Month: December 2024

Set His Heart to Study

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezra 7-8

POETRY: Psalm 142

NEW TESTAMENT: John 15:1-17

About 60 years after the first Babylonian exiles returned to Jerusalem, Ezra, appointed by King Artaxerxes, returned to Jerusalem with a new wave of exiles. His mission was to renew Israel’s commitment to following God’s Law. 

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. (Ezra 7:10)

For Ezra had set his heart…

At the time this passage was written, there was no Hebrew word for brain and no concept of its role in the body. Instead, biblical authors used the word heart (lev or levav) to describe both our emotions and thoughts. Here, when Ezra says he “sets his heart” on studying the Law, he means dedicating his entire being to knowing and following God’s Word.  

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)

…To study the Law of the LORD…

The Law, or Torah, refers to the first five books of the Old Testament. It contains 613 laws that establish a covenant between Israel and God. God promises that following His way will lead to blessing. 

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8 ESV)

…And to do it… 

While being able to recite all 613 laws would be impressive, knowledge without application is futile. It’s significant that not only does Ezra know the Law, but he also commits himself to following it. 

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (James 1:22-25 ESV)

…And to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

This is where Ezra’s preparation meets his ministry. As a “scribe skilled in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6), his knowledge of the Torah is complete. His mission is to teach the Torah to restore Yahweh’s rule and reign in Jerusalem.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ESV)

May we be like Ezra. May we set our hearts to study God’s Word, to live it out, and to teach its message to a world in need of revival. 

-Mackenzie McClain

Reflection Questions

  1. What have you set your heart on? What is your entire being dedicated to? How is this displayed in your life?
  2. What is the value of setting your heart on studying the law of the Lord (and now the whole word of the Lord made available throughout the 66 books not just the first 5 Ezra had the privilege of knowing)?
  3. Do you find it easier to study God’s law or to do it? Can you have one without the other?
  4. What ministry has God called you to? Who do you know that you can teach what you know about God and His Word?
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Remember & Celebrate

OLD TESTAMENT: Esther 8-10

POETRY: Psalm 141

NEW TESTAMENT: John 14:15-31

Esther 9:22 – “as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.”

How often do you remember and celebrate the mercies God has shown you?

In this last section of the book of Esther we read about the establishment of the celebration of Purim which commemorates when the Jews saw their fear and sorrow turn into relief and joy as the edict of annihilation was overturned.

All throughout the Old Testament, God calls His people to set aside specific days to remember and celebrate all that was done on their behalf. From Passover to Purim and Rosh Hashanah to Chanukah, these Jewish holidays are full of traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

As New Testament believers we take time to celebrate Christmas and Easter. He is our Messiah, and our salvation and hope are only available to us because of his perfect life, atoning death, and miraculous resurrection.  

Additionally, many of us regularly partake in communion, once again recognizing the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and the promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of God. 

But doesn’t God show us His grace and mercy daily? Shouldn’t we set aside time each day to pause, reflect, and give glory and honor for all that has been accomplished on our behalf? Like the Jews in the time of Esther, we too have been saved from the threat of annihilation from our enemies. We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to do battle and conquer fear and so much more. 

Every day we have reason to celebrate. Abundant living is ours today! God has given us so much. Let us never take it for granted.

-Bethany Ligon

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do you think God gave directions for days of celebration? What benefits do they have?
  2. What has God given you that He wants you to remember?
  3. What was to be included in the celebration of Purim? What ingredients can you include in your holy days and in your every day?
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Humility that Leads to Life

Pride that Leads to Death

OLD TESTAMENT: Esther 5-7

POETRY: Psalm 141

NEW TESTAMENT: John 14:1-14

Esther 6:6 – “When Haman entered, the king asked, ‘What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?’”

Today’s Old Testament reading includes some of the most dramatic events! In the end, the bad guy loses and the good guy wins. And through it all we see how humility comes before honor and pride comes before a fall.

