December 1, 2014

DECEMBER 1

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Welcome to December and heading down the home stretch of this year's reading of The One Year Bible. I think that calls for a gingerbread something.

Daniel 8

This vision was given to Daniel two years after the vision in chapter 7. Though it involves both Persia and Greece, the major revelation of this vision concerns the people of Israel as the time of the end approaches. Although everything revealed here will apply to the next century of trials for Daniel's people, it will mirror the time of the end before the Messiah establishes His reign on earth and Israel becomes a leader for the nations.

You'll find a chart, “A Comparison of Daniel 2; 7; and 8,” at the end of this document.

Vs. 1-4 We'll see that the ram is Persia, the horns are the first two kings who served at the same time. Darius (representing the Medes) is the little horn and Cyrus (representing the Persians) is the big horn. By the time you get to Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah, you don't hear of the Medes anymore, but Persian kings were still named Darius and Ahasuerus in honor of those early leaders.

V. 2 So where was Daniel? In the vision, he was in Susa (in Iran), the capital of the Persian Empire. It was only about 150-200 miles directly east of Babylon. Daniel's description seems as if he was very familiar with the city. We know from Daniel 5, that Daniel was no longer working in the king's direct service but was totally forgotten. The king didn't know who Daniel was. My suggestion is that Daniel was sent out of Babylon, during the reign of Belshazzar, as a diplomat to Persia. He was still in the king's service, just out of sight and out of mind. During the conflict with the Persians he would have returned to the city of Babylon. This is all speculation, but it does make sense of some of the information.

Vs. 5-8 This is Greece and the mighty horn is Alexander the Great. The four horns are the four kings and kingdoms that rose after Alexander died at the age of 32.

Vs. 9-12 Here's that little horn again. Yesterday it was associated with the fourth kingdom, coming at the time of the end. Today we meet a king who foreshadows that coming king who will persecute the Jews and claim an authority above God. Oddly enough, the ruler from the Greeks who will arise is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who we'll refer to as AE. He will foreshadow the antichrist (AC). It's only in English that the spellings of Antiochus and antichrist are so similar, but still, it is ironic.

V. 10 This is hard to understand. AE and the AC will both be given power over the people of Israel and especially over those who are following God. Since we haven't read Daniel 10 yet, we don't understand that behind the earthly warfare there is also an angelic warfare going on. The mention of stars can refer to angels. To see this connection of angels and stars, look at Revelation 1:20, and read Revelation 12:4 which is very parallel to this verse in Daniel. So then, with all of these words that can have double references, both the human and angelic aspects of this battle could be in view.

V. 11 The Prince of the host could be referring to the angelic representative for Israel.

V. 12 I think the host here is clearly referring to the people of Israel.

Vs. 13-14 Since offerings were offered evenings and mornings, this number should be divided in half, which makes it closer to 3.5 years. This was the length of time the temple was desecrated by AE during the time of the Maccabean revolt, and it is roughly the same amount of time it will be desecrated by the AC in the future.

Vs. 15-18 This is one of four places in the Bible where we meet Gabriel. He is here and in Daniel 9, and then we see him twice in Luke, announcing the births of John and Jesus.

V. 17 The vision is for the time of the end, but this information about the antichrist as seen in AE will also be a help to the Jews, led by the priest family of the Maccabeans who in 170 A.D. had to endure AE's madness. Hanukkah is the Jewish celebration of the Maccabeans rededicating the temple after AE desecrated it.

Vs. 19-26 Notice that Gabriel, in describing AE, doesn't go to the very last times historically, but rather to the end of this rogue Greek Empire. Actually AE was chased out of Egypt by the Romans, so this was, as v. 23 says, toward the end of these Greek kingdoms. When AE arrived in Jerusalem, he wanted Israel to be a buffer state against the Romans; but the Jews were always stubborn, so he went crazy. There was a massive persecution of the Jews with much killing and destruction.

What is to be noted here is the extreme arrogance of AE and his success against God's people. This example, and what we'll learn in chapter 10, will help the Jews living in the Tribulation understand what is happening to them and will give them strength to hold on. Actually too, those believers in the Tribulation will have the book of Revelation so they will fully understand why the persecution against them is so hard and so relentless.

V. 25 AE died of madness in Persia. At the end of the Tribulation, it will be Jesus, the Prince of Princes, who does away with the antichrist.

