Archives

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (9/15): Matthew 3:13-17.

Sep15

Read and Believe in Jesus.

“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

.

.

REVIEW – John, the son of Zachariah and Elizabeth, was introduced. Matthew described John’s appearance, which was much like the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). He also quoted Isaiah 40:3-5 and related it to John’s “prepare the way for the Lord” message and purpose. People flocked to hear his fiery preaching, were convicted, and repented. John “the Baptist” then baptized them for the repentance of sins.

When religious leaders came from Jerusalem to check out all the “hoopla,” John lashed out at their hypocrisy. He then prophesied about the One coming with power and judgment.

.

.

Matthew 3:13-14.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.”

It’s evident that news of John’s preaching and baptizing had spread to Galilee, and to Nazareth specifically. Jesus heard and made His way towards “the Baptist.”

Did His Father tell Jesus it was “time” to begin the ministry for which he came? Or had his 30th birthday signaled the time to act? (It was at thirty that young men entered the priesthood.) Whatever it was, Jesus heard the call, left His home and family, and went to John at the Jordan River.

We don’t know if Jesus and John had ever met, but surely they knew of each other. So, when Jesus presented Himself to be baptized, John objected, saying, “I need to be baptized by YOU, and do you come to ME?”

.

.

Matthew 3:15-17.

Jesus answered, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” And John consented.

What did Jesus mean? Several things are possible.

Jesus was “born under the law to redeem those under the law.” (Galatians 4:4) As with all Jews, baptism or ritual purification was a common action. Jesus was identifying Himself with “His people.”

Others have suggested that the act of ‘going under the water’ had symbolically rinsed off sin for so many repentant people – and that the coming up out of the water showed Jesus taking their sin on Himself. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “

But really, all we know is that Jesus wanted to be baptized by John, and that His Father approved. Coming up out of the water, (Jesus saw, and perhaps John too) the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove to rest on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

.

This encouraged Jesus, who knew where the path He walked would eventually take Him, and signaled to Him (and others) that His ministry had begun.

.

Both O.T. Scriptures and the book of Acts show the Spirit of God choosing special men and sending them out. At Pentecost, 120 people received this divine gift at once as flames of fire descending on them. Then they went out to preach and start the Church, the bride of Christ.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (9/11): Matthew 2:19-23.

Sep11

Remembering the lives lost in the events of September 11, 2001

Read and Believe in Jesus.

“He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:23

.

.

REVIEW – After the visit from the Magi, who were seeking to WORSHIP the young King of the Jews, the evil-hearted Herod mercilessly slaughtered all the baby boys under two in Bethlehem, in an attempt to DESTROY the young King of the Jews. Certainly, he was filled with and controlled by the devil, who, since God’s promise of a Savior in Genesis, had been trying to stop God’s plan of redemption.

However, God warned Joseph in a dream shortly after the Magi departed to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt ASAP. Again, Joseph immediately obeyed. The gifts the Magi had brought were instrumental in their escape and their livelihood in Egypt.

.

.

Mathew 2:19-21.

King Herod did not last long after the massacre of the children. He was already full of a despicable disease from which he’d tried every known cure without success. In his madness, he’d already killed his ‘beloved’ wife Mariamme, and many of his sons and relatives in an attempt to keep them from deposing him.

But God has the last word when a king is dethroned, and a man dies.

The great Herod succumbed to his disease … and Jerusalem rejoiced … for a minute. He still had a few sons by other wives who could take his throne. Who would it be?

The Roman emperor, Augustus, would decide. After some scrambling and many bribes, in which Herod Antipas tried for the spot, the wicked and brutal Archelaus, son of Herod’s Samaritan wife, became the new king of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. (Antipas was sent to rule over Galilee and Perea. He was the “Herod” of Jesus’ ministry.)

.

(NOTE: Archelaus was so ineffective that Rome eventually deposed him and appointed a series of governors. Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor of Judea.)

.

Anyway, God sent an angel in a dream to Joseph saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary, and went to the land of Israel. (Such immediate obedience!)

.

.

Matthew 2:22-23.

As Joseph and his family entered the southern border of Israel, he heard that Archelaus had been made king, and he was afraid. Perhaps he’d been planning to return to Bethlehem, where they had lived for two years after Jesus’ birth. But it was so close to Jerusalem and the king’s residence. Could another massacre happen?

God did not let his chosen caretaker of Jesus fear for even a moment. He again warned him in a dream NOT to settle in Judea, but to return all the way back to Nazareth, that tiny, “nowhere” town on the side of a hill in Galilee.

And Joseph obeyed. They probably traveled the unfamiliar coastal road to keep out of the attention of Archelaus.

Did the young couple remember that journey to Bethlehem years ago with Mary pregnant and about to deliver? Did they remember that first stable where Jesus was born, and the arrival of the shepherds with their wondrous story of an angel choir and message? And then the home where those amazing Magi visited? And that horrible night of flight.

And now back to sleepy Nazareth, where Mary had been scorned for her pre-nuptial pregnancy. Would those people remember? What would they think of Jesus? Would they call Him a…?

“And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.'”

..

(NOTE: there isn’t a specific O.T. scripture that says the Messiah would be “called a Nazarene.” Matthew, as with his quotes before, likes to “picture” or allegorize his points.)

Consider this: the root of the word Nazareth is nezer, or “branch” or “shoot”, and remember one of Matthew’s purposes is to show Jesus as the true descendant of David, and the King of the Jews.

Now, consider these passages:

  • Isaiah 11:1 – “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse (David’s father), and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him…”
  • Jeremiah 23:5 – “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as king… “
  • Jeremiah 33:15 – “In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and He shall execute justice and righteousness for the land.”
  • Zechariah 38b – “…behold, I will bring my servant, the Branch.”

.

These O.T. prophecies pointed towards Jesus’ 1,000-year reign on earth, still future to us, but by presenting them and comparing them to the title Jesus will be known for on earth – Jesus of Nazareth, or Jesus, the Nazarene – Matthew is hoping his readers will make the connection and “see” the Branch of David, and the King EVERY TIME they hear and read about Jesus.

Let US do the same.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (9/10): Matthew 2:13-18.

Sep10

Read and Believe in Jesus.

“And he (Joseph) rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt…” Matthew 2:14

.

.