At the end of Esther chapter four we see Esther demonstrating humility as she recognizes that the only hope she has to save the Jews from destruction is to fast and pray to God.

Esther is also humble as she risks her life to approach the king uninvited. She knows that the only hope that she has of saving her people is if she shows proper honor to the king.

Mordecai showed humility as he continued to show up to the king’s gate day after day. The king had failed to acknowledge Mordecai’s part in uncovering the conspiracy to kill him. But that didn’t stop Mordecai from doing what he was called to do. What I find especially intriguing is that even in the light of impending destruction of all the Jews, Mordecai remained faithful and humble; he resisted becoming bitter and resentful.

Have you ever been overlooked? Ignored or dismissed after putting forth effort on behalf of someone else or to complete a task. Have you ever taken initiative only to have someone else receive the credit? 

If so, it can be disappointing, frustrating, and disheartening, which can then lead to apathy or even bitterness and resentment. 

But as believers, we are called to a higher standard. We are instructed multiple times that we do not work for anyone other than God. It is Him who we aim to please. He sees us, He knows how hard we work, He is aware of the self-discipline that is required to practice excellence. And even if our efforts are never acknowledged by others around us, we can count on God being fair and just. 

In due time, Mordecai was honored in the king’s court, Esther kept her status as queen, and the Jews were saved from destruction. And as for Haman, his pride led to his death. 

God saw and made what was wrong, right. He will do the same for you as you live in humility and honor Him in all that you think, say, and do.

-Bethany Ligon

Reflection Questions

  1. How is fasting (as seen at the end of chapter 4) an act of humility? What is your experience with fasting? How do you think God views fasting? Do you think there was benefit in the 3 day fast of Esther, her maids, Mordecai and the Jewish people?
  2. Where would you rate yourself on the humility – pride scale? What do you tend towards?
  3. What are the dangers that come with pride? When have you seen the pride fall?
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When You are Bewildered

OLD TESTAMENT: Esther 3 & 4

POETRY: Psalm 140

NEW TESTAMENT: John 13:18-38

Esther 3:15 – “Spurred on by the king’s command, the couriers went out, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.”

The third chapter of Esther opens up with yet another character of the narrative being introduced, Haman. We don’t know where he came from or what he did to deserve such a high rank among the king’s court, but we quickly learn that he comes from a lineage that is known for being at odds with Israel, the Agagites. We also learn that he thinks of himself as someone who deserves to be honored by those who are lower in status. And when Mordecai refuses to bow down to Haman, that’s when life as the Hebrews knew it, would change almost over night.

Chapter four has some of the most famous sentences recorded. As Mordecai is imploring Esther to take action to save her people from annihilation, he says to her, “And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?” (verse 14) And two verses later, Esther replies, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Talk about resolve in a time of tribulation! Esther’s character in this time is certainly one to take notice and imitate.

Which brings me to the phrase that jumped out at me in preparation for today and it’s found back in chapter 3, verse 15. Haman is thrilled that his plot will be carried out, even if he has to wait months for it to come to fruition. But just in case the king starts to really think about what he’s agreed to, Haman takes him out for drinks to keep him distracted. Meanwhile, the city of Susa is left wondering why would an edict for the complete destruction of a people group be made? What happened? Why the Jews, what did they do? What if Jews were intermarried, would some family members be killed while others be left alone? What if I did business with some Jews? What if my closest friends were Jews? Was I just expected to stand aside and let the authorities carry out a nonsensical edict? Who am I to stand against the government?

Does this sound like another time as described in modern day world history books? 

As an ordinary citizen in my town, in my state, in my country, there are plenty of times when governing authorities make decisions that don’t quite make sense. I admit that while I do participate in elections, I’m otherwise not politically active or especially knowledgeable beyond the headlines that pop up in my notifications. And so I can relate to the citizens of Susa who were left bewildered. Would I take action to try to stop the impending atrocities or would I remain in my confused state and watch events play out?

There are plenty of causes that anyone could choose to become involved in to make a difference for the vulnerable. How and when is between the individual and God. But that’s not exactly where I’m going with this.

