What a gracious God to intentionally place these 5 women into the lineage of Jesus the Messiah! God uses all of our own messy story to ultimately highlight His own grace and mercy. Only God can take our jacked up lives and turn them into a beautiful tapestry woven together into a masterpiece…just like He does in the genealogy of Christ by highlighting these women. Lord, help me to trust that you continue to be at work in my life and in the lives of my children…
As Daniel is watching this world drama unfold, unimaginable power is on display by their vast armies and wide sweeping conquests. Yet several times in this chapter God puts a bit of reality into the conversation reminding Daniel and the reader, that only He is in charge and has appointed all of these things.
The reminder for me is that God has appointed times for my life as well, not only for kings, but for His servants. God is sovereign and cares about every detail of life. Lord, give me the strength to trust you with every large or small detail of my life!
What a powerful prayer that Daniel is confessing for the whole nation. Then he asks God to act, not for the people but for Gods own great compassion. What a great reminder of the Gospel! We are saved by His work, grace, mercy and compassion…literally nothing of our own efforts!!!
It’s interesting that this is included in Gods revelation to us because, it is really hard to understand. Even Daniel gets a personal interpretation but he was still confused in the end. However, I find it interesting that God sends an angel to provide some insight…enough understanding to make it valuable for Daniel and for us. Lord, help me to trust that You will do the same for me, even when things are hard to comprehend…I want to trust in You!
Amidst the chaos Jesus is ushered in forever. That is such a relief that we know He is in control and we can trust Him!
Daniel lived in a way that made him stand out from all his peers. His life exemplified his faith and the power of his God. His trust in God in every avenue was unique and obvious to everyone around him. Lord, although I am not interested in the persecution side, I pray that people would recognize You in all of my actions!
Daniel had no imagination that this was his own ability, but consistently pointed to God! In the end God was praised and received the glory, not Daniel. This seems like a one off situation, and it is unique, but all of the gifts that God provides work the same way and should be treated as such. Lord, help me to reveal your glory as I use the gifts you have given me.
What a fascinating reminder of how intimately involved with our lives God actually is. I often take credit for my success yet this passage clearly points out Gods role in the success of Daniel and his friends. Lord, thank you for providing me the ability to do my work and ministry…please help me to keep You as a fixture of empowerment rather than claiming victory for myself…You alone have granted me any favor I experience. What a blessing from Your hand!!!
The end of this long confusing section of Ezekiel ends by naming the city “The LORD is there”…God with His people! What a contrast to the beginning of the book where they are in exile, separated from God because of their own decisions. What a mighty God who has a plan to restore relationship with us even when we actively run from Him.
The way God calls His people to embrace the foreigner is so much different that the popular mindset of American Christians today! Lord help me to fight against the cultural narrative of our day and see people as you see them. Help me to love all people as You would love them.
Ministers are examples to all Gods people and are called to a higher standard of living. Lord, help me to reflect Your glory!!!
All of this destruction, trials, desertion and death to achieve restoration of Gods reputation and His people’s proper thinking. It seems extreme to me, but God knows exactly what is required and doesn’t do more than that. Thank you Lord for Your patience and presence! Help me to live for You alone!!!
God is able to use any tool He wants to accomplish His work in His people. His goals in this chapter are identified as Exaltation, Sanctification and being intimate known…for the ultimate purpose of saving His people. It is obvious that God wants everyone to come to Him and experience the joy of His presence and provision. Lord, help me to be settled in You!