REVIEW – A delegation of wise men came from the East to Jerusalem seeking the One who had been born “King of the Jews.” This put Herod “the Great” in a panic, for he thought HE was the king of the Jews. Herod asked the religious leaders where the Messiah was to be born, and they quoted Scripture, identifying Bethlehem.

Herod told the wise men about the little town to the southeast, and then that sly wolf asked them sweetly, ‘WHEN’ they had first seen their “guiding star.” After they’d mounted camels and were leaving, Herod called to them, “When you find Him, bring me word so I can come and worship Him too.”

The wealthy Eastern Magi easily found the house where the King of the Jews was living, for the “shining light” stood right over the roof (much like it had over the Tabernacle in the wilderness). They worshipped the Boy King, gave gifts to His parents, and then quietly departed, taking a way home that avoided Jerusalem, for God had warned them not to return to Herod.

.

.

Matthew 2:13-15.

Joseph and Mary, with the young Jesus on her hip, waved to the camel train as it faded into the sunset. They came back inside, still in a state of wonder, hardly believing until they saw again the gifts the Magi had brought. Then, it seems that as soon as they retired, the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.

“Rise, take the child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him.”

Joseph must have sat up immediately and awakened Mary, who gently woke Jesus. Hurriedly, they packed their few belongings, some food, and Joseph’s tools into sacks, along with the Magi’s gifts, and loaded a small donkey cart. Within hours of the wise men leaving, Joseph had his family on the road to Egypt.

.

(What a righteous man. No wonder God chose Joseph to care for His Son during the boy’s growing-up years. Immediate obedience, without question: how many of us could or would obey so quickly?)

The Magi’s gold paid for the trip and a place to stay in Egypt. The myrrh and frankincense from the East (very rare and valuable in Egypt) helped to keep the family until Joseph could get established again.

.

(What perfect timing! We can always trust our omniscient God with fearful surprises and “unknown” futures. He is THERE before we are. And He has already taken care of our expenses.)

Matthew quotes Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I have called my Son,” which speaks of God bringing the nation of Israel out of captivity. Here, Matthew uses it more as a “picture” or “allegory” than a prophecy.

.

.

Matthew 2:16-18.

Herod soon realized the Magi had tricked him.

How long would it take to travel the 6-8 miles to Bethlehem, look and ask around, and find that kid? Even if they stayed a few days, they should have returned to Jerusalem by now. He was furious.

He called his most devious and loyal henchmen and sent them to Bethlehem. Their orders? To kill all the male children in the town and the region who were two years old or younger.

The above line is easy to type, but oh, the horror of such a plan to consider and imagine. Mothers and babies screaming as the henchmen wield their huge swords, leaving the little ones dead and in pieces. Parents trying to hide the little ones, but having them wrenched from their arms and slaughtered before their eyes. Oh, the weeping and wailing! The heartbreak. The ghastly horror!

.

Again, Matthew quotes O.T. scripture to describe (more than predict) the horrific massacre.

Jeremiah 31:15 says, “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children: she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Jeremiah’s prophecy was of the Babylonian captivity, when weeping and wailing accompanied the deaths and deportation of the Jews from their homeland. Their lamentation prefigured the pain that occurred that day in Bethlehem.

But, horrendous as it was – the death of all those sweet boys, the hopes of their fathers and mothers – the more atrocious idea was that Herod knowingly attempted to kill Israel’s promised Messiah. It was the first of many attempts, and it would finally happen, but only in God’s way and in God’s time.

..

..

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (3/5) Luke 1:1-25

Mar5

A 5-day per week study.

March 5 – Reading Luke 1:1-25.

Read and believe in Jesus.

“You shall call his name John… ”  Luke 1:13

.

The Gospel according to Luke 1:1-25

And so we begin again with the “Good News” of Jesus the Messiah … according to Luke.  Luke is the only Gentile to write a book in the Bible (he also wrote Acts).  He writes to Theophilus (“lover of God”), who could have been a real person or a nickname for a well-known (“most excellent”) dignitary.

Luke admits his story of Jesus comes from interviews with “eyewitnesses,” and that his aim is to write an orderly and accurate account of the life of Jesus.  It’s very obvious that Luke’s research and writing were “moved by the Spirit of God” (See 1 Peter 1:21), and are the infallible “Word of God.”

Paul, who knew him well, says Luke was a doctor.  So, as we read through this Gospel, note his interest, more detailed descriptions of diseases and illnesses, and his concern for women.

And although this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Dr. Luke begins with the story of John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah.

.

Vss. 1-4.

Luke tells his friend that, although many “eyewitnesses” and “ministers of the Word” have compiled narratives about Jesus, it seemed good for HIM also to write an “orderly” account.  And why?  So that his friend would have certainty concerning the things he’d been taught.”

This Theophilus had been taught the bare basics of Jesus, and maybe he wondered aloud to Luke if it all was true.  Good friend that he was, Luke set down in writing the Gospel story for him … and for us Gentiles who read it as well.

.

Vss. 5-10.

Luke sets out the details to set the scene:

  1. During the days of Herod, the king of Judea.
  2. A priest named Zechariah, of the Abijah division.
  3. (There were 24 priestly divisions, each serving the Temple for a week, twice a year. Individual priests were chosen by lot to actually minister inside the Temple. This was Zechariah’s BIG MOMENT.  See 1 Chronicles 24:4-19)
  4. His wife, Elizabeth, was also from the tribe of Aaron.
  5. Both priest and wife were righteous before God, walking in the commandments & statutes of the LORD.
  6. They had no children.
  7. They were old.
  8. Outside the Temple, a crowd waited and prayed.

.

Vss, 11-17.

And then the action:

Zechariah carefully burned incense on the Altar of Incense right in front of the veil that hid the Holy of Holies. (Yes, he was nervous!)

Suddenly, in front of him, to the right of the Incense Altar, an “angel of the Lord” appeared.  Zechariah was terrified.

(Imagine … in the dark Holy Place, lit only by the Lampstand with its small oil flames off to his left, and some coals in his sensor … Zechariah’s eyes adjusted to the dimness.  THEN a bright being appears.  Yikes.

The being spoke,  “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”

Surely his and Elizabeth’s prayer for countless years had been a son, but … had he also been praying that prayer as he stood mere feet from the “Presence of God” behind that veil?

The angel continued, “You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord.”