I do want to remind you, dear friend, that even when this world leaves us bewildered, confused, or even indignite over injustices, as believers in the faith, we are also citizens of the Kingdom of God. And as God is eternal and true, we do not have to wonder or worry about some other authority coming in and stripping us of our spiritual citizenship. God is Almighty, He is holy, He is just, He is compassionate, He reigns over all creation, nothing is beyond His notice or His control. His care is over each and every one of us; He is trustworthy and faithful to His people. We can remain confident through prosperous times and turbulent trials that not only are we citizens, but we are children and even co-heirs with Christ in a Kingdom that will never end.

-Bethany Ligon

Reflection Questions

  1. What do we learn of Esther’s character? Mordecai’s? Haman’s? The kings? Of those characteristics you listed which ones can you see in yourself this past month? Which would you like to work on eliminating in your life? Which would you like to work on growing in your life?
  2. When have you been bewildered – perhaps by a government decision?
  3. What do you know from your own experiences and from Esther’s life about God’s character?
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“Now there was…”

OLD TESTAMENT: Esther 1-2

POETRY: Psalm 140

NEW TESTAMENT: John 13:1-17

Esther 2:5 – “Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish,”

The book of Esther opens up with introducing the reader to the reign of King Xerxes of Persia. His kingdom was vast and wide. His wealth was beyond measure. His wife, Queen Vashti, was one of the most beautiful women in all of the land. He seemed to have it all. Except King Xerxes didn’t have it all. He hadn’t yet conquered Greece. And his wife, well, she wasn’t keen on being paraded around objectified by men in drunken states. And for this, she was punished, dethroned, and for all intents and purposes, exiled. Now, King Xerxes didn’t have a queen.

Chapter two of Esther opens up with the phrase, “Now there was…” introducing us to a new set of characters in the story, Mordecai and Esther, who are the individuals that we should really turn our attention to. These two new characters are Hebrew exiles living in Persia under the reign of King Xerxes. And as we read through the book of Esther, we see that their presence in this kingdom is vital to the survival of Xerxes, but more significantly, the Hebrew population in Persia.

This phrase “Now there was…” has gotten me thinking about the other times it is used in Scripture. Within the NIV translation, it is used eight additional times. (Gen 12:10; 26:1; Nu 20:2; 2 Sam 9:2; 1 Kings 13:11; Luke 2:25; 23:50; and John 3:1) It’s an author’s way of transitioning to something new, maybe even something unexpected. 

As we find ourselves in the middle of Advent season, I’m going to take my devotional-writer prerogative and divert slightly and transition to another, but related, idea. (We’ll come back to Esther tomorrow, I promise.)

I am thinking of key people in the narrative of Jesus’ birth that also deserve a “Now there was” introduction.

Now there was…Mary, the betrothed of Joseph, chosen by God to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah.

Now there was…Joseph, the man selected to raise the Messiah as his own.

Now there was…Gabriel, the angel who was sent to share the news of parenthood with Mary and Joseph.

Now there were…the shepherds who witnessed a great company of the heavenly hosts praising God upon the birth of Jesus.

Now there were…the Wise Men who traveled from afar to present gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh to the new born child. 

All of these people had a role in introducing Jesus to the world, just as he was born. There are many prophets who foretold Jesus in the Old Testament. There are many apostles and disciples who continued to tell the world about Jesus through the Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament. 

Who is telling the world today about Jesus?

Now there was…YOU.

We each have the privilege and responsibility to continue to share the Gospel message to those who do not know it yet. 

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends, let us not forget that there might be someone we know who needs to be introduced to the Lord and Savior of the world. They need to hear the message that they are loved, that they can be healed, that there is hope beyond what they experience today. YOU can be the difference for someone else today and give them the greatest gift of all, the Gospel message. 

May God bless you and keep you as you go about your day.

