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Gifts Will Be Brought to the Lord Almighty

At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty … the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty (Isaiah 18:7 NIV).

Is God in need of gifts from men? Certainly not. For God says, “The world is mine and all that is in it” (Psalm 50:12b). But then this prophetic passage talks about a particular time and a particular people that they will bring gifts to the Lord Almighty.

It will happen when God will do a mighty work against those who oppress His people.

Let that be so. But then, have you brought gifts to God? If not, what are you waiting for? See, gifts to God are an expression of thankfulness. Has God done some mighty thing on your behalf?

If He has done so, how have you expressed your gratitude? The praise from lips is fitting. But a gift of thanks to the Lord Almighty is also proper.

Again, gifts are a part of worship. Remember you are worshiping a great king (Malachi 3:14). In olden days when people visited a king they presented to him costly gifts. If earthly kings were thus honored, how much more should your Heavenly King be honored with gifts?

The Magi (Wise Men) who came from the east to see Jesus honored Him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. They worshiped Jesus the King. You too can do so today. Acknowledge His kingship in all areas of your life and bring Him gifts.

Finally, know that God values the least of your gifts (See Mark 12:43, 44). He values the gift from the attitude of your heart. Your gift need not be big to be accepted. But it should be given with a cheerful heart for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Therefore give gifts to God. It will bring the joy of the Lord to you!

The prophecy talks about gifts being brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty. Let that so happen. But to whom do you give gifts today? Give your gifts to the least privileged in society for Jesus the King said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
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The Surging Sea Will Be Subdued

“They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued … I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will walk,” declares the Lord (Zechariah 10:11a, 12 NIV).

The path of God’s restoration passes through the sea of trouble. Though the sea is vast and mighty, God demonstrates His power over it. He promises that the surging sea will be subdued.

Your path of restoration to God’s favor has to pass through it to let you know of His continuing care for you. He will subdue all those terrible powers that exercised control over you. When they are subdued before Him, you will know God’s mighty power on your behalf.

There is one thing though that you need to remember constantly. The sea of trouble in your life need not be taken as a sign of God’s anger. It can instead be a sure sign that God is bringing you back to Himself and to your future that God has promised.

Though God can bring you back without letting you pass through tough times, for purposes He alone knows He takes you through them. Among other things, it will help you realize in a meaningful way what it means to have God with you.

Another purpose of God is to strengthen you. As you look at the lives of God’s servants in the Bible, you will find that almost all of them were strengthened through the tough experiences that God caused them to pass through.

Strength in God comes through the process of passing through the sea of trouble. The surging sea shall strike terror in your heart. It can easily overwhelm you. But when God is with you, they will be subdued.

So when you pass through the sea of trouble do not focus on the surging sea, but on the outcome that God has planned for you. He will subdue the surging sea for you. And you will walk with confidence in His name.

Therefore you, child of God, passing through the sea of trouble; encourage yourself today with this thought: the surging sea will be subdued!
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You Are My Hiding Place

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:6, 7 NIV).
David talked about the blessedness of being forgiven by God in this Psalm. But then He also described the time he was silent without confessing his sins to the Lord and the terrible effects it was having on him (v. 3, 4).

Then he confessed his sins to God and was forgiven (v. 5). Therefore, he asks everyone who is godly to pray to God when He may be found.

As a child of God, trying to live with unconfessed sin in your life is like having a live volcano exploding inside. It disturbs, drains your energy, pierces like a dagger, and burns within.

If this is part of your experience, do not delay. Run to God. Confess your sins to Him. You will find peace and forgiveness.

The mistake that many Christians often make is that they wait for a right moment to confess their sins. But the right time is now!

The more time you remain silent the farther you are traveling away from your only opportunity to find peace with God. Who knows how much more time you’ll have left to find forgiveness?

But if you confess and find forgiveness, then the mighty waters cannot touch you; whatever mighty waters might mean. For God then becomes your hiding place. There is peace and eternal security there.

