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We had two for Wordlisteners, and we discussed the first four chapters of Daniel. While this book is widely known for prophecy in later chapters, it seems to give glimpses into the way anti-christ will be in the last days. Maybe I'm incorrect, but the similarities are striking between the way anti-christ will behave, and the way Nebuchadnezzar did behave.
Daniel Chapter 1
Daniel is about a time of exile, during Babylonian then MedoPersian rule of God's people. Some of the stories in there everyone is familiar with, but why has God let this book endure. The easy answer is for the prophesy, the more difficult answer I believe is that it will give glimpses into what life will be like in the last days before the millennial reign.
Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and it was given into his hand. He took the best that was in the city back to Babylon, people and goods. In stead of being concerned with everyone, the king of Babylon an example of anti-christ was only interested in what he felt would serve him best.
Nebuchadnezzar then wanted to indoctrinate them (particularly the young) into the ways of the Chaldeans. This served him by getting him good officials for his kingdom and potentially and only slightly (which is all it takes) deflecting the identity as God's chosen people from the exiles.
Daniel and his friends stayed true to their beliefs, additionally this chapter has the best example of conflict resolution I have ever seen and it was written thousands of years ago. Daniel stated his case, proposed a test or method of resolution, gave another the final decision after the test results and left the rest up to God. He didn't manipulate (which is often done, or argue his case leaving out unflattering details), but rather was simple, straightforward, and timely. He left it for God to act, and not only did God protect His people, he blessed them.
In the last days people will be faced with seemingly easy choices that effectively deny God, what will they do? He is an answer – Trust Him. Daniel as a result of this continued through several rulers and kingdoms.
Daniel Chapter 2
Nebuchadnezzar had an unsettling dream. Interestingly he used it as a newer not so well established ruler to his advantage. The paranoia of being a new leader caused him to demand that the dream be told followed by the interpretation. He decreed that all the magicians conjurers and sorcerers be killed if there wasn't one that could tell his dream and the interpretation. Daniel was considered in this category. He was recognized for his ability, and since they didn't believe it was God led they assumed it was magic. These people had rightly told Nebuchadnezzar that they couldn't know his dream, for nobody knows what happens in another man's dreams. They did say the gods could, but only the true God can, because the others are not gods. Daniel heard about it because he was to be killed, and he asked for time. Then he went to his friends to get them to pray with him that God would show them.
As to end times the anti-christ will look for answers wherever he can find them, and he will be unsettled about things at least early on.
God revealed the dream and interpretation to Daniel. Daniel praised God and not just slightly, he was truly grateful and not just in a moment of passing. Daniel went to the person appointed for killing the now “wise” men and told him not to kill them. He was then taken to the king. He gave God all the credit and said that only God and not man could do what he had requested. His dream was a glance at world history. Four major kingdoms (Babylon being the first). That they are all mentioned together means a common thread of some sort. One of the common ties is that the final kingdom may have attributes of the first. In this case a very charismatic leader like Nebuchadnezzar.
The fourth kingdom is struck by a stone cut “without hands”, and all of the kingdoms become as chaff. Without hands may mean that man is not involved, God doesn't need our help, He is sovereign and what He wants to happen will. That the kingdoms become chaff mean there will be nothing lasting from them. Four thousand years of human history and nothing enduring that is human. The only enduring things are the things of God.
This stone (without hands) will become a kingdom and will endure. The Kingdom of God brought in under Rome (not called by name) by Jesus, and will endure forever. Jesus will reign on earth one thousand years.
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God, after listening to Daniel state the dream and interpretation. He promotes Daniel who remembers his three friends. The anti-christ will probably acknowledge God as does the devil. Acknowledging and following are not the same, a good thing to keep in mind.
Daniel Chapter 3
In the last chapter Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God, in this chapter he is having a bout of pride. The devil is proud, and it will lead to thinking you know better than God. Nebuchadnezzar makes a golden image, and requires people to bow down to it and the sound of music.
Daniel writes this but there is no mention of his presence, as being an important leader he may have been away on country business when this happened- its pure speculation. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were there however and they didn't bow. In this story those that didn't bow were to be thrown into the fiery furnace of a man. Very similar to those in the end times who won't be able to trade except by taking the mark of the beast. In the end times those that do bow and do take the mark of the beast will be thrown into God's lake of fire. So in Daniel we see that Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego had to make a decision (an action of faith) that shows they follow God. In the end times all will have to make that decision to follow God or do the easy thing and follow man.
God will take care of His people in the end times as He did for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They had to go through the fiery furnace, but its better to go into man's fiery furnace with God, than God's fiery furnace with man. In an attempt to make his point Nebuchadnezzar had the furnace heated seven times more than normal (7 years of tribulation- being in the furnace of tribulation??) and those that threw them in Daniel's friends were burned up. Nebuchadnezzar made a decree that anyone who spoke against God would be torn limb from limb and have their house destroyed. In the end times, the anti-christ will seemingly be one who calls for the protection of God's people the Jews.