V. 27 Since Daniel had lived for God and for his people, I think it was the vision of this destruction of his people that made him sick. In this vision, too, what he couldn't understand or grasp was the spiritual overtone of this battle and the apparent victory given to the bad guys.

As disciples, we are following Christ in the harvest in the calm before the storm. The Bible says the clouds are gathering. Now is the time for us to be working.

1 John 2:1-17

Since this letter is written to believers, we need to understand John's warnings as trying to keep believers from becoming damaged on earth, and to motivate and help disciples to walk closely with the Lord.

Vs. 1-3 Notice this is addressed to all of the believers as little children.

V. 2 Propitiation means that God was completely "satisfied" by the sacrifice/payment of Jesus. Nothing more is needed.

Vs. 4-6 Both in John 14:21-23 and in John 15:1-8, there is a special relationship that is promised to those who walk closely with Jesus. It doesn't mean that a child who stays distant from his father is not a child, but it will influence how much benefit and closeness he receives from the relationship. Even what I was reading this morning, about Jesus acknowledging or denying His disciples before the angels of God, has to do with blessing and provision, not with salvation. If a person denies Jesus, Jesus doesn't need to help them (acknowledge them) because that person is helping himself, getting out of a tough jam by denying Jesus. If you acknowledge Jesus, He acknowledges you and sends help from the Father. It has to do with relationship, not salvation.

Vs. 7-11 Now John just mentioned the idea of keeping the commandments of Christ. If someone asked you what some of those commandments were, there are a few that should come right to the surface. Anyone who has had to work with Christians, encouraging them to work in the harvest, knows that working in the church is not easy. Loving one another is one of those major commandments that Jesus gave the night before He died. The commandment to love one another was prefaced by Jesus saying He was leaving, but sending us into the world as witnesses. He knew the world would hate us, yet we were to love one another as we bore witness to Him.

It needs to be emphasized that keeping His commandments will always be tied into the Great Commission and bearing witness for Christ. To live morally is the least we can do for what He's done for us. It is daring to die for Him in reaching out and making disciples, that puts us in the position of obeying His commands. For most people, being a Christian means staying away from sex and drugs and fun and trouble in general. We are to imitate our Savior and follow and obey the Father as He did. (John 14:13) And in joy, it led Jesus straight to the cross. Loving one another takes on a special, God intended meaning, when we are all risking our lives on earth to make Christ known. Without the mission and living as disciples, loving one another is just another flowery, religious thought.

Now, in John's Gospel, he says, The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9) This light is Jesus. However, if you've been in church, you know that it is possible for born-again people not to like or love one another. Again, what John is saying here is that the proof of growing in Christ is loving one another. It is a sign of abiding in Christ. And if this abiding is the same as the context of John 15, this abiding is done by disciples in the harvest, living to bear fruit for Christ. When we forget Who saved us, where we are and why we are left here, all we have is a social organization called "church," in which we vie for position and recognition and where we demand that our needs be met. The church exists to carry a light into the harvest. In Christ, His salvation and mission binds us together.

Vs. 12-14 One way to try to understand this section is to understand that John is addressing everyone as little children, then everyone as fathers, and finally everyone as young men. John has already said in 2:1, that they are all little children. So, it seems to me that John was saying first that he was calling them little children, because they were innocent, like those who had just had their sins forgiven in Christ. He was saying they were like fathers in that they knew the Ancient of Days, understood His wisdom and could give perspective to life. And they were like young men, because they had fought and overcome the evil one by obeying God.

Then the next section of restatement adds a source or directive to what was said: little children are to grow to know the Father, fathers are to keep on doing the same thing, and young men are to be strong in the Word.

Vs. 15-17 It seems that this section is a warning. Being lured into these desires will keep them from the faith of a child, the perspective of a father, and the victory of a young man. Abiding in Christ, or not, is the point here.

This morning I was reading of Jesus warning His disciples in Luke 12:1-15. What is interesting is that His warning about hypocrisy only begins with beware, but when Jesus warns them against all aspects of coveting and possession in v. 15, He intensifies the warning by saying, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness. Sometimes it is easier for us to see religious problems than for us to see the desires of our hearts that are consuming us. Just like the seed sown among thorns, believers get choked, their fruit does not mature and so they prove unfruitful. That choking was the result of cares and delights and desires. Living for those things describes a lot of people in a lot of churches. This is a good warning.