Did Zechariah imagine a son who would become a great priest after him… maybe even… High Priest???

He listened to the angel saying that this boy must have the Nazarite Vow on him his entire life.  That meant he wouldn’t cut his hair – except for a holy vow to the Lord – and he would NOT eat grapes in ANY form: fresh, dried as raisins, juice, or wine, and he would not touch a dead body.  “A prophet, then,” thought Zechariah.

There was more.

“He will be filled with the  Holy Spirit… from the womb. 

He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord.

He will go before Him in the spirit and power of … Elijah.

.

Vss 18-21.

But then, doubt flooded into Zechariah’s heart and mind.  A son at OUR old age?  A great PROPHET of the Lord?  Maybe I’m dreaming.  This incense is boggling my mind…

“How shall I KNOW this?  For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years…”

Okay, that really angered the angel of the Lord.  How dare he question the very word of God??

“I am Gabriel. 

I stand in the presence of God. 

I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this great news.”

I’m sure Zechariah was cowering a bit by now, perhaps with an arm raised to deflect the angelic ire.

“And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, BECAUSE you did not believe my words, which WILL be fulfilled in their time.”

Gabriel left, and Zecharia stood, shaking and stunned, for minutes. Did he try to speak?  Did he clear his throat and try again?  And again? Did it finally sink in that what the angel had said might be true?  Could it be?

Meanwhile, the praying people outside were getting concerned.  What was taking Zechariah so long to put new incense on the Altar and light it?  Had … he died?  Had the Lord struck him dead for some mistake?

.

Vss. 22-25.

At last, Zechariah came out, and the people breathed a collective sigh of relief. But something had happened to him.  He looked shocked.  And… and, he couldn’t speak!  WHAT HAD HAPPENED?  Zechariah made signs and motions, and finally, they realized that he had seen a vision in the Temple.  But what WAS it?  He couldn’t tell them, because he was MUTE!

Zechariah finished out his week of service and went home.  He wrote out on some parchment what happened (could Elizabeth read?)  He explained what the angel said with gestures and signs, mouthing the words.  Did he tell her that their son would be called John, writing it out clearly?

Then, miracle of miracles, Elizabeth got pregnant!  She didn’t tell anyone else, and she kept to herself in the house.  For five months.  And she gave glory to the Lord.

 

 

 

 

Reading the Gospels in 2026: (2/3) Mark 9:2-13

Feb3

A 5-day per week study.

February 3– Reading Mark 9:2-13

Read and believe in Jesus.

“And He was transfigured before them, and His clothes became radiant, intensely white as no one on earth could bleach them.  And there appeared … Elijah with Moses … talking with Jesus.”  Mark 9:2-4

.

The Gospel according to Mark 9:2-13.

Jesus and the disciples have been north of Israel, in the area of Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus gives them the hard teaching about His suffering, death, and resurrection (though they seem not to have heard the last word).

And he taught them (and the crowd) that they too would suffer and possibly lose their lives if they desired to follow Him.  Sobering words!

Then Jesus said that some of them WOULD NOT see death until they saw “the kingdom of God come with power.”  What did that mean?   (Pentecost?  Or what was about to happen to His inner three disciples on the mountain?)

.

Vss. 2-3.

Six days after that amazing statement, Jesus and his men climbed Mount Hermon. Jesus left nine disciples waiting in a lower place and took Peter, James, and John higher up the mountain. Then, to their utter amazement, terror, and fascination …. Jesus was “transfigured” before them.

What does that mean?

He was “transformed” (partially) from the Jewish man in a homespun robe, into the true Eternal One clothed with the heavenly glory He shared with His Father from Eternity past.  This was “the true Light that had come into the world.” It was radiant. Intensely white. No human could have bleached His clothes to shine so brilliantly.

.

(I’ve always pictured this scene like some modern-day superhero, pulling his human shirt open to allow his true character to be seen.  But THIS glory, which emanated from the Lord Jesus, was shining through His robes.  HE WAS the Light.)

(The promise to true believers is that we will one day be “transformed” into the “likeness of Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.)

,

Vss. 4-8.

This vision of Jesus would have been enough, but the disciples also saw the living Elijah and Moses talking with Him.  (Luke 9:31 says they were talking to Jesus about His upcoming death.) 

.

(How did the disciples recognize Elijah and Moses? God revealed it to them, just as we will recognize the souls of Bible characters, family members, and even the babies we’ve lost, when we get to heaven.)

(It’s interesting that Moses and Elijah represent the whole Old Testament: The Law and The Prophets, both of which pointed to Jesus and His work of redemption, from Genesis 3:15 onwards. These two will be seen again during the final days of earth, according to Revelation 11:5-6.)

.

Peter, ever with an open mouth and an opinion, spoke to Jesus, even though he didn’t know what he was saying.

“Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

(I’m sure we’ve all said similar nonsense in our nervousness!)

But God Almighty, the Father of Eternity, interruped Peter’s feeble words by surrounding the three holy ones in the Shekinah Cloud of His Presence.  And speaking aloud,

“This is my beloved Son, LISTEN to HIM.”

(Matthew tells us that when the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces (which is the typical response of a mere human in the presence of God. (See Isaiah 6:5, Rev. 1:17)

The next thing they knew, Jesus, in his everyday clothes, was touching them, helping them up. It was once again a mountain place, and not the halls of Heaven.

.

Vss. 9-13.

As they returned down to the other disciples, Jesus commanded them TO TELL NO ONE what they had seen (and that included the other nine) UNTIL He had risen from the dead.

Peter, James, and John kept this amazing incident to themselves (who would even believe them anyway?) but still questioned Jesus’s words about the resurrection.

(Hadn’t they heard his prediction that he would DIE… and be resurrected?  They, like we, sometimes only hear what we WANT to hear, and they wanted to hear about Jesus setting up His Kingdom here and now.)

.

Also on the climb down, the disciples asked Jesus about Elijah. “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?”

This had been a conversation before, and indeed, the Jews from Jerusalem had even asked John the Baptist if HE was Elijah.  Jesus told the three that “Elijah HAS come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it was written of him.”  ***

(NOTE: *** John’s murder “typically” fulfilled the fate that was intended for the OT Elijah, although it had not been “actually” prophesied. The vile, murderous Queen Jezebel vowed to kill Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-2), but God had other things for Elijah to do.  However, when the vile, murderous Queen Herodias vowed to kill John the Baptist, her equally evil husband, Herod, killed the prophet.)

