satan rebelled against God to take for himself the worship he didn’t deserve, and that rightfully belonged to God. In a way, Satan is very much involved in unjust gain.

The phrase prolong his days is interesting if you think about Isaiah 53:10, Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Jesus is the Ruler who hates unjust gain. He gained us "justly" by buying us with His blood.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link ^{http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/.} If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a complete description of this model of being and making disciples you can find it in my book:  Simply Disciples*Making Disciples.   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011WJIDQA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to ^{dgkachikis@gmail.com.}

If you would like documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go to ^{https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes.} You can download these to use on your computer or to print.