NOW I KNOW
Today’s Reading: Daniel 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Jewish historian Josephus called this a “most magnificent palace” that Herod the Great built on a promontory jutting out into the water. The pool in the centre was nearly Olympic in size and was filled with fresh water. A statue once stood in the centre. Paul may have been imprisoned on the grounds of this palace (Acts 23:35). Caesarea Maritima is a national park on Israel’s coastline. These ruins are a monument to the fourth empire in Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Rome (Daniel 2:40). The two young Israelis in the picture have probably heard of Daniel’s prophecies in Hebrew Bible studies, which continue throughout all the years of formal education in Israel.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Daniel 3:17-18
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.
King Nebuchadnezzar, in today’s reading, is progressing toward an understanding that there is only One true God. In chapter two he confesses, “Truly your God is the God of gods” (Daniel 2:47). All four emperors in Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream thought they were gods to be worshipped. Today’s reading (Daniel 3), describing the image of Nebuchadnezzar made of gold and his command to worship his idol, shows that he was probably the most proud one of them all. After the miracle of the preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace, the king moved another step closer to the truth. This time he confesses, “There is no other god who can deliver like this” (Daniel 3:29b). Nevertheless, he still believes there are other gods.
In Daniel 4 we read of another dream and another interpretation by Daniel. Babylonian records have a seven-year blank in the history of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. He lost his mind for that period of time, and then he recorded his return to sanity with these words, “My understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured Him who lives forever!” (Daniel 4:34). He reassumed his throne and confessed, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the God of Heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. Those who walk in pride He is able to abase” (Daniel 4:37).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, You are the One and only God! I pray that You will reveal to me more and more of Who You are. As the book of Hebrews tells me, the one “who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6b). So I come to You and ask for the reward of knowing You with greater understanding (my mind) and deeper experience (my heart). I pray this in the Name of the One who is in Himself, “the Image of the invisible God!” Jesus Christ (Messiah). Amen!!! (read Colossians 1:15-22).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I grew up listening to Bible stories. In grade seven I did a huge mural on the wall of our classroom featuring the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was one of those wonders. In my imagination I saw Nebuchadnezzar proudly strutting along the parapets of the gardens saying, “Is not this great Babylon I have built…” (Daniel 4:30a) and then humbled for the seven years of mental collapse, roaming around those gardens eating grass. I’ve since discovered that while much of Babylon has been excavated by archeologists, there is no evidence that such a garden ever existed. Of course, it’s in the writings of the later Greek authors, not in the Bible. In this blog I’ve quoted the words of King Nebuchadnezzar, recorded in the Bible, about his understanding of the true God. I want to invite you to consider the words of a prayer by a present-day ruler, President Museveni of Uganda. Many Ugandan leaders believe that the “Unity” message of the “World Embrace” ministry featured in this blog yesterday is an answer to their leader’s prayer (click here for his prayer, the audio is indistinct, but the words are written so we can read his prayer). The former dictator, Idi Amin, who murdered huge numbers of his own people, was Muslim, and today Uganda is holding back the tide of Islam that threatens to engulf the rest of Africa. Let us pray fervently for the Ugandan people and its President.
Yours with the prayer that more and more world leaders will acknowledge the true God!!!
David
P.S. Please don’t think of Uganda as a collection of mud and grass huts. Its cities are modern and its government apparatus very sophisticated. Below is a photo taken in the capital city of Kampala, population 1.2 million.
Wow! Some of the most powerful scripture in the Old Testament showing our most powerful God!! Rebuking idol worship, serving and believing in their Heavenly Father, they were saved by God, alone! “And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” For surely our God sees our sin and our relationship with Him is the only thing that saves us. We humble ourselves in scripture and prayer to be in righteousness with You, our Heavenly Father. Be safe and well today, fellow saints in the Lord.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10-11 ESV
Chris Tomlin – Jesus Messiah (Lyrics And Chords)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdxSC1tHJn0
We were founded on Christian principles.If only the bible could be restored in and made to be required reading in our schools.Thank you,Beverlee,for your posts.
AMEN !!
Yes William, AMEN AMEN AMEN Praise and thanks to our Lord God Almighty, AMEN AMEN AMEN
Amen
Amen, yes scripture and our God is very powerful in the Old Testament and look what is happening today. Factories and businesses shutting down and some making medical equipment, things happening unprecedented. Like your scripture and song Beverlee. Lord keep us safe!
Wow,a leader who says “I renounce all Satanic influence on this nation”,actually recognizing that Satan is real.If only other leaders would take this stance….These influences still exist next door in Rwanda.My best friend has helped a young man get through university there as an Agricultural Engineer(?).He was not there when that massacre occurred a few years ago, where many of his team mates were killed,I think,in Uganda but he lost some friends then.He is married now with a wife and little girl and a good job.
I pray other leaders will humble themselves and make a new covenant with God.He may have learned from King Nebuchadnezzar.God bless
Dear Lord God, thank You again for Your Word. We so need Truth, Godly wisdom, and guidance from You. Thank You for giving it, and please help us to use the gifts You give to bless others.
Nebuchadnezzar had to learn “that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.” We need to know this also, Father, that You are in charge even over the rulers of this world.
Please help people everywhere to lift up their eyes and recognize their accountability to You, Lord. Bless all Your workers, Father. May their, and our, work be pleasing to You, and may it help build Your eternal Kingdom. In Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen!
Amen!!!
Amen
Thank you Beverlee for today’s song. It’s one of my favourites.
Agreeing with you, Ger. Lord keep us all safe! May people turn to you, Lord , the only God! Nebuchadnezzar recognized that the God of Daniel was the “greatest of gods” but then he grew proud and wanted be be worshipped. May people today, humble themselves before the Almighty God, repent of their ways and confess their need of Him! Oh that God’s truth would prevail and revival would sweep our nation and spill over all the world! Nothing is impossible with You, Our Lord!
Praying for all your prayer requests.
May God comfort you, Eleanor and Norma’s family, as they mourn her passing.
God bless you all!
Amen
Thank you Luisa, Norma has been cremated and there will be a service at a later date.
Stay safe everyone, these are trying times but God is still in control
Ps I am glad Norma is in heaven but so sad for Keith. They were married for almost 64 years.
Wow! Not many couples make it that long. What a blessing.
May God be Keith’s strength, hope , comfort and peace.
Wonderful prayer from Ugandan leader. Really amazing. Agreeing with him and for ourselves & country.
AMEN DOREEN; AMEN, BLESS ALL OUR LEADERS; I PRAY THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLS, GATHERS AND ENLIGHTENS MILLIONS OF PEOPLE IN OUR WORLD TODAY
THANK YOU LORD GOD, THANK YOU IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY AMEN AMEN Amen