‘

Luke 1:17 does say that John the Baptist came, “in the Spirit and Power of Elijah,” if they would accept that.  

 

 

 

 

 

.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 362

Dec29

Day 362 – Reading – Revelation 1 – 5

Read and believe in Jesus!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Yep, that’s the full title of the book. 

“Revelation” means “an uncovering,” “an unveiling,” or “a disclosure.” What this book reveals is Jesus Christ in glory.  The truths about Him and His final victory that the Scriptures allude to become visible in this book. 

(Visible, but “through a glass darkly,” at least for me.)

The Apostle John is the author. He is the only one who refers to Jesus as “the Word” and “the Lamb” both in his Gospel and this book.

The spiritual decline of the seven churches of Asia Minor tells us that John wrote this book last, after his three letters.  He is a very old man, the last of the original apostles, and he’s in exile on the small, barren island of Patmos, in the Aegean Sea just southwest of Ephesus.  He’s been banished there for his faithful preaching of the gospel.  While there, he received this vision.

This is a message of hope to the faltering churches experiencing persecution. God is sovereign in all the events of history, and though evil men often seem all-powerful, their ultimate doom is certain. Christ will come in glory to judge and rule.  (I wonder how the churches responded as this letter/book was read to them.)

In The Revelation (past the messages to the seven churches), we “learn about:

  • the final political setup of the world;
  • the last battle of human history;
  • the career and ultimate defeat of Antichrist;
  • Christ’s 1,000-year earthly kingdom;
  • the glories of heaven and the eternal state;
  • and the final state of the wicked and the righteous.

God rules over the kingdoms of men and will accomplish His sovereign purposes regardless of human or demonic opposition.  Hallelujah!  Praise Him forever!

.

Revelation 1

God gave this revelation first to His Beloved Son as a reward for His perfect submission, to show Him His future glory.  It was then given to John to share abroad.

BLESSED is the one who READS ALOUD the words of this prophecy (Go ahead, do it!).  And BLESSED are those who HEAR it and KEEP what is written in it.  (What promises!!)

And so John begins the most magnificent letter of revelation that he’s ever written.   

“To the seven churches that are in Asia.  Grace to you and peace from Him, who IS and who WAS and who IS TO COME, from the seven-fold Spirit before the throne, and from Jesus Christ, faithful witness, firstborn of the dead, and ruler of all kings on earth. And behold, He is coming with the clouds and every eye will see Him.”

What a salutation!!

Then a side note from John, who tells how it happened.  I’m your brother in tribulation, and while I was in exile on Patmos, I had this vision and commission. 

“Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” 

Now if you look on your Bible map, you will see these churches form a loose horse shoe shape, curving up, around and then back down again.  A perfect order for circulation.

Then John turned around to SEE who was speaking the voice that he had HEARD.

  • One like the Son of Man,
  • Clothed with a long robe with a golden sash around his chest,
  • The hairs on His head white as wool or snow.
  • His eyes like a flame of fire,
  • His feet like burnished bronze,
  • His voice like the roar of many waters.
  • In his right hand, seven stars.
  • From His mouth, a sharp two-edged sword,
  • His face like the sun shining at full strength.

This was no humble carpenter from Nazareth!!  When John saw Him, he fell at His feet like a dead man.

“Don’t be afraid, said the exalted Jesus. “I am the first and last, the living one. I died and behold I am alive forever.  And I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

And this glorious Savior-God tells John to write down what he’s seen, what things are, and those things that are to take place after this.   Then a hint at what John saw already.  The “stars” you saw in my hand are the angels (perhaps the key elders) of the seven churches, and the “lampstands” are the seven churches.”

So John takes up his parchment and quill and prepares to write…

.

Revelation 2 & 3.

Chapters two and three are the personal, individual messages to those seven churches.  These were ACTUAL churches, with the problems listed. But, they can also represent the “types” of churches that have existed throughout the church age.  What the glorified Jesus says to them, is relevant today.

In each, Jesus identifies Himself in a particular way.  He reveals what He knows about the churches, both the good, bad, and the ugly. He sometimes commends them. He often scolds and warns them. And He usually gives an ultimatum and/or a promise.  LOOK FOR THESE as you read.

EPHESUS:

(Jesus, the One who holds the seven stars and walks among the lampstands.) 

Jesus knows how hard they are working and enduring, and that they hate the “Nicolaitans.” (False teachers leading the people into immorality.)  However, they “have lost their first love” towards Him. He calls for them to repent. and promises the Tree of Life in Paradise if they do.

,

SMYRNA

(Jesus, the first and last, who died and came to life.)

Jesus tells this persecuted church that He KNOWS their tribulation, and the slander hurled against them by Jews who are really Satan’s emisaries.  Jesus warns them that they will be tested severely, imprisoned, and martyred.  “Be faithful to death and I will give you the Crown of Life. You won’t be hurt by the “second death.“

,

PERGAMUM

(Jesus, who has the sharp two-edged sword.) 

Jesus tells this church that He KNOWS they are situated right in the center of Satanic activity and false religions. (On the acropolis was a giant alter to Zeus. A god of healing, represented by a snake, was also associated with Pergamum, and the “medicine men” forced the sick to lie in the temple with snakes crawling over them!!!)  Immorality was also rampant.  Jesus tells them to REPENT!  If they obey, He will give them some of the “hidden manna” (spiritual bread of life), and a “white stone with a new name on it” (symbol of reaching the winner’s circle.

,

THYATIRA

(Jesus , the Son of God whose eyes are like fire and feet are like fiery bronze.)

Jesus, the Son of God, tells this church He KNOWS about their love, faith, service, and patient endurance. However, He is NOT PLEASED with how they tolerate the woman called Jezebel, who says she’s a prophetess, but who teaches and seduces them into sexual immorality.  Just reprisals will be laid against her and all who follow her.  BUT, to those who resist her teaching, Jesus says to “hold fast until I come,” and He will give them authority over nations to rule. He will also give them the “morning star” (Christ Himself.)

,

SARDIS

(Jesus who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.)

