Thursday, September 22, 2016

Thursday, September 22: Daniel 12, Ezra 4:24-5:1, Haggai 1:1-2:9, Zechariah 1:1-6, Haggai 2:10-19 ~Cameron

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Daniel 12, Ezra 4:24-5:1, Haggai 1:1-2:9, Zechariah 1:1-6, Haggai 2:10-19

A smattering of versus with a scattering of thoughts:

"Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to sham and everlasting disgrace." Daniel 12:2

A note in my commentary caught my eye. The specific Hebrew phrase "everlasting life" only occurs here in the Old Testament. The concept of eternal rewards is a fascinating study, especially as it is alluded to on the Old Testament. It is an item on my bucket list of things to study deeply.


"But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end..." Daniel 12:4a

I love a good story and here is a plot idea that I'm sure has already been made into a novel. Reading these early verses, Daniel does what he is told and writes what he is supposed to write. That could mean Daniel wrote another book, one that has been sealed and hidden to be found when it is needed most. Sounds like a best seller to me.


"...when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase." Daniel 12:4b

I don't subscribe to the end times are imminent paradigm. Verses like this have been referenced through history as a sign the end is near with no fulfillment. But it is an alluring idea that soon things will be complete, and we will see the Almighty return in Power and Glory. For all the wonders we can see with physical eyes, nothing will prepare us for that moment if we are blest to experience it.



Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ezra 5:2, Haggai 2:20-23, Zechariah 7-11

2 comments:

Conrad said...

Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. - Haggai 1:5-6

If it feels like we are spinning in circles and not getting anywhere, we may be needing to review our ways. In everything we do, let it bring glory and honour to Him!

Tammy said...

14 Then Haggai responded, “That is how it is with this people and this nation, says the Lord. Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin

We can't just ignore sin or think it doesn't affect us - it defiles us! So thankful for the blood of Jesus that washes away our sin