Psalm 120

Remember, a song of ascents was sung by the pilgrims coming to Jerusalem for the feasts, three times a year, preparing their hearts for worshiping God.

I would guess that this song (sort of an unusual song to read so it must have sounded great when sung) would have reflected a desire to dwell in the Lord's presence. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

V. 1 Not everyone went to the feasts. To do that, you had to leave your house, possessions, and property unguarded. You missed work. Eventually you were scorned and ridiculed for being faithful.

Vs. 2-7 This must have been the inner feelings of being scorned and ridiculed for coming to the feasts. Dwelling with the Lord, in peace in the inner man, is the hope of those who must live in a hostile, unbelieving part of the world. As disciples we work where human things are often out of control, where there are few choices, but we do have a choice where our heart dwells.

Proverbs 28:25-26

V. 25 As I've been reading about Jesus teaching His disciples not to have any anxiety about life or stuff, it not only shows you the trust that He wants His disciples to have; but that trust is the key to them being full of joy and having peace. Those who are content in Him and put their trust in Him bring that joy and trust with them wherever they go. They have it in the middle of chaos, because they have Him with them.

V. 26 This again has to do with trust. Notice in the second line the trust is in the Word (how else do we know God's wisdom?) and it leads to deliverance. This means that the person who trusts his own wisdom ends up in a trap.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://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 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 todgkachikis@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 30, 2014

NOVEMBER 30

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

This is a red letter day. Today you'll begin 1 John and finish Psalm 119. Tomorrow you will begin your final month reading The One Year Bible this year. Hopefully you feel encouraged. Don't give up if you've fallen behind. Just begin again on January 1. Everything you've learned in the Word this year will seem familiar as you begin reading in January. Also, you've learned some stuff about yourself, and this next year you'll be more likely to be more regular about reading every day. It takes three to five years of reading The One Year Bible to develop the habits that will keep you on track for a full year. Imagine, there are people who have been believers 40 years to whom the Word is a familiar, yet foggy, book. Their quiet times come out of secondary sources that only reference the Word. They are attuned to the words of men about God, but not God's Word. They never invested five years to set their hearts on developing a life-long walk with God every day in His truth. And if you are meeting regularly with 2-3 others, sharing what the Spirit is teaching you, the effect of walking with the Lord like this is magnified 100 times and becomes a disciple making way of life.

Daniel 7

Daniel is either liked because of the "children's" stories in chapters 1-6, or because of the apocalyptic portions where beasts are doing beastly stuff, or because angels are warring with one another. In my opinion, if you only look at the first six chapters as interesting kids' stories, you miss the entire point, and with that, Daniel ends up in the lion's den as a 20-40 year-old man. Clearly in the first six chapters, God is moving and influencing the nations for the return of Israel to their land. Now, in chapters 7-12 we need to ask ourselves what God's purpose is in letting us have this information. I would say that God is showing how He will also be moving the nations and influencing them for the return of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom. Yet, there is still the question of why God is giving us this future information. Think about that.

V. 1 The first year of Belshazzar's reign means this vision is given to Daniel about 14 years before the lion's den. Why did God give this to Daniel now? It's all speculation; but I think, among other things, He wanted to encourage Daniel. When Belshazzar was given the rule in Babylon, while Nabonidus was living the high-life elsewhere, that must have felt bad. The empire began to decline even faster. Daniel was powerless and was now demoted. This might have been to inspire Daniel to know that God was still in charge and that this weakening of Babylon was a part of His plan to bring about the next empire. That might be a reason for all of these chapters. One thing all of these empires had in common was their rule over Israel, God's people.

Many people on this planet feel powerless regarding the direction of their country, government, and the trends of culture. Daniel felt that, but what God showed Daniel has to help us too. We are disciples following Christ in the harvest on a dying planet that will ultimately experience the wrath of God. We are no longer people identified by a nationality like Jews or Greeks, or identified by a geological area like USA, China, or Europe. We belong to the kingdom of God, and just like Jesus sent the 70 ahead of Him into every place where He Himself was coming, we are heralding the coming of our King and His offer of forgiveness. We need to wake up and do our work. We were meant to love our cultures and care for our people, but this time must come to an end because of the ravages of sin and the rule of Satan. God says that things will only get worse before the coming of our Lord. But as the clouds roll in before the storm, many people will be stirred and will open their hearts to Christ. We are here for Christ to reach out to them.

