Reading
SAA Notes
It is revealed to Daniel that the triumphs and defeats of the great powers of the nations are all inside God’s will, even when they exercise their destructive power over Jerusalem Below. The infighting of Alexander the Great’s generals after his death are encompassed in this vision.
SJA Notes
* God Above, thank You for Your word to us today.
“In those times many shall rise against the king of the south, and the violent among your own people shall lift themselves up in order to fulfil the vision, but they shall fail.”
When we speak the truth to each other we prophesy.
A prophet is a truth-teller.
It is a different idea than what the world might think, where prophesy == future telling.
Here is today’s passage we see Jesus truth-telling of the coming future (in Daniel’s time).
The leaders mentioned in this passage are historical figures, and all that is here happened to them.
This was written before it happened, Daniel was given these truths from the mouth of his Saviour, our King Jesus.
Do we believe this?
God raises up. God pulls down. And God has determined this BEFORE it happens (He does not play what is in front of Him, this is not a game of created beings responding to events outside of their control).
Do we believe this?
God’s sovereignty, His mighty will, His intent and power to carry out – These are big important truths.
Let us believe in them!
* Father God,
Thank You that it is You who raise up and You who pull down – The perfect God, without sin, righteous and holy.
Thank You it is not we who have this power.
Thank You that because of what You have done in Your power, the greatest good from the most terrible evil, because of the shed blood of Jesus, we are redeemed for You – Our sin washed clean!
Amen.