-Bethany Ligon

Reflection Questions

  1. In the first two chapters of Esther what have we learned so far about the main characters: the King of Persia, Mordecai, and Esther? How would you describe each one?
  2. Choose a character from the events of the birth of Jesus. How would you describe him/her?
  3. How would you like to introduce someone to Jesus? Pray about the opportunity, the words, the hearts (yours and theirs) that can make the difference.
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Miracles and the Miraculously Malcontent

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezra 4-6

POETRY: Psalm 139

NEW TESTAMENT: John 12:37-50

The Gospel of John, chapters 7-12, have been happening in conjunction with our Old Testament readings these past two weeks. In the gospel of John, Jesus does not perform miracles per se. At least, John doesn’t call them miracles. Instead, John calls them signs. There are seven signs. These signs work with John’s overall mission. In John 20:31, we read “These are written so that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in his name.” “These things” that are written are the teachings of Jesus, but also the signs that show that he is the Messiah. 

If you see the signs, you should recognize that Jesus is the Messiah. 

That’s the point. 

I really need to drive that home because I want to focus on a part of John 12 that has always bothered me deeply. It was not today’s reading but yesterday’s. Let’s look at verse 9-10 again: “The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.” 

The seventh miraculous sign Jesus performed was the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It shows the power Jesus has been granted from the Father over the grave, and that Jesus himself is the resurrection and the life. 

And the chief priests plan to kill Lazarus. They plan to take the one benefitted by the sign and put him down. They are so focused on preserving the comfortable way of life they have that they don’t realize they are destroying the good, the truth, the life of what is coming. A better way Jesus came to make. Maybe some of them knew Jesus really was the Messiah. It is even worse for them because they are knowingly attacking the resurrection and the life. The one who is the only way to the Father. They are doing so by denying his sign.

As you go through this advent, as you share the message of Jesus, the hope, peace, joy, and love he brings, don’t be surprised that there are those who cannot or do not want to hear the truth of that message; there were those in the time of Jesus who wanted to kill a man who Jesus raised from the dead. There will always be malcontents who cannot bear to experience joy and life. 

What you are called to do is to love them, but never become like them. 

May you be full of joy and life, this day and every day. 

May you hear the voice of Jesus and jump for joy. 

May you be raised by Jesus when he comes in his kingdom. Amen. 

-Jake Ballard

Reflection Questions

  1. In the account of the raising of Lazarus, where do you see yourself? Place yourself in the scene and imagine – what would be your thoughts, feelings, words, actions?
  2. In what ways have you heard the voice of Jesus? What is your response to Jesus?
  3. What is your response to those who reject the message and signs of Jesus that say he is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God?

Jake Ballard is pastor at Timberland Bible Church. If you’d like to hear more from him, you can find Timberland on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TimberlandBibleChurch/ ) and on Instagram (https://instagram.com/timberlandbiblechurch?igshid=t52xoq9esc7e ). The church streams the Worship Gathering every Sunday at 10:30. Besides studying and teaching God’s word, he is raising three beautiful children with the love of his life, plays board games and RPGs, and is currently learning how to speak Klingon. If you’d like to reach out to talk Bible, talk faith, or talk about whether Kirk or Picard were the better captains (though, of course, each were necessary in their own time), look Jacob Ballard up on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jacob.ballard.336) or email him at jakea.ballard@yahoo.com. 

God bless you all! 

Qapla’!

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“That took a turn…”

OLD TESTAMENT: Ezra 1-3

*POETRY: Psalm 139

NEW TESTAMENT: John 12:20-36

Psalm 139 is beautiful. 

God searches us and knows us. 

He is all around us, ready to be there for us no matter where we go. 

He thinks precious thoughts of us. 

I desire that God will slay the wicked because I hate them so deeply. 

God will lead me in the everlasting way. 

Yes, truly beautiful. 

Wait a second, what was that part about slaying the wicked. 

For 18 verses we are given a beautiful declaration about the wonder and majesty of God and his deep and unending love for his people. Then verse 19 comes along and the psalmist is declaring his homicidal thoughts for everyone God hates. Wait, that GOD hates? God hates people?! What’s going on?