This is the final chapter that is in Aramaic. Now, you could understand chapters 2-6 being in Aramaic, since they were like news communications in the empire, but what about chapter 7? This again is speculation, but I think that as chief of the wise men, Daniel published this in their literature. Chapter 7, as well as chapter 2, hang together and help interpret one another. The rest of the chapters deal exclusively with Israel and how nations and events will impact God's people. Those chapters, specifically for the Jews, are written in Hebrew. Chapter 7 belongs to the explanation of chapter 2, and so I think this was also included in the official records of Babylon, though maybe, only under the note, "for wise guys only."

Just as an aside, we have no idea as to what Daniel did among the wise men. I can't imagine they just did card tricks all day. He must have had some input into their learning and doings. You know that the wise men who visited Jesus after His birth came from the east, from the region Daniel ruled. How do you think they knew about this coming King who would set up an eternal kingdom? Although you can't say for sure it was the influence of Daniel, it would be silly to exclude that possibility. I don't know how, but I think that through Daniel, God gave the information to the wise men that would culminate with the journey of the Magi to worship the young child Jesus.

Vs. 2-7 In chapter 2, we had four metals as a part of one statue. In the last of those kingdoms, something funny happened in the feet that was a part of that last kingdom, a continuation of some sort. In the days of those last kings, God sets up His eternal kingdom. Here we have four beasts, and in the days of that final beast something funny happens. Like the iron legs of the statue that have these toes, this final beast will eventually have ten horns. After those horns, God will set up His kingdom. So, we have two visions with one meaning. But now Daniel is shown something about that final kingdom and God has Daniel particularly concerned with a little horn.

Note, God used the sea often as a symbol of rebellion to His rule. Out of that sea of human rebellion come the nations that will claim world domination, and particularly domination of Israel.

V. 4 Just as the head of gold was Nebuchadnezzar and was given prominence, this beast is also given some honor in its description. God removes the wings and gives it the mind of a man. This is probably alluding to God's education of Nebuchadnezzar, making him rational and understanding that the living God ruled.

V. 5 The bear representing the Persian Empire would have been the breast and arms of silver on the statue. The bear was lopsided, some suggest, because it was of the Medes (weaker side) and the Persians (the stronger side.)

V. 6 This is Greece, the bronze torso and thighs of bronze on the statue. The animal imagery here is very direct. The leopard was a symbol the Greeks used; and after Alexander's death, the empire was divided into four kingdoms: north, south, east and west.

V. 7 Breaking into pieces sort of describes this empire, both in the legs of iron and in this beast with its teeth of iron. I don't know my history, so I don't know that the Romans were more brutal than all other empires, but they did have the distinction of being the empire that both killed the Messiah and destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. The ten horns, as we'll see, are ten kings and they would correspond to the toes on the statue. In the description of the statue in chapter 2, it mentions the days of those kings. Since we know here, that there are ten kings ruling at once, looking back on that phrase and those ten toes makes sense. I think that because of the way both of these visions help interpret each other, Daniel wrote this in Aramaic, probably to put it together in the file with the vision of the statue.

V. 8 So, in the days of those ten horns, a small one comes up and plucks up three of the others by their roots, meaning, totally removed. The description of the eyes must have to do with some special dark intelligence given to that horn. While it is saying these great things…

Vs. 9-10 …God takes His seat to pronounce judgment on mankind. This is like the beginning and duration of the Tribulation. Notice that some of this description of the glory of God sounds like what Ezekiel saw.

Vs. 11-12 Eventually this horn was judged. The dominion of the other beasts (Iraq, Iran, Greece and Italy) has been taken away, but their lands remain. We don't have enough information on this final manifestation of the final beast, but with everything that is said here and elsewhere about the horn, the killing of the beast seems to be talking about a man.

Vs. 13-14 This would be the coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation.

As a result of v. 13, the Jews had a title for the Messiah, the "Son of Man." Imagine the distress of the religious leaders, when they heard Jesus refer to Himself as the "Son of Man." As you read through the Gospels next year, underline "Son of Man." It will give you an idea of how often Jesus used this title. Here are a couple of times Jesus said this of Himself.

Mark 2:10-11 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- ¹¹"I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home."

Matthew 26:63-65 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." ⁶⁴Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." ⁶⁵Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy.”

Vs. 15-18 Daniel seeks help and is given a very brief summary, with the assurance that God will fulfill His promise to Israel. Remember, this vision is given to Daniel as the Babylonian Empire was crumbling. Daniel is shown and told that God will sovereignly guide Israel to fulfill the promise given to Abraham.