Daniel Chapter 4
This starts out with Nebuchadnezzar praising God, declaring the wonders of God and his everlasting Kingdom. He then has another troubling dream. Unlike the first dream Nebuchadnezzar relates the dream to his wise men, but nobody is able to interpret it. He is feeling more secure as a leader at this point maybe? Daniel comes before him and rightly interprets the dream. Daniel is fearful to interpret because it is specifically about Nebuchadnezzar, and its not flattering, but he does it.
Nebuchadnezzar's pride will cause him to lose his mind and be driven from mankind for seven years. The mind of a beast will be given to him. In the tribulation period that lasts seven years the anti-christ will be given the mind of the beast (the devil), and his pride will be exceedingly great. A man with all the answers, full of human wisdom acknowledging God but not doing things God's way. This will deceive many.
Nebuchadnezzar will keep the mind of the beast until he acknowledges that God is in control and not himself. At which point the kingdom will be restored to him. The anti-christ will not acknowledge that God is in control and be destroyed at the end of the tribulation period. Daniel invites Nebuchadnezzar to repent and turn from his ways, practice (do) righteousness that maybe this will be avoided.
One year later it was fulfilled, just as described, and seven years later Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God and that He was in charge (even in his own personal life), and surpassing greatness was added. The Lord is able to humble the proud, even great leaders.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
August 8, 2010 Ezekiel 45-48 (end)
Wordlisteners was held tonight in the private home of two of our members. 6 people were present. We discussed the last four chapters of Ezekiel. It is normally taught that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, and yet in some books with this one in particular - sacrifices are mentioned taking place in a temple as best as we can tell hasn't been built yet, and may very well be the temple in the millennial reign of our Lord.
We read, and we know that God has it under control. God sees everything at once, we're more chronologically based, so that may help explain. The fact that it survived into the Bible probably means it was meant for us in some way. Also born again believers still give which is an act of sacrifice. All of these things we discussed. Other things we are still not sure about.
We decided as a group to start Daniel next week. Below are the notes I made to finish up Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 45
The dividing of the land, the Lord's portion for Him and those that minister to Him and for Him. Then the prince or leader of Israel. The leader will no longer oppress the people, they will have an inheritance. They are to practice righteousness and justice, having just balances and scales. This seemingly hasn't happened yet, however Jesus will bring this about for sure during the millennial reign.
Now an offering the people give to the prince who then provides the burnt offerings, grain offerings and drink offerings at all appointed feasts. The sacrifices from verse 18 on seem to apply to the rebuilt temple after exile. There is a cleansing of the sanctuary using sin offering, an atonement for the house- for those going astray, a Passover celebration, burnt offerings and sin offerings. Jesus sacrifice makes us right with God, but our offering for our sins may continue, or that this only applied for the time when the temple is initially rebuilt. Why was it saved for us? To point the sacrificial system to Jesus, and remind us of God's great love for us.
Ezekiel 46
The prince's offering, on new moons and Sabbaths, the leader shall worship before the Lord. He shall bring sacrifices and humble himself before the God of the universe, that gave him his position. The leader of the people of Jerusalem is to acknowledge God. His position is controlled by God. Does this establish a state religion? I don't think so, for no where in the Bible does it say to kill those that won't follow Christ, or won't acknowledge God. God wants all to come to Him. Calling for the killing of those that refuse to worship in a certain way is a tell tale sign that God is not being worshiped, but something else. Another god, a doctrine, or creed. Our God is perfectly capable of stopping the hearts of those that have made their final decision, or given their final answer.
This makes Christians easy targets, because we do hold out hope. Anyone that feels compelled to go along with Christian acts of worship may be being led by the Holy Spirit. God looks on the heart – on the intentions, there is nothing to be gained by going along in God's eyes, He wants your heart. If you feel threatened by men for not, then God is giving you an indication that your priorities align with pleasing men rather than God. A feeling guilty may be a personal acknowledgement that you do in fact recognize God. Christians are to do works before men such that God's light can be seen Matt 5:16. Public open acknowledgement of God in worship is a work.
The prince when worshiping goes out the way he comes in, the people worshiping are to pass through, not sure why. The prince has an inheritance to give sons, he no longer has to take from the people. This will keep God's people from being scattered from their possessions.
Then a reference to isolating sacrifices such as to not transmit holiness to the people- I'm not sure why.
Ezekiel 47
Water from the temple- a millennial glance forward. Water from south of the alter flowing east, a trickle of water turning into a flowing river. Flowing to the sea and making the sea fresh, teeming with fish. The only sea east of Jerusalem is the Dead sea Engedi on the west middle side, and Eneglaim on the southeast corner. Trees will grow beside the river, and the fruit will not fail. The fruit will come every month and the leaves for healing (Gen 2:9 and Rev 22:2).
The border described surrounds Lebanon an Israel, it shall be divided by lot between Israel and aliens in the midst. God promised aliens in the midst of Israel an inheritance along with the Israelites. This explains why these people don't want to leave. If they are there when the land is divided by lot then they will be in the inheritance. Is the church part of the aliens amongst Israel?