Let’s remind ourselves what the Psalms *are*. The Psalms are collectively, the songbook of the people of Israel, composed by different men, women, and bands across hundreds of years and in different places. Each psalm is, individually, a poem, lyrics to the song composed.  

The Bible is inspired, authoritative, and true, but the personality and desires of the author comes through. God’s inspiration is not so thorough as to remove the human element from the text. Here, we can see the way in which David, who either wrote the psalm or who inspired the psalm (see note below) considered his faithfulness to God displayed. While God cared for David, David loved God by, in this case, defending his honor. There are men, men who desire bloodshed, who speak wickedly against God, who are enemies of The Most High. David desires that they do not get away with their sinful lifestyle, but that they instead have their evil come back on their own head. 

Here’s where this can make sense to us: God is not shocked by your anger, your revenge plots, your bitterness. He wants to hear it. He wants you to “put pen to paper” or, maybe more accurately, put word to thought, and express your feelings. Where they are justified (sin is evil and WILL be overthrown) he will allow those feelings to continue and where they are wrong (God desires all to be come to a knowledge of the truth, not hating his enemies) God will work to correct them. He knows what is on your heart, but he wants you to acknowledge that reality yourself. 

When you acknowledge the dark part within yourself, not denying it but confessing it and repenting of it, then you will be able to say “see if there is any hurtful way in me.” 

And God will lead you in the everlasting way. 

(Note: “Of David” could mean either “by David” or “in the style of David.”)

__________

-Jake Ballard

Questions

  1. Any where you go, God is already there. In theological terms, we call this God’s omnipresence. He is everywhere all at once. Is this comforting or terrifying? It is freedom or oppression? Why do you think that?
  2. Each person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, knit together in the womb of their mother. People are people in the womb, known and loved by God. How should that impact how we think about little humans in wombs in our world?
  3. Are there any dark parts that you need to declare to God? Anger, bitterness and resentment you need to release, because he cares, as well as already knows your heart?
  4. “Search me and try me” are bold statements. If you have had a blessed day, ask God this difficult question, expecting God to give you an answer. If you have not had a good day, pray that God would show up clearly and lead you clearly tomorrow. 
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Two Kinds of Eternity

OLD TESTAMENT: Daniel 12

POETRY: Psalm 139

NEW TESTAMENT: John 12:12-19

Jesus says, in the gospel of John, “God loved the world in this way: He gave his unique, one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (3:16) Later, in the Revelation of Jesus, we read that anyone whose name is not written in the book of life shall be judged, but that those who conquer will never have their name blotted out of the book of life. (3:5)

As we come to a close in Daniel, we are struck with weird, disconsonant numbers. Yesterday, I gave you a giant history lesson; maybe today you are worried about a deep dive into math! Let me give you some hope, we aren’t doing math. (I can hear the sigh of relief from here.) 

Instead, I am going to get very personal and very honest: eternity awaits you. This is not an “infinity-and-beyond” kind of aspiration. While the New Testament is very explicit in the book and verses we looked at above, it is what permeates the teaching and focus of Jesus. Eternity is coming. Whether at his return or at the end of our lives and our resurrection into the next, there is something coming. In Daniel 12 (and most places in the Bible) there is one resurrection at the end of the world. Daniel is full of metaphor and numbers, but here, the language is bolstered by the literal teachings of Jesus, and also other places in the New Testament. Daniel 12 tells us there will be a real, literal resurrection. Those who sleep will rise. But with one resurrection, there are two outcomes. One is everlasting life. One is shame and everlasting contempt. The gospel of John repeats as much: “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28-29 ESV) What does everlasting shame and contempt mean? Humans are not, in and of themselves, immortal. We die, the dead know nothing (Ecc. 9:5), the dead do not praise God (Psalm 115:17); instead the dead are, metaphorically, asleep, unaware of the passing of time. This matters because what is offered in Revelation is eternal life or the second death. Not torture forever, but the finality of hope, and the end of existence. 