Although this church had the reputation of being alive, Jesus knows they are DEAD. “Wake up!” He says. “Remember what you received and heard. Keep it, and REPENT!  If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief against you.”  And yet…. Jesus sees a few in Sardis who have not “soiled their garments” (Not stained their characters, but remained godly).  THESE will walk with Jesus in white. He will never blot their names out of the book of life, but confess them before His Father.”

,

PHILADELPHIA

(Jesus, the holy One, the true One, who has the key of David, who opens and shuts and no one can undo it.) 

Jesus knows this church’s works. They have little power, but have kept His word and not denied Him. “I have loved you. And because you have kept my word, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.  I’m coming soon!  Hold fast to what you have!”  To those who conquor, Jesus promises to make them a “pillar” in the Temple (a secure place in the presence of gGod). He will write the Name of God on them, and His own New Name.”

,

LAODICEA

Jesus, the “Amen (so be it.), the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s Creation.)

Jesus knows the lukewarmness of this church. They are neither cold or hot, but a sickening blah taste.  Jesus says, “I will spit you out of my mouth!”   “You say you are rich, prosperous, need nothing…. but you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.  I counsel you to buy GOLD REFINED IN THE FIRE, and WHITE GARMENTS, so the shame of your nakedness may not be seen.  Be zealous and REPENT!!  And if they truly do, Jesus promises them they will sit with Him on His throne. 

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!”

.

Revelation 4.

After John finished writing these notes to the seven churches, he looked up and saw…. “Behold, a door standing open in heaven!”   Then John heard the invitation, ““Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

And immediately, John was “in the Spirit.” 

He saw a glorious throne and the God of Heaven seated on it. He describes it, much like what Ezekiel and Daniel and Isaiah wrote.  Glorious colors and light, a crystal sea, emerald rainbows and loud thunderous sound.  Elders and angels and amazing creatures all singing praise and falling down in worship.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty; who was and is and is to come.”

The elders cast down their crowns before such a One.

“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things and by Your will they existed and were created!”

.

Revelation 5.

Then John saw in God’s right hand a scroll written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.  An angel called, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break the seals?”

Silence.

And John began to cry loudly.

Then an angel come to him and told him NOT to weep for THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, THE ROOT OF DAVID has conquored, and HE can open the scroll and seals.”

A lion….. but when John looked, it was a Lamb, standing there, looking as though it had been killed (bloody).   He walked to the throne and took the scroll….

And immediate praise erupted. Music and incense, and a NEW SONG sung.

“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open it seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe , language, people, and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

At that, John saw many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands all saying with a loud voice,

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

And answering them was “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that is them,

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.”

Then the elders responded with “AMEN,” falling down before Him in worship.

.

I mean, WOW!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 309

Nov5

A NEW MONTH!

Day 309 – Reading – Matthew 23 and Luke 20-21

Read and believe in Jesus!

Matthew 23.

Remember in yesterday’s study, Jesus was confronted with several groups of the Jewish religious leaders with questions meant to trick Him.  Jesus never faltered, and even asked THEM a question that left them stumped.  Then He warned his disciples to “Beware of the scribes/Pharisees for their hypocrisy.”

Now, this chapter is a series of scathing remarks or judgments on those very leaders to warn the crowds and his disciples about their evil ways.

But first, a caveat. Jesus tells his hearers that these leaders do “sit on Moses’ seat.” In other words, the laws they teach ARE holy as God gave them to Moses.  The people are to “practice and observe” what these leaders SAY from the Scriptures, but they are not to imitate what they DO.

Why?  As hypocrites, they “heap heavy burdens, hard to bear, on the people’s shoulders, but don’t lift a finger to help them.   And they “do all their deeds to be seen by others.”  They love the places of honor, the best seats, greetings in the marketplace, and to be called “rabbi.”  “Don’t be like that,” Jesus tells them. “The greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Then Jesus doubles down with seven “woes” or condemnations.

  1. WOE!  Jesus condemned their harsh demands on the people (far above what Moses wrote), and yet they did not observe them.
  2. WOE!  These hypocrites went to great lengths to make a single convert to Judaism, but then made him “a child of the devil” by their excessive demands.
  3. WOE!  These “blind fools” valued gold, offerings, and material objects more than the sacred things of God.
  4. WOE!  These hypocrites tithed minutely on everything, even the herbs they used, but they neglected the weightier things of God’s Law, like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.  They were straining out “gnats” while swallowing “camels.”
  5. WOE!  These blind hypocrites washed the “outside” of their cups and plates in precise, legalistic ways, while allowing the serving pieces to be full of greed and self-indulgence.  “First, clean the inside!” Jesus told them.
  6. WOE!  Jesus told these hypocrites that they were like white-washed tombs.  Pretty on the outside with their self-righteousness, but inside, they were full of “dead bones and uncleanness,” which is what Jesus called their hypocrisy and lawlessness.
  7. WOE!  They were such “false” leaders that they built monuments to honor the prophets of old who spoke God’s truth.  And all the while they were KILLING them because they did not want to hear God’s condemnation. Jesus calls these sons of murderers, “serpents” and a “brood of vipers” and asks, “How are you to escape being sentenced to hell?”  Jesus says HE is sending them prophets, wise men, and scribes, but they will kill and crucify some, and others flog and persecute … so that … on YOU may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from Abel to Zechariah. 

 

Then Jesus turns to his surroundings and weeps.  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings … and you would not!

“See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

.

Luke 21.

While some were looking around and speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stores and offerings, Jesus said,  “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”   (Did they think of the first Temple’s destruction and their exile?)

“Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?  they asked, worried.

Jesus:  “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and ‘The time is at hand!’  Do not go after them.  And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.

Then Jesus lists events that will occur before His return.  Some are distant, even to us right now. Others will happen in 70 a.d. when the Romans destroy Jerusalem and the Temple.

.

  • “Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom.
  • There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences.
  • There will be terrors and great signs in the heavens.
  • Before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, before kings and governors for My name’s sake. (You will be given wisdom to witness.)
  • You will be delivered up even by parents and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.
  • You will be hated by all for My name’s sake.
  • And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is near.  FLEE to the mountains.
  • There will be great distress upon the earth, and wrath against this people. They will fall by the sword and be led captive among all nations.
  • And Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
  • There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations because of the roaring of the sea and waves.
  • People will faint with fear and with foreboding of what is coming o the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
  • And THEN they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  When you see this begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.
  • Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

.