Vs. 19-22 Now, some of this seems like a review of what he saw, except for the part of the horn beating up the people of Israel/followers of Christ until God puts an end to it. Daniel didn't mention this persecution before, but God knew it would catch Daniel's eye. What concerned Daniel was that this king was fighting and beating the "saints" / people of Israel and followers of Christ during the Tribulation. Why would God allow that?

Vs. 23-28 Notice that this last kingdom, in the final years before the return of Christ, will have power over the whole earth. Those who stand and survive against this power will be few. There will be believers on the earth and there will still be nations that will resist God and the antichrist. As C. S. Lewis said, "The dwarfs are for the dwarfs."

V. 25 What is significant in this description of the antichrist is that he will be given power to kill the followers of Christ during the Tribulation, who will mostly be Jews. We will see this when we read the book of Revelation, and there, we'll see God's purpose in it. Remember Romans 8:36.

V. 27 This is clearly the Millennial Kingdom with the Jews being a witness to the world and Christ reigning. For another prediction of this, see Isaiah 55:5.

V. 28 Daniel was distressed because of the damage this king will do to the saints of God. Revelation explains a little more about this. Those days are still future for Israel, but then there will be full vindication from God.

So, knowing that God has everything in His hands, now is the time to work in the harvest, sharing and witnessing the blessings and power of the gospel as we follow Christ, reaching out to the lost and making disciples who make disciples.

1 John 1

After reading Paul and Peter, what we'll find in John's letters will fall right in line. John wrote this after many churches were established, probably in the 60's A.D., and before the persecution by Nero. What marked this time was the rise of false teaching in the church. God, of course, knew it would come and so He used this rise in false teaching as a help for us to see the apostles address the issues. In dealing with the false teaching, John will also express, in his unique way, the focus of disciples following Christ in the harvest.

Vs. 1-4 Like the introduction to John's Gospel, the focus is immediately on Jesus and His message. See how many things you can find in this introduction that would caution the believers to resist false teachers.

V. 4 As with Paul, John’s joy was in seeing disciples joyfully and faithfully following Christ, making disciples.

Vs. 5-10 This section is definitely aiming at something. Now, even if there weren't false teachers, there would still be the presence of inappropriate lifestyles and the warped rationalizations that supported those in the guise of being OK with God.

Vs. 5-6 We've seen people in Corinth doing all sorts of sin, from immorality to idolatry, justifying it before God. Apparently there were teachers who were not only rationalizing this, but they were promoting it.

V. 7 Notice how this great truth not only rebukes those not honoring Christ in their lives, but it says that as disciples follow Christ, God continually cleanses them from the sins they will inevitably commit. This led John into the next extreme in teaching.

Vs. 8-10 There is no sinless perfection on this earth, whether we say, "Oh that's just the flesh and it doesn't count," or if we say, "I've reached that higher plane of existence." John and the Spirit didn't have much patience for any opinion that says we don't continually need to ask forgiveness before God.

V. 9 This is forgiveness in the family. When a child or spouse sins, it doesn't mean they are out of the family, it means that until someone says they're sorry, you can't pretend that nothing happened. On the basis of the power of what Jesus did, He can justly forgive us and cleanse us as often as we sin. We only need to confess.

V. 10 Again, since this is addressed to Christians, this is not talking about sin before conversion, but sinning while walking with Christ. A disciple will keep a very short, and sensitive, account of his sins and will be talking with God often. It's part of the joy of that closeness with the Lord.

Psalm 119:153-176

Isn't it interesting that David used this alphabet pattern to write this entire psalm. Then in the first part of each section, he refers to something about his life, but the second part always says something about the Word. He goes out of his way to refer to the Word in different ways, yet it is always the same. He couldn't live without being in God's Word in every situation every day and every hour. We need to learn to do the same.

As you read, notice again all of the references to distress or trouble and how the Word helped him.

Vs. 153-154 This is David's plea to God in this section. God knows those who are His and He will deliver them, according to His wisdom and His plan. Sometimes heaven is that deliverance.

Vs. 155-160 God's salvation and compassion are based on a person's relationship to Him. The wicked do not seek or obey God's Word. David not only read and obeyed, but he also loved God's Word.

Vs. 161-162 In the face of unjust persecution, David focused on God's Word to the point of having joy. Notice here that v. 161 sort of echoes John 15:25, They hated me without a cause.

