January 27, 2023This week I have been reading “The Handwriting on the Wall” by Dr. David Jeremiah and would like to share some of his insights with you. He writes: “Most of us love praise. We display our trophies, blue ribbons, and awards on the wall. We love the applause of an audience. Nothing wrong with that. But I’m reminded of Corrie ten Boom, who found it difficult to accept all the adulation that came to her after the success of her books and the movie of her life. Then she prayed about it, and ‘the Lord showed her a beautiful way of using the tributes and accolades: each would represent a beautiful flower, and then, at night, she would collect them into a beautiful bouquet and give them back to Jesus, saying ‘Here, Lord, they belong to you!’”
Dr. Jeremiah continues: “In the same way, Daniel did not look for personal recognition, although he was intelligent, perceptive, strong, and sensitive. His book reveals much of his character, but the theme is not his greatness; rather, it is that ‘the most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes’ (Dan. 4:25).
The book of Daniel has a high and lofty view of the sovereignty of God. The theme is: there is a God in heaven. The book repeats that He is the great God, He is the God of gods, the King of heaven. When we understand that prevailing theme, we are able to understand how God may use some people for His purposes, even when they are not His own children.
Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
Dr. Jeremiah writes: “What Daniel will teach us, if we allow him, is that the kingdoms of this world are passing away and the kingdom of heaven is coming to pass. As I see this old world reeling and rocking on its axis, I am more motivated than ever to proclaim what God has prophesied, especially through his prophet, Daniel.
Christians should be the calmest people on earth. We have no right to run around this world in frenzied activity, staying up and walking the floor at night, wondering what is going to happen. God in heaven rules the kingdoms of men.”
If you have never asked God’s forgiveness for your sins, you can do so right now. The Lord Jesus left the splendour of heaven to come to Earth to redeem mankind. If you are a child of God, you have the promises of the Word of God that He will never leave you or forsake you. As Daniel testified, God is in control of the world and He desires that you walk closely with Him.
Scripture for the weekend: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “From all eternity past, Christ was equal with God the Father, perfectly like Him in every way. This became an important part of Jesus’s mission in coming to earth. Yes, He came to provide us with rescue and new life through His cross and resurrection, but He also came to show us what the invisible God is like.” – Bill Crowder (from “The Compassion of Jesus” by Our Daily Bread Ministries)