NOVEMBER 30
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 the 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 link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”
I'm writing these
comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in
growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see
the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples,
meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out
and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal
manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us
more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are
only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of
God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are
designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is
that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a
year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples,
disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a
complete description of this model of being and making disciples you can find
it in my book: Simply Disciples*Making Disciples.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011WJIDQA?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
If you would like a more
descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the
Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the
commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never
hurts.
I am not endorsing any
particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte
Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with
us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their
own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular
tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to
criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has
written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.
If you would like
documents containing an entire month of the Reading Notes, go to https://sites.google.com/site/dlkachikis/reading-notes. You can download these to use on your computer or to
print.
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