I am not a fire-and-brimstone kind of guy, and I won’t want to scare you. I want you to think through your options. Today, you have set before you life and death. More than that, you have eternal life or eternal death. I beg you, choose life! Jesus, the sacrifice for our sins, the ruler of God’s kingdom, the lamb slain from the foundation of the world, he desires to write your name down in his book of life. He, like his father, does not desire that any should perish, but all, whoever calls upon him, should live and live eternally. 

My friends, may you call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. 

May your name be found in the Lamb’s book of life. 

May you spend eternity with all those who have called upon Jesus.

May you be blessed so that you may see God in his kingdom. 

Remember, one day, we will all go on our way. We will all rest in death. 

May we stand side by side in our allotted places at the end, covered in the grace of Jesus. 

Amen. 

-Jake Ballard

Questions:

  1. It’s your turn to study! What are the connections between 1290, 1335, and “time, times and half a time”? Reading Revelation may make some of it clear, but you should ask your pastor. Be really specific and make your pastor think! 
  2. Some of our Christian brothers and sisters think that judgement means an eternity of pain and suffering. Can you understand why they might believe that? Can you see why it is wrong? List out some reasons in the Bible or in theology or philosophy that it might be wrong and explain them: “Human mortality” or “God’s love and justice” are good starting places, but think about going deeper. 
  3. Beyond numbers and judgement, I encourage you, during this time of Advent, to trust in what God has done in and through Jesus, our savior. I encourage you to trust him with your life and with your resurrection. I encourage you to talk to your pastor, youth pastor, or caregivers about becoming baptized, and finding forgiveness so that your name may never be blotted out of the book of life. God bless you as you seek him. 
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Prophecy So Accurate…

OLD TESTAMENT: Daniel 11

POETRY: Psalm 139 (the rest of the week)

NEW TESTAMENT: John 12:1-11

In Daniel 11, we are given a detailed play-by-play of the ins and outs of kingdom in the ancient world. If you would allow me a moment, here is what is going on : The King of the North and the King of the South (Dan. 11:1-10) are the Seleucids and the Ptolemys, respectively. There is a prophecy about Antiochus “the Great” [223-187 BC] trying to invade the South but failing. (11:10-12) A group of Jews try to throw off Ptolemaic Rule by siding with Antiochus (11:14). The king of the North will capture a well fortified city (11:15) and that city is Sidon, a frontier city for the King of the South. Antiochus gave his daughter to be a peace offering to the Ptolemys, but she sided with her new husband. (11:17) Finally, a Roman general stopped Antiochus the Great. (11:18-19) Seleucus IV Philopator sent a tax man to Jerusalem (11:20), but much worse than Seleucus is Antiochus IV “Ephiphanes” [or God manifest] who lived from 176-164BC. Sometimes we was called “Epimanes” which means crazy or mad. This is the despicable person of 11:21. “The prince of the covenant” who is “swept away” (11:22) is Onias, the high priest and traditionalist who is killed by Milenaus, a Hellenist, who wanted to compromise with Greek Culture. The Roman Navy, “the ships of Kittim” stop Antiochus from his desire to rule the sea. (11:30) But he does desecrate the sanctuary and do away with sacrifices and set up an abomination with makes desolate (11:31) by stopping the Jews from performing the sacrifices, by sacrificing a pig on the altar, by planning to set up a statue of Jupiter with the Face of Antiochus. During this time men were beaten if they didn’t eat pork and women were thrown off the wall of Jerusalem into the streets below if they circumcised their children. All this happened in 168 BC. However, “the End time” as prophesied by Daniel is that resistance to Antiochus increases and becomes a movement. Matthias, a Jew, killed the official for Antiochus and the Jews began to sacrifice again. Finally, Judas Maccabee, “the Hammer” begins to reign in a free Jewish Kingdom, beginning the Hasmonean Kingdom. 

