Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
The Lord is the true only true and living God. That's the point here. Babylon's wise men are unable to tell the king his dream remarking that only gods could, and they don't live amongst men. But Daniel steps up and after seeking prayer, praises God for his wise knowledge and sovereign power and then gives the interpretation. As we'll see through the book, the dream speaks of successive empires: most likely Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece and then either the Seleucid or Roman Empire. The point is that the passing of each will be a step towards the setting up of the long awaited Messiah's kingdom, that will endure forever. This would have given great comfort to the Jews as they endured the next 400 years, and should comfort us that its fruition will also come in God's good time, when all alternate cultures will pass away. But there are lesser lessons here too, about tactful speaking to those around us and making the most of the opportunity to give God glory before them. With Daniel, it led the most powerful man of that world to acknowledge the supremacy of the Lord and promote Daniel and his friends to the highest positions. Who knows what he might do for us if we show we are those who will honour him not ourselves. As you read note how Daniel engages with the Babylonians.
Daniel 2
Daniel 2
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.