Vs. 163-168 Notice all of the emotions in this section from v. 161 to 168: awe, joy, praise, love, peace, hope and love.

Vs. 169-176 Underline let in this section. Notice too how crying, pleading, and praising are mentioned.

V. 176 David asked God to seek him when he went astray. God did this for David.

Proverbs 28:23-24

V. 23 I was reading this morning how Jesus strongly cautioned His disciples to avoid the leaven of the Pharisees, which was hypocrisy. Immediately afterward He told them not to worry about death or persecution. To live as honestly and transparently as we should for Christ, apparently, could get us into trouble. At least Jesus must have thought so.

V. 24 Having just read 1 John 1:10, isn't this a funny "coincidence?" We need to call a sin a sin.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://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 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 todgkachikis@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 29, 2014

NOVEMBER 29

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Daniel 6

In my thinking, there are few chapters in the Bible that are as under-taught, underestimated and misunderstood as this chapter. This is one of those chapters that makes Bible study a lot of fun. Buckle up!

Vs. 1-3 Now, how is this possible? It should be impossible for anyone to read this and just accept it without wondering why Darius, the conquering general and ruler over this part of the Persian Empire, should elevate Daniel. Daniel was not only the final ruler of the Babylonian Empire, but he had served Babylon as a high ranking official for 67 years. These are the guys you kill when you take over. Assuming Darius was a rational man, why would he do this? It doesn’t make sense. Darius must have had very good reasons for bringing Daniel into his government.

Just for fun look at the following verses: Daniel 9:1 and 11:1. All of this is happening in the first year of Darius.

The fact that Darius was 62 years old meant he would have been in his twenties when Neb lost his mind. There were great relationships between the Babylonians and the Persians and Medes. As royalty, Darius would have visited Babylon many times on official business or to attend events. He may have even fed Nebuchadnezzar a carrot. He would have known Daniel all his life as the ruler of the province of Babylon and the chief of the wise men. Daniel’s eminence would have been even greater during the seven years while Neb was grazing. We don’t know when Daniel was sent as an ambassador to Susa, but we find him there in chapter 8. This would have given Darius and Cyrus more contact with Daniel. Now, these could have been some reasons for Darius to have respected Daniel, but as we read on, we will find some reasons that were far more powerful.

Vs. 4-9 There are two things that are important to see here. First, these people were very religious, and to break the will of a people, you made them compromise themselves in the worship of their gods. We saw that in Daniel 1 and 3. So, as silly as this might sound to us, it made good sense to them. Second, in v. 8, it is very clear that Darius was an equal with Cyrus, in that he could sign a decree into existence that was binding and could not be broken in the entire empire. Official records of this would have been made, sent out by courier and put into official books. This information about official recorded decrees will come in handy at the end of the chapter.

Vs. 10-11 Daniel went and prayed anyway. Why? I’ve heard people attribute this to the faithful habits of a person having their quiet time and their sweet hour of prayer before the Lord. That is all great stuff. But, if you really want to know why Daniel prayed, as well as what he prayed, read Daniel 9:1-19. This was an absolutely crucial time in the history of Israel. Daniel’s passion for the Lord and for his people, as representatives of the God of salvation, was burning in him. The seventy years were up and a new government had taken over. Daniel knew his entire life had been directed by God to save his people. He was begging God to fulfill His promise, given in Jeremiah 29:10, to end the exile after 70 years and return the people to Jerusalem. It is really deeper than that and we’ll see it in chapter 9. There was no way in the world, regardless of the enemy or the cost, that Daniel would not beg God for His people. (By the way, we’ll see later that facing Jerusalem in prayer was a part of another promise in Scripture.)

Vs. 11-13 The trap was sprung, but as we saw in Esther with Haman, sometimes the traps you set for others have a way of biting you back. In this case, the biting is meant literally.

Vs. 14-20 Here we go again. Darius is acting very strangely.

V. 14 I’ve heard this explained that Darius really loved Daniel and didn’t want to lose such a cool leader. Maybe, but how do you explain that Darius is very distressed. This section shows that Darius was fearful. How do you explain that? Read on.

V. 15 This would not have endeared these men to Darius. How many men were a part of this conspiracy? Certainly there were the two other presidents, but some suggest that many of the local leaders were a part of this. I've read of numbers into the hundreds, but only so many men and their families would have fit in the lion's den. I think the main actors here were those other presidents and a few other high ranking men.

