Alexander the Goat

Scripture

• Daniel 7,8
• Psalm 137
• Luke 4

Observations
Having just recently watched "Alexander" on DVD (and being horribly disappointed by it, I might add) Daniel 8 came as a bit of a shock to me. The events portrayed in "Alexander" are the same as the interpretation given in vv. 13-27 - the King of Greece (Alexander) conquers the kings of Media and Persia. Then the King of Greece is replaced by 4 kingdoms, ruled by Alexander's generals.

Application
I guess this is a reminder to me of God's actions throughout history, and the fact that everything that happens (even if it isn't to do with his people directly) is under his control and plan. I'm not sure I can see any other reason for including these kinds of passages in the bible.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, please help me to be aware and be encouraged by the fact that you have been working to a plan since before the world began... and that you continue to work to that plan. All things are under your control.

Watch out or... watch out!

Scripture

• Ezekiel 33 - 35


• Revelation 18

Observations
Heaps of great stuff in today's readings - it's hard to know where to start.
Ezekiel is described as being a watchman. If he warns the people for whom he is watching of impending danger, then the outcome depends only on them. If he doesn't warn them, he is condemning them to death, and he is held responsible. (Ez 33:1-9)

There is also some interesting stuff about how a righteous man who relies on his righteousness and does evil will not be saved, whilst an evil man who turns and does good will be saved. This seems at the same time both readily agreeable with Jesus' message of salvation for all ("it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick") and at apparent odds with the concept of "Assurance of Salvation".

Application
I need to be conscious of my responsibilities as a 'watchman'... and of the consequences if I do not do my job correctly. This will be something to be explored, as I suspect the line between 'watching' and 'meddling' would be an easy on to cross. A true watchman would speak up of any approaching danger. Ezekiel, on the other hand, was only called to "give them warning from [God]" (Ezekiel 33:7). I suspect that the same holds for me - I should pass only what God calls me to. I guess the art lies in discerning what that may be, and being attuned to God in those areas.

I also need to investigate the concept of "Assurance of Salvation", and how it matches up with Ezekiel's message. I wonder whether it is something that we christians use to hide behind, giving ourselves warm fuzzies that so long as we have Christ in our corner we don't need to deal with this or that sin... our salvation is assured, so why bother?

Prayer
Lord, make me a watchman in tune with you and your understanding of danger. Help me to find the courage required to cry out in warning when necessary, as well as the wisdom and discernment to recognise danger when I see it.

Also, please teach me what your view on "Assurance of Salvation" is, and help me to reconcile it with Ezekiel 33.

Seeking AND Accepting

Scripture

• Jeremiah 42-44


• Psalm 48


• Revelation 13

Observations
Men of Judah asked Jeremiah to seek God's will on their behalf, but already had their ideas of what should happen. When they heard what Jeremiah said, they rejected it and went their own way anyway.

Application
When I turn to God for guidance, I need to pay attention to the answers - and not just go my own way anyway... or else risk total destruction.

Prayer
Lord God, help me to seek your guidance and wisdom in all things - and to pay attention to the answers when I do.

Sweet and Sour Prophecy

Scripture

• Ezekiel 25 - 28
• Revelation 10

Observations
I reckon that being able to condemn the enemies of Judah on God's behalf would, initially, have been most satisfying for Ezekiel. I know if God gave me a licence to go around telling all the people that have hurt or disappointed me that they are going to be well and truly punished, that would be all kinds of fun to start with. Revenge is a powerful motivator. And yet, I think that the novelty would very quickly fade, particularly as I became aware of the actual punishment being meted out - eternal damnation; separation from God; complete and utter destruction.

I think maybe this is what John experiences in Revelation 10. Judgement is being announced, and the end of the world has come. John is told that he "must prophesy again about man peoples, nations, languages and kings" (v.11). I believe that this prophecy is the 'little scroll' that John is given to eat. Initially, prophesying judgement will seem "as sweet as honey". Eventually, however, it will turn his stomach sour.

Application
Speaking God's word; being Christ's representative; "binding and loosing" here on earth; - all of these things have consequences. I need to recognise the consequences, and have a heart of compassion rather than of revenge, malice or anything like that.

Prayer
God, grant me your tenderness of heart for the lost, for the condemned, for those under your judgement. Help me to understand the tragedy of even one lost.