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
As the book ends it becomes even more mysterious. Daniel sees a rather God-like figure that terrifies him, but then speaks words about the future of God's people (10v14). This figure reveals that behind key kingdoms are supernatural "princes" that influence them. So the angel "Michael" who is for the Jews, assists this figure in fighting against the demonic beings behind Persia and Greece - presumably in keeping them fulfilling God's purposes and protecting the Jews (10v13, 20-21, 12v1). What follows is a rather detailed prediction of what would lead to the rise of one who seems to fit Antiochus Epiphanes - a “contemptible person” who will set himself against the “holy covenant” (Israel’s religion), venting his fury against it, favouring those who forsake it, desecrating the temple, abolishing the sacrifice and setting up an “abomination that causes desolation,” as Antiochus Epiphanes did by erecting an altar to Zeus in the temple. We are told those who know God will resist him and those classed as wise (see 12v3) will instruct many – no doubt in how to honour God, even though for a time they will be harmed. But they will receive a little help, but many who join them will be insincere. The stumbling, may refer to people buckling in faith for a while, only to be refined by the experience. Or it may refer to them dying, so they are immediately made spotless (11v32-35). This vision would have greatly encouraged the faithful when these events occurred, as it should encourage us to act with the same wisdom when we are persecuted. 11v36-39 record the ultimate arrogance displayed by this king (see 7v8, 20). And we are told he is only successful until the time of wrath is completed. So this is all according to God’s purposes in judgement, perhaps against the South, but also, as implied in previous chapters, against Israel. The problem in 11v40-45 is that it is difficult to relate to what we know of Antiochus Epiphanes. Of course our historical knowledge is limited, and it is possible these events were fulfilled in a general sense in his reign. “The time of the end” has certainly seemed to refer to the end of the time of wrath culminating in Antiochus Epiphanes’ oppression (11v40, see 8v17-19, 11v27, 35). However, some suggest that 12v1-2 imply that these verses jump to the end of history, in which a ruler (or anti-Christ), patterned on Antiochus Epiphanes in some way, will fulfil these particular details, just as Israel’s great destroyers have previously come from the north (see Ezek 38v1-6). Whatever the case, as you read note what God's people could expect as part of God's purposes.
Daniel 10-11
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
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.