One of the things that leads people to misunderstand the depth of this book is that the first six chapters are seen individually, as disconnected children’s stories. Just for the fun of it, Google “Daniel in the lion’s den,” and then click on “images.” Notice how many of the pictures do not show that Daniel was in his eighties. I found one picture that looked like “Samson in the lion’s den.” Anyway, it should be impossible to read chapters 1-6 and not know that 70 years have passed, but most people still visualize Daniel as a young man.

V. 16 How did Darius have this information? I think Darius had known this about Daniel most of his life.

V. 18 No TV, no dancing girls, no nothing! Why in the world is a pagan king fasting, and whom is he seeking by his praying and fasting? Why couldn’t he sleep? What was he worried about?

V. 19 Why is he going to the den so early and with so much agitation? Did he want to collect the bones? Guys like this never traveled alone, so the coach or the guys who carried him apparently had to do double-time.

V. 20 Why is he crying out in anguish? Just think of what Darius says here, servant of the living God. That is a grade “A” shocker. How did Darius know that?

I think Darius expected that God would act that night to save Daniel. I think Darius knew all about God’s education of Nebuchadnezzar: the first dream, the dedication and furnace, and particularly the events that led up to Neb being punished. All of these actions were official Babylonian events, recorded in Aramaic, copied, sent out to the capitals of the provinces and filed. Then, the night that Darius took over, he heard of this strange event in the ballroom. He and Mrs. Darius walked into their new ballroom the next day to decide on paint and drapes, and there on the wall they saw the words carved in the plaster. Not only did he know the stories of what had happened to Neb, but now he had become a part of that history of this mighty God who mixes Himself in empires, and disciplines those kings who resist Him. For Darius, living in Babylon might have been kind of like inheriting a haunted house. I think that when Darius realized he had been tricked and maneuvered into putting Daniel to death, he feared for his life before Yahweh.

Vs. 21-23 Not only was Darius happy (and off the hook), but it was a visual sign and miracle to all of those officials and soldiers who were with him.

V. 24 Darius was also very mad. It was time for some "payback." And just like we saw in the book of Esther, when the decree was given to destroy the Jews, their enemies revealed who they were and were dealt with.

Vs. 25-27 I just have a few observations here. First, another pagan king is worshiping God. Actually, Darius is doing such a good job of it, you wonder if this event moved him to become a worshiper of Yahweh.

Second, Darius writes a binding decree for the entire Persian Empire stating that people were to fear Yahweh. Remember that Nebuchadnezzar did this after the furnace in chapter 3. The force of Neb’s decree was that no one dared force the Jews to worship any god but their own. That decree protected the Jews up until the Persian Empire. When the Persians came to power, they hit the “reset” button and the Jews were threatened again with being forced to worship other gods. With this decree, the Jews again were again a favored people in the empire and they were granted the freedom to worship Yahweh only.

Third, this information, the entire written account, would have been sent out in Aramaic to all the ends of the earth, not just the empire. Cyrus would have gotten a copy. The first year of Darius was also the first year of Cyrus. Guess what Cyrus did in his first year, and after this event? He sent the Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Notice that they were sent to rebuild the temple, not the city. The focus of Cyrus' decree was the worship of Yahweh and wanting to earn Yahweh's favor. Was this event the catalyst to Cyrus’ decree? That makes a lot more sense to me than that God just whammied him and Cyrus mindlessly did it. Read Ezra 1:1-2, and you’ll notice that Cyrus had a lot of information. He most certainly had been influenced by what happened to Neb and Cyrus might have read some of the official Babylonian documents that had been written by Daniel, that is, chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. (Chapter 7 is interesting and was written in Aramaic, years earlier.) I think that God used this crisis to put the fire under Cyrus to seek the favor of God and to send the Jews home.

Fourth, look at what God does through crisis. In God’s hands, crisis is our friend. This should teach us something.

Fifth, though Belshazzar knew what God had done to Nebuchadnezzar, he failed to learn from it and paid the price. Darius was different. He not only observed; he took it to heart. Darius got an “A.”

As disciples, when Jesus tells us to go into the harvest and not to fear, I think He can really back that up. The question is, after reading all of this, have we learned anything?