Take a deep breath, because I do have one more date to throw at you. Belshazzar/Darius the Mede/Cyrus the Great in power? Around 539 BC. Nearly 400 years before the events that are spelled out in great detail in Daniel 11. There are Biblical scholars who don’t believe in God (which may or may not surprise you), and many of them believe that Daniel must have been written after 168, because he is too accurate in his prophecy about the Kings of the North and the Kings of the South. 

Or maybe, we serve a God who tells us the future he will cause to come to pass.

Maybe we serve a God who is greater than our minds can fathom. 

Maybe God will call things that are not as though they were.

Don’t worry, there is no test on Daniel, no followup on the names of the Greek Kingdoms. But if you ever wonder how God could make your life, your stress, your situation work out for good, remember that he made every prophecy of Daniel 11 come true; when he says he will give you life and you will have it to the full, you can *know* he will make it come true. 

The God who directs the courses of history can direct you to his blessings. Amen. 

-Jake Ballard

Reflection Questions

  1. What have you learned from history, archaeology, or science that has backed up what God tells us in the Bible?
  2. Daniel probably didn’t know exactly why he was receiving this prophecy or know exactly what it would look like when it did come to pass, but he was faithful in writing it down to pass it along. You probably have not received such detailed prophecies from God, but what have you heard from God that could be helpful for someone else to hear? How will you pass it along?
  3. What can help grow your faith in believing that God will do what He says He will do?
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The Prince of Persia

OLD TESTAMENT: Daniel 10

POETRY: Psalm 139

NEW TESTAMENT: John 11:38-57

For most of the modern era, we lived in a world that was unabashedly, even arrogantly, anti-supernatural. There were a number of early American founders who believed the respectable form of belief was Deism; God existed and created the world, but has not interfered. With the rise of modern science, the theory of evolution, the splitting of the atom, more and more people claimed that God was in the gaps of our knowledge, and when those gaps shrunk, so did our God. Soon, there would be nowhere left for him to go. 

In the time since the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the West, we have seen a continual decline of religious adherence (those who “go to church/mosque/synagogue” or believe in the doctrines of a major religion) but we have seen a marked increase in those who believe in God or gods, the supernatural, crystals, “manifesting”, life after death, angels, ESP, and more. 

As Christians, our beliefs should not be tied to the beliefs of our day or of our world, but on the words of scripture. Of course, we are not called to deny God or say he only lives in the gaps of knowledge, nor do we believe in every form of supernatural experience. Daniel gives us something more than Deism and something less than delusion.

In Daniel 10, Daniel is told that he has been heard by God, and that he has been answered, but the reason the angel was delayed was because “the prince of the Kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days.” Read again the description of this powerful angel. This is not a being who will be withstood by human forces. Nor is Michael merely a human prince, but a Chief of the Angels.This is an angelic messenger delivering news about the future. 

According to this passage, places like Revelation 12, and a small selection of other texts, there is a war in heavenly places, and we are called to be soldiers. Not against flesh and blood, not for any country or flag, but for our King against the common enemy of mankind. In a world that denies the supernatural, there are those who deny not only the angels, but deny the demons and the devil. If we deny the existence of the devil, how can we be prepared to stand against him and his schemes? Satan prowls about looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We have to resist the devil, and only then will he flee from us (James 4:7). We are called to put on the whole armor of God, especially the shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

Today’s chapter is short. This devotion is also short. Just remember, you are called to fight against the evil of the devil and his angels, but you are filled with the power of God, wearing the amor of God, backed by the people of God and the angels of God, all for the glory of God. Satan is not more powerful than our God: “greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) That is a battlecry to get behind. 

-Jake Ballard

Reflection Questions

  1. What effect did getting a glimpse of the spiritual warfare being fought have on Daniel?
  2. What does the Bible teach about spiritual warfare in the past, present and future? How often do you consider the spiritual battle being waged right now? How does it affect you when you do?
  3. Where do you see Satan at work? What has God given you to stand strong against Satan/the devil?
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