Then Jesus turned to them with warning and encouragement.   “But WATCH yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life … that the Day come on you suddenly like a trap.

“Stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place … and to stand before the Son of Man.”

 

(Definitely a serious lesson and it may cause us to be fearful, but TRUST in Jesus, pray, and believe.)

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 275

Oct2

A NEW MONTH – THE NEW TESTAMENT!

Day 275 – Reading – Matthew 1 and Luke 2

Read and believe in Jesus!

MATTHEW.

Yes! Read the genealogy!  (Don’t worry about pronunciation.) 

If you’ve been with me in the Old Testament study, you will recognize some names. (Most recently, Jechoniah/Jehoiachin [the king who surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar and was later honored] and Zerubbabel.)  Also, there are FOUR women mentioned, three by name. (Can you find them?)  THIS genealogy is the history of Joseph, Mary’s husband, and the stepfather of Jesus.  It traces the ROYAL line and places Jesus firmly in the kingly heritage of King David, as God promised this “man after His heart.”

(Luke’s genealogy traces Jesus’ lineage through another son of King David, Nathan (not the prophet), down to Mary, which avoids the curse on the later kings of Judah). 

.

Matthew 1.

The genealogy of Jesus Christ from Abraham down, through King Solomon to Jesus’ stepfather, Joseph.  

Matthew also gives us a glimpse of the man, Joseph, who is called a “just man.”  When he learned/SAW that his fiancée, Mary, was pregnant and knew the baby was NOT his, Joseph had the right by Jewish Law to either have her “stoned to death” or divorce her.  He loved Mary, so he decided to divorce her quietly. 

Had Mary told him the story of Gabriel’s announcement? Did he not believe her? Was it too outlandish?

But before he could start proceedings, the angel of the Lord (Gabriel?) appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph! son of David! Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus (Savior), for He will save His people from their sins.

This fulfilled what the LORD had spoken to the prophet Isaiah, that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son” (Isaiah 7:14), and “they will call Him Immanuel, or ‘God with us.'” (Isaiah 8:8, 10)

So, the “just, but obedient” man, Joseph, did as the angel commanded and married the pregnant Mary.  But they stayed apart, intimately, until after she gave birth. 

Oh, and they did call the baby JESUS, as the angel told Joseph.

.

Luke 2.

This is the most familiar account of the birth of Jesus, with portions of it printed on many Christmas cards each year.  So often is it read in December that many of us could recite the 20 verses by heart. (Our son, a 6th grader at the time, did just that for Bible reading at our church one Christmas Sunday.).

Old Caesar Augustus thought it a good idea to “register” everyone in the Roman Empire. He commanded “all the world” to go to their ancestral town and be counted. It was primarily to register young Roman men for the draft.  Formerly, Israel had been exempt from a census because Jewish men did not serve in the Roman army. But this census (to be repeated every 14 years) would also enable Augustus to levy poll taxes on everyone.

So, as we’ve seen in the genealogies, Joseph was in the line of David, so he had to travel the 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, David’s ancestral home. The same with Mary.

But … Mary’s due date was only days away!  Nevertheless, they traveled with a large family group to Bethlehem.  (Of course, we KNOW this was to fulfill prophecy about where the Messiah would be born. (Micah 5:2).  

They walked (or rode) and arrived in a completely packed town. Mary started having contractions.  The only private place was where they kept the animals, so Joseph booked it. Mary started labor as the animals looked on.

In hours, Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the World, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, was pushed out into a hostile world which would, in a mere 33 years, horrifically kill Him. But for now, He was held safely in warm swaddling cloths, close to Mary’s breast. Later, he was placed in a straw-filled, stone feed trough while Mary slept.

So many prophecies fulfilled.  So many more to be fulfilled. God’s plan of salvation had begun.

.

Meanwhile, those shepherds outside Bethlehem got a FIVE-STAR show in the midnight sky.  First,  an angel appeared in lightning brightness with a heavenly birth announcement.

“FEAR NOT! For behold, I bring you Good News of great joy for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ (Messiah), the Lord.” 

The angel went on to tell the shepherds HOW they would recognize this Savior-Messiah. “You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger …. YES, a manger.”

Then that glorious, brilliant, light and song of a million angels began. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.”

Then a silence and blackness.  It took the shepherds a few minutes for their hearts to slow, their vision and hearing to return.  They looked at each other. “Did you…?” “Yes!” “The Messiah…?”  “I KNOW!”  And then, the agreed, “Let’s go!”   And forsaking their sheep (sleeping through it all, no doubt), and ran as one towards Bethlehem.  The star – Yes, THAT star – pointed to the stable.  AND THEY FOUND HIM just as they’d been told. 

When the excitement ended, and the now-awake Jesus was shown around, the shepherds told the young family about the angels, the announcement, and the glorious singing.  Mary, eyes large as saucers, “treasured up all these things in her heart.”

Eventually, the shepherds left, but they weren’t finished.  They went back glorifying and praising God, and sharing all they had heard and seen with everyone they met.

.

Eight days later, as per the Law of Moses, baby Jesus was circumcised as a sign he was a Son of the Covenant (a Jew). At that time, He also officially got his name, Jesus. 

Forty days after his birthday, Mary and Joseph, again according to the Law of Moses, went to the temple to present (and redeem) Jesus, and to offer the sacrifice of 2 doves to show that the purification of Mary had been completed.  (Only then could her marriage to Joseph be consummated.)

While they were there, they met two elderly senior citizens: the righteous and devout Simeon, and the godly, widowed praying prophetess, Anna.  Both had been waiting a lifetime for that day….. the day they would see the Messiah of Israel. 

Simeon took the baby in his arms and prophesied over him.

“My eyes, Lord, have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon handed back Jesus and said with a sweet sigh, “Now I can depart in peace.”

After seeing Jesus, Anna began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. 

.

(Luke here omits the visit from the Eastern Kings, and the family’s hurried trip to and stay in Egypt.) 

.

He tells of them going back to Nazareth, and Jesus growing strong and filled with wisdom. His parents also saw God’s favor on Him.

Luke then fast-forwards to when Jesus was twelve and the family made the annual trip to Jerusalem for Passover.  After the feast days, they returned, but later discovered that Jesus was nowhere to be found.  His parents hurried back to Jerusalem and searched high and low for the boy. 

Yes, they found him and were both relieved and angry. 