Ezekiel 48
The land is to be divided from North to South the following way. Dan(1), then Asher(2), then Naphtali(3), then Mannasseh(4), then Ephraim(5), then Reuben(6), then Judah(7), an allotment to the Lord subdivided for the sons of Zadok, the Levites, and common use, the city of the Lord is here, a piece for growing food, and a portion for the leader (prince) with the Sanctuary in the middle of his. Anything not designated is for the prince. South of that will be Benjamin(8) , Simeon (9), Issachar (10), Zebulon (11) and Gad(12).
Now a city description, three gates on each side (one for each tribe), 4500 cubits on each side. There are visuals available on the Internet.
If the Lord tarries what will happen to our beliefs? Our creeds? Our surety of His soon coming? We have to remember that He is God, He is sovereign and He will come at the best time. We would like to put Him in a box, but if we could He wouldn't be God.
We read, and we know that God has it under control. God sees everything at once, we're more chronologically based, so that may help explain. The fact that it survived into the Bible probably means it was meant for us in some way. Also born again believers still give which is an act of sacrifice. All of these things we discussed. Other things we are still not sure about.
We decided as a group to start Daniel next week. Below are the notes I made to finish up Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 45
The dividing of the land, the Lord's portion for Him and those that minister to Him and for Him. Then the prince or leader of Israel. The leader will no longer oppress the people, they will have an inheritance. They are to practice righteousness and justice, having just balances and scales. This seemingly hasn't happened yet, however Jesus will bring this about for sure during the millennial reign.
Now an offering the people give to the prince who then provides the burnt offerings, grain offerings and drink offerings at all appointed feasts. The sacrifices from verse 18 on seem to apply to the rebuilt temple after exile. There is a cleansing of the sanctuary using sin offering, an atonement for the house- for those going astray, a Passover celebration, burnt offerings and sin offerings. Jesus sacrifice makes us right with God, but our offering for our sins may continue, or that this only applied for the time when the temple is initially rebuilt. Why was it saved for us? To point the sacrificial system to Jesus, and remind us of God's great love for us.
Ezekiel 46
The prince's offering, on new moons and Sabbaths, the leader shall worship before the Lord. He shall bring sacrifices and humble himself before the God of the universe, that gave him his position. The leader of the people of Jerusalem is to acknowledge God. His position is controlled by God. Does this establish a state religion? I don't think so, for no where in the Bible does it say to kill those that won't follow Christ, or won't acknowledge God. God wants all to come to Him. Calling for the killing of those that refuse to worship in a certain way is a tell tale sign that God is not being worshiped, but something else. Another god, a doctrine, or creed. Our God is perfectly capable of stopping the hearts of those that have made their final decision, or given their final answer.
This makes Christians easy targets, because we do hold out hope. Anyone that feels compelled to go along with Christian acts of worship may be being led by the Holy Spirit. God looks on the heart – on the intentions, there is nothing to be gained by going along in God's eyes, He wants your heart. If you feel threatened by men for not, then God is giving you an indication that your priorities align with pleasing men rather than God. A feeling guilty may be a personal acknowledgement that you do in fact recognize God. Christians are to do works before men such that God's light can be seen Matt 5:16. Public open acknowledgement of God in worship is a work.
The prince when worshiping goes out the way he comes in, the people worshiping are to pass through, not sure why. The prince has an inheritance to give sons, he no longer has to take from the people. This will keep God's people from being scattered from their possessions.
Then a reference to isolating sacrifices such as to not transmit holiness to the people- I'm not sure why.
Ezekiel 47
Water from the temple- a millennial glance forward. Water from south of the alter flowing east, a trickle of water turning into a flowing river. Flowing to the sea and making the sea fresh, teeming with fish. The only sea east of Jerusalem is the Dead sea Engedi on the west middle side, and Eneglaim on the southeast corner. Trees will grow beside the river, and the fruit will not fail. The fruit will come every month and the leaves for healing (Gen 2:9 and Rev 22:2).
The border described surrounds Lebanon an Israel, it shall be divided by lot between Israel and aliens in the midst. God promised aliens in the midst of Israel an inheritance along with the Israelites. This explains why these people don't want to leave. If they are there when the land is divided by lot then they will be in the inheritance. Is the church part of the aliens amongst Israel?
Ezekiel 48
The land is to be divided from North to South the following way. Dan(1), then Asher(2), then Naphtali(3), then Mannasseh(4), then Ephraim(5), then Reuben(6), then Judah(7), an allotment to the Lord subdivided for the sons of Zadok, the Levites, and common use, the city of the Lord is here, a piece for growing food, and a portion for the leader (prince) with the Sanctuary in the middle of his. Anything not designated is for the prince. South of that will be Benjamin(8) , Simeon (9), Issachar (10), Zebulon (11) and Gad(12).
Now a city description, three gates on each side (one for each tribe), 4500 cubits on each side. There are visuals available on the Internet.
If the Lord tarries what will happen to our beliefs? Our creeds? Our surety of His soon coming? We have to remember that He is God, He is sovereign and He will come at the best time. We would like to put Him in a box, but if we could He wouldn't be God.
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