2 Peter 3

Vs. 1-3 Peter is doing the same thing that Paul did with Timothy, when he told Tim in both letters that in the last days there would be false teachers. In this case Peter is saying that, from within the church, there will come false teachers who, among other things, will cause others not to take certain things seriously. People will scoff at God. It happens, too, and as a result, bitter, disillusioned, fruitless believers are easy to find.

Vs. 4-7 In this case they are creating doubt regarding the return of the Lord and judgment. Peter uses the example of the flood, to show that what happened once will certainly happen again. The same Word that created the world has brought judgment once, by water, and will bring it again. As sure as there is a visible world, there will be a time of accountability before the Creator. I think the issue here is not only God’s delay, but whether He will bring judgment.

Vs. 8-10 Notice the prominence of the harvest and the importance of our mission in what Peter says here. The reason that God is waiting is for the harvest to be brought in. Notice that this judgment will come with fire on the earth. That sounds like the book of Revelation.

Vs. 11-13 Since we know the judgment is coming, we should live a particular kind of life, following Jesus. Since everything on earth will be done away with, except people, saving people is the goal, not acquiring stuff or fulfilling our desires. By working in the harvest, bringing in those whom God will save, we are hastening the coming of the Lord. Notice that Peter adds some reality here regarding the coming judgment and the promise of our future not being on this earth, but on the new one. Too many believers still think that heaven is on this earth. This earth and this time on earth is like the foyer or entrance to a building. We haven't really entered the true building yet.

Vs. 14-18 Notice here that Paul’s writings are equated as Scripture. The people are to resist the false teachers, wait on the Lord, honor God and work in the harvest during this time of God’s patience. Notice that there were "other Scriptures" besides what Paul had written. This could be referring to the Gospels of Mark, Luke and the letter from James.

V. 18 says it all. Amen!

The time to be working in the harvest is now, before God's judgment begins. And, this is the perfect season in many western nations to use Christmas as a conversation starter, or to show kindness to someone in the name of our Lord.

Psalm 119:129-152

Vs. 129-130 Here, the Word becomes the light to the soul, giving understanding. Unfolding gives the sense of the Word gradually making sense to us as we spend time in it daily.

Vs. 131-136 On the basis of the light you have, you know how to move and respond in the darkness. David had plenty of darkness around him.

V. 133 David needed God to steady his steps and this came through the Word. In reading this, I think of how strong David was when he was afflicted and distressed. He was forced to go to the Lord in His Word. It seems like David lived in the Word. When he got comfortable and busy and important in his palace, I think he let the Word gather dust, and we’ve read the tragic results.

Vs. 137-144 Righteousness seems to be important in this section. Righteousness is like a standard, or measurement or guide to help us. Driving "righteously" would be obeying the rules, stopping at signs and staying inside the lines. We learn of God's guides for us in His Word. David's adversaries were out of bounds in pursuing David. It was a matter of knowing God's Word and living righteously before Him. David was distressed by the danger and the unjustness, but the Word gave David comfort. The righteousness of God and those standards expressed in the Word pleaded David's case.

Vs. 145-146 David's interest in God and in His Word was with His whole heart.

Vs. 147-148 I wonder if this was David’s quiet time. Notice the mention of the promise.

Vs. 149-151 And here’s the reason David got up so early. David knew of the steadfast love of God as revealed in His Word. God was near.

V. 152 David knew that the Word was eternal.

This makes me think that we need to pursue the Lord in times of “peace,” the way we do in times of need and distress. The reality of this life is that we live behind enemy lines, with people around us being deceived and destroyed, around the clock. When God gives us peace, we shouldn’t abuse it by forgetting why He has left us here. We are to pursue Him in this dark harvest, following Christ, reaching the lost, making disciples who make disciples. Very soon, both in the OT and in the NT, we will begin reading about the judgment that is coming.

Proverbs 28:21-22

V. 21 I’m sure this was another reason why Jesus taught His disciples that we should expect our bread from God and lay up treasure in heaven. If that’s where our bread comes from, we can’t be bought.

V. 22 I’m sure that “poverty of soul” is included in this.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://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 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 todgkachikis@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 28, 2014

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 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, 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.’ (Matthew 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. 16:20) 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 Timothy 6:9) They punish themselves.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this linkhttp://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 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 todgkachikis@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, 2014

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. The second has to do with the knowledge of Christ, 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, 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 the prophetic word is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who was producing new Scripture by supernatural inspiration. 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 linkhttp://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 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 todgkachikis@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, 2014

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.

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 linkhttp://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 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 todgkachikis@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.