He was at the Temple conversing with the Teachers of the Law (scribes and Pharisees). He was asking and answering questions about the Law, and these learned men were amazed at His wisdom.

Mary scolded Him (hopefully not in front of the Teachers, for at 12, He was considered a man).

Jesus answered that He was in His Father’s House.  Whoa, a slight that Joseph, whom He obeyed and respected, was NOT His true Father.

“What….?” they answered. (More stuff for Mary to ponder in her heart.)

But Jesus obediently returned to Nazareth with them.  And He continued to grow in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man  (….for 18 more years).

 

 

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 263

Sep20

Day 263 – Reading – Zechariah 1 – 4.

Read the Scriptures first. Do you like reading prophetic visions?  

Today begins three days in the book of Zechariah.  Remember in Ezra 5:1-2, God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to get the Jews off their recliners and back to work to finish rebuilding the Temple. He was in a priestly line, born in Babylon and raised by his priest-grandfather, Iddo. He’s described as a “young man” in Zechariah 2:4, so he was probably younger than Haggai and hadn’t begun his priestly duties (age 30).  According to Matthew 23:35, he was murdered between the temple and the altar!

Not only did Zechariah challenge the Jews to complete the Temple rebuild, but he went on to encourage them concerning their Messiah and His glorious kingdom and new Temple in the future. 

In each of his three main prophesies, Zechariah begins with the present situation in Judah and goes forward to the exaltation of the Messiah’s reign.  It is sometimes called “the apocalypse of the Old Testament.”

God used Zechariah to bring an outburst of promise for the future to sustain the faithful remnant through the coming 400 “silent years” when no word from God was heard until John the Baptist’s words announcing “the Lamb of God.”

(I think it’s cool that Israel was in Egypt for 400 years, until they killed the Passover Lamb.  And soon there would be another 400 dark years until they heard the announcement of (and killed) Jesus, “the Lamb of God.”  See Mark 1:1-11)

.

Zechariah 1.

“‘Return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the LORD.” were Zechariah’s first words. And the people repented. Then Zechariah gave these two visions for the comfort of the exiles.

  • 1.)  In the night, Zechariah “saw” a Man/angel among the myrtle trees, and 3 other riders of colored horses.  These men on horses patrolled the earth, and discovered all the nations (Gentiles) were at ease/rest, while Jerusalem & Zion lay in disaster.
  • The Man/angel then told Zechariah and the Jews these gracious and comforting words from the LORD.
  • “I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; my house shall be built in it, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem (the walls were finished 75 years later).  My cities shall again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again “choose Jerusalem.” (during the Millennial Kingdom.)

 

  • 2.) Next, Zechariah “saw” four horns! He asked what they represented. 
  • The angel said they were “the horns (or powers) that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” (Maybe the four who attacked Israel: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia, but most likely the four world empires of Daniel 2:7: Babylon, Persia, Greece & Rome.)
  • Then Zechariah “saw” four craftsmen (“hammers”), and asked the angel/man what these were coming to do.
  • The angel said, “These have come to terrify the “horns” that scattered Judah. The craftsmen will terrify them and cast them down.“

.

Zechariah 2.

  • 3.)  Next, the prophet “sees” a man with a measuring line, and he asks the man where he’s going and what he’s planning to do.
  • “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and length.”  The angel/man then sends a runner after the measuring man to tell him that the future Jerusalem will have NO WALL. The LORD will be a “wall of fire” all around the city, AND He will also be the Glory in her midst.

Then Zechariah comes back to the present with a message to the Jews still remaining in Babylon.  “Up! Up! Flee from the land of the north, declares the LORD.  Up! Escape to Zion, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon, who plundered you.  For he who touches you touches the apple of His (God’s) eye. I will shake my hand over them, and they (captors) shall become the plunder for those who served them.”

  • Then Zechariah again resorts to the distant future when the LORD will dwell in Zion, and many nations shall join themselves to the LORD and also be His people.  He will dwell in their midst, in “the holy land.”  He will again “choose Jerusalem.”  So, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion!”

.

Zechariah 3.

This next vision reveals the need for Israel’s cleansing and restoration as a priestly nation.

  • 4.)  The LORD showed Zechariah the High Priest Jeshua, standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand (God’s or Jeshua’s?) to ACCUSE HIM.  This is symbolic. Jeshua stands in for Israel as a whole. Will he be rejected or accepted? 
  • The LORD rebukes Satan for his accusation. He tells the enemy that He has snatched him (Jeshua/Israel) out of the fire of destruction/exile, like a stick about to burn. 
  • Satan fires back, pointing out Jeshua’s filthy garments (Israel’s sin). 
  • The LORD commands that the filthy garments be removed from Jeshua. Then He says to the priest representing all of Israel, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.”

(This is righteousness imputed, as God does to those who believe in Jesus, the Christ.  Nothing that they/we do can make us clean. God changes our filthiness to purity and glory, and the ability now to serve Him.)

  • Then, Zechariah joins the scene and reminds them to put a clean turban on Jeshua’s head.  The priestly turban, inscribed “Holy to the LORD,” is placed on Jeshua’s head.
  • The LORD of Hosts then charges Jeshua, “If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access with those who stand here.” (Access to God’s throne room through offerings and prayer.)  “And behold, I will bring my servant, “the Branch.” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)  I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. “

.

Zechariah 4.

  • 5.) The angel/man came again to Zechariah and showed him a lampstand, all of gold. It had a bowl on top and seven lamps.  There were two olive trees by it, on the right and left, which supplied a continual flow of oil to burn.
  • Then the angel/man gave a message from the LORD to Zerubbabel. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” He was speaking of the task of finishing the rebuilding of the Temple. 
  • “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain.  And he shall bring forward the “top stone” (finishing stone of the temple) amid shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall complete it!”

(And it WAS completed 6 years later.)

  • Zechariah asked about the two olive trees on either side of the lampstand with pipes to pour in the oil.
  • “Do you know what these represent?” asked the angel/man.
  • “No, my lord,” said Zechariah.
  • “These are the “anointed ones” who stand by the LORD of the whole earth.” 

Who were anointed to serve in Israel?  The king and the priest.  Representing these two offices (for the returned exiles) through which the blessing of God would flow were Zerubbabel, descended from the royal line, and Jeshua, from the priestly line.  Both together foreshadowed the Messiah, as priest and king.

