Day 251
People challenged to build the temple - Ezra 5:13; 2 Chronicles 36:22; Ezra 1:1-4; Psalm 126; Psalm 85
People's response - Ezra 1:5-6
Vessels returned - Ezra 1:7-11; 5:14-16
Instructions for dimensions and materials - Ezra 6:3-5
Daniel in the lion's den - Daniel 6:1-27
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Daniel 6:14 - Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.
~ I wonder if Darius could have given Daniel a second chance, like Neb did? No option there...but he appears to have worked diligently to get Daniel out of the scrape. What scrapes have I caused someone else to endure because of my pride? O' Lord, forgive me and give me a deeper understanding of You and Your wisdom.
v16 - Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.
~ What a testimony. Daniel was known to serve his God CONTINUALLY and that HE would deliver Daniel. What faith! What a testimony! How do those outside the household of faith view us? Would they see us being diligent to stand for HIS righteousness, continually? Do we have a similar track record. To serve God, no matter the cost? Do others know that our God will deliver us...whether it is 'shutting' the mouths of lions or rescuing us from a heated fiery furnace. Will we say of our God, you will deliver me either physically or bring me into thine presence, to YOU be all the glory, honor and majesty.
v20 - And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
~ cried - H2200 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H2199; to make an outcry: - cry. H2199 A primitive root; to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly:
~lamentable voice - H6088 - (Chaldee); corresponding to H6087; to afflict: - H6087 - A primitive root; properly to carve, that is, fabricate or fashion; hence (in a bad sense) to worry, pain or anger:
Darius reiterates the FACT that Daniel serves the living God...not a dead God...a living God. I see much anguish in Darius' lamentable cry...while obviously hoping that Daniel survived...still all the emotional outpouring in that utterance!
v21 - '...O king, live for ever.' - Does this mean eternal life? BTW - the living and life are 2417 (rooted to) 2418.
v24 - And the king commanded, and they brought those men which has accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
~ Judged simply for bring accusation against the anointed of the Lord. Notice Daniel did not ask for vengeance. Father handled it all. He always does. Those who bring railing accusation against those chosen of the Lord, will be judged. Not on our timetable, or because we 'deserve' to have someone judged, but simply because of HIS righteous character and just justice and judgment. Praise the Lord that we can rest in HIM to bring to completion all of HIS will.
Lord give each of Your children the ability to have the tenacity to stand amidst the trials and tribulations You allow this world and its current ruler to throw at us. Help us Lord to give such a proper estimate of You in all that we say, do and think that others will utter forth praise to the Living God. Father, strengthen Your people to know and study Your Word. Help us Lord to be proper ambassadors for Your glory and kingdom.Day 252
Daniel's vision - 537 B.C.
Three weeks of mourning - Daniel 10:1-3
Vision of man in white - Daniel 10:4-20
Revelation promised - Daniel 10:21
Revelation of future kingdom - Daniel 11:2-45; 12:1-13
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Daniel 4:11 - "...O Daniel, a man greatly beloved..." Do you ever wonder if Father thinks and/or says the same about you?
I know we are beloved...HE sent HIS sinless son to die for us...but are we greatly beloved? What made Daniel so greatly beloved?
Did he ever murmur, complain and/or grumble about being in captivity? Or was he always so focused on God that he did not allow situations and/or circumstances to dampen his enthusiasm for Father and standing for HIM. Father forgive me for all my discontent that I have voiced to You or others, when I have not suffered anything in comparison to your saints of old, or those who are enduring great tribulation and trials even in this time that I live. Lord help me to pray and intercede for those of the household of faith which are enduring death, separation or other deprivations for their steadfast belief in You.
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