.

****LORD, thank you for all the imagery in this section, especially the courtroom scene where Jeshua stood before You, clothed in filthy garments.  This is like all the people of the world, sinners in need of cleansing.  Then YOU took off the dirty clothes and put on clean ones. YOU, not Jeshua. And you gave him access to YOU! 

 This is such a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for all who believe in Him.  Just like 2 Corinthians 5:21 says. “For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God.”  Thank you, oh, thank you!

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 256

Sep13

Day 256 – Reading – Daniel 1 – 3.

Read Today’s Scriptures.  What do you see in Daniel that is new?

Daniel.

The book of Daniel covers the life of the prophet, from a teenager to an old man, and bridges the entire 70 years of captivity.  Daniel was taken captive from Jerusalem (along with his three friends) in Nebuchadnezzar’s first deportation. (Ezekiel went in the second.) (Ezekiel calls Daniel both righteous and wise.)  He was a prophet of God through two world empires. (Babylon, Medo-Persia) 

God, through Daniel, revealed to kings the meaning of their visions and dreams, even showing world powers way beyond their years.  What Revelation is to the New Testament, Daniel is to the Old Testament.

Daniel 1.

Daniel is taken to Babylon (the land of Shinar) along with “SOME of the vessels of the Temple.” (Do you remember King Hezekiah showing off all the treasures of the Temple to emissaries from Babylon, in Isaiah 39:1-6?  Nebuchadnezzar will take all of them in his second siege, and will even melt the precious metal from the Temple to take away in the final siege.)  These golden vessels were placed in the temple treasury of the Babylonian god, Bel, or Marduk. 

Next, Nebuchadnezzar designated some young men of the royal and noble Jewish families to be trained to work in his courts. He sent the chief of the eunuchs** to train them in the wisdom and learning of Babylon, deportment in royal ways, informed of the literature and language of the Chaldeans. They must also be without blemish, handsome, and healthy looking.

Among the ones chosen were Daniel and his three friends.  The chief of the eunuchs** was tasked to train them for three years. First, he changed their Jewish names to Babylonian ones.

**Does this mean Daniel and the others were made eunuchs?

Daniel resolved to keep himself from being defiled by pagan foods.  He requested of the chief of the eunuch to be able to eat only Kosher food. The man gave him (and his friends) ten days.  At the end, they were more healthy-looking than all the others, so he allowed them to continue with that diet.

God also gave them extra learning and skill in literature and wisdom.  And Daniel had special understanding of all visions and dreams.   (He reminds me of Joseph, in Genesis.)

At then end of the 3-year training, they all were brought before Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his friends were shown to be the “top of the class.,” better even than the older court magicians and enchanters!

(God honors those who honor Him!)

.

Daniel 2.

Then came a test.  King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. (No, not like Martin Luther King Jr.)  It bothered him terribly.  He called all  his magicians, enchanters, and sorcerers to TELL him his dream and then INTERPRET his dream.

Of course none of those imposters could tell the King what he dreamed.  They were used to HIM telling THEM the dream, and they’d make up an interpretation.  

  1. Wise men: We can’t tell you YOUR dream, O King.  Tell it to us and we’ll tell you what it means.
  2. King Neb.:  NO!  You must tell me my dream, or…or… or you are imposters!!  And if so, you are dead men!
  3. Wise men: But, we can’t!
  4. King Neb.:  GRRRRRRR!!  LET ALL THE WISE MEN OF BABYLON BE DESTROYED!!

Wise men, Daniel and his friends, heard the decree to kill all of them. He went to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, and inquired with prudence and discretion what the hoop-la was about.  After he was told, Daniel requested an appointment with the King, that HE might show the King HIS dream.

THEN, Daniel (wise man that he was) asked his three friends to pray with him all night that God would show him the mystery of the king’s dream.   

AND THE MYSTERY WAS REVEALED TO DANIEL IN A VISION.

Next morning, Daniel went to King Nebuchadnezzar and calmly told him the dream and the interpretation, after first telling the pagan king that it was the JEWISH GOD who’d revealed it to him.

  • You saw a great image and it was scary.
  • From top to bottom, it was made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and iron mixed with clay.
  • A stone struck the image on its feet and broke them to pieces, then the whole thing fell and the wind carried it all away.
  • The stone became an unstoppable Kingdom forever.

Yes, cried the king. That’s right.  What does it mean?

And Daniel prophetically told him of the coming world empires after Babylon, represented by the golden head:  silver chest and arms = Medo-Persian, bronze middle and thighs = Greece, iron legs = Rome, and mixed iron and clay = revived Rome. And the stone?   Christ destroying the fourth empire and establishing the Millennian. 

King Nebuchadnezzar was so impressed by Daniel’s God telling the future.  And he gave Daniel gifts and made him ruler over the whole province, and became chief prefect over all the king’s men.  He also placed Daniel’s three friends in high places.

.

Daniel 3.

Perhaps the king got so enamored with himself as the “head of gold,” that he had a huge 90-foot golden statue made in his likeness.  Not just the head, but the whole thing was gold.  He had a dedication party where he invited everybody who was somebody to it.  When the music began to play, they all would fall down and worship the image.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?  Um, no. As obedient Jews, they would not worship the king’s golden statue.  (Their ancestors had worshiped a few golden calves, and see what happened. Other idols in Jerusalem had caused the fall of that great city and the ruin of the magnificent Temple of God!  Bow to a golden statue?  NO WAY!)

  • The jealous ministers tattled on them.
  • Nebuchadnezzar gave them a second chance, and started up the music.
  • The three stood firm shaking their heads.
  • Then the infuriated king threw the miscreants into the blazing, hot furnace.  So there!
  • But wait. 
  • The three walked around in the furnace as if it were a Yogurt Land.  Their ropes were gone.  And… a fourth person was with them looking very much like “the Son of God.”

Nebuchadnezzar ordered them out, and quizzed them.  After all not a thread or hair was scorched, and they didn’t even smell of smoke.

“Our faithful God kept us.”

Now it was the king to stand in awe. “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has delivered his servants, who trusted Him and disobeyed the king’s command, and yielded up their lives rather than worship him. 

So King Nebuchadnezzar made a NEW law than anyone who speaks against their God, would be killed and their houses ruined.   And once again, the three were promoted.