Haven’t you seen little children hide in the security of the robes of their parents when they feel threatened? You too, as a child of God, can find refuge in God, who is your hiding place.

Would anyone dare to challenge God to give you up? No. This is the confidence that David had. And this is the confidence that you too can have.

Then God surrounds you with songs of deliverance. All this can happen only when you confess your sins to God. Blessed are you if God is your hiding place!
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My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? (Psalm 22:1 NIV).

We love a God who delivers us from evil or pain. But we cry out to a God who seems far away. The cry of a forsaken one is heard here.

Maybe you too have passed through this experience. Where was God then? No easy answers are offered. But then the feeling of being forsaken is very real.

That is the reason why even David, a man after God’s own heart, cried out. Jesus too, the Son of David, cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

These two experiences tell us that the feeling of being forsaken comes to the best of men. In Jesus’ case it came because the sin of the entire world was placed on Him; “For he bore the sin of many” (Isaiah 53:12).

Yes, He “carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4) and was forsaken. It is unbelievable that Jesus the Son of God, who enjoyed a close walk with God the Father, had to pass through such darkness.

At the same time it is comforting to note that when you cry out to Him, He understands you since He once passed through the agony of being forsaken. Even in this cry of despair there is one thing that needs to be noted. It was addressed to God Himself!

And there is in that cry an emphasis of the strength of your relationship with your God. He is still, “My God!” Isn’t He? So crying out to Him is probably the best you can do; whereas trying to find answers to why it has happened to you may possibly take you nowhere.

Instead, if you can look to Jesus who went through the agony of being forsaken; it will certainly help.

Another thought here is the prophetic nature of this Psalm. Many things written here about 1000 years before Jesus were fulfilled in His crucifixion. For example this Psalm talks about people mocking and hurling insults saying let God rescue him since he delights in him (v.7, 8).

Then it is written that his bones were all out of joint (though not broken) and that he could count all his bones (v.14, 17). Again, it is written that people were staring at him and gloating over him (v.17). It is written that his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth (v.15).

Compare that with Jesus’ cry, “I Thirst.” Again, it is written that they divided his garments among them and cast lots for his clothing (v. 18). All these things were fulfilled in Jesus.

And Jesus Himself testified that it is written about Him in the Psalms (Luke 24:44). May God open your heart to see Jesus in this Psalm and also find comfort when you feel forsaken by God.
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Wave the Sheaf of First Grain Before the Lord

Bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. He is to wave the sheaf before the Lord so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave on the day after the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:10b, 11 NIV).

God had hidden a beautiful truth in this simple ceremony. This was the Feast of Firstfruits. It was a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

Paul wrote: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV). So, it will be worthwhile to try to understand the beauty of the truth of the firstfruits. For, it signifies the hope of our resurrection!

The thing to note is that God asked the Israelites to bring the first sheaf of grain and wave it before the Lord on a Sunday, that is, on the day after the Sabbath. Jesus too, rose from the dead on a Sunday. He thus became the firstfruits of those who came out of the earth from death.

Maybe you can also think that sheaves of grain come out of the ground when a grain falls into the ground and dies and produce stalks. Likewise Jesus also came out of the heart of the earth in His resurrection.

Since He died and came back to life it meant that multitudes more would come up out of death into life as Jesus Himself pointed out (Ref. John 12:24).

Now the offering of the firstfruits also had another significance. The Israelites offered the firstfruits to God at the beginning of the harvest. So the firstfruits became a kind of promise of the harvest that was to follow.

Fifty days later, again on a Sunday, they came with bread baked out of the first grain they harvested and waved it before the Lord. Remember, the first time, they came with the sheaf of new grain. This time, they come with baked bread out of the new grain (Leviticus 23:15–21). That signified the gathering of the harvest.

This fiftieth day came to be observed as Pentecost. And on Pentecost Sunday, exactly fifty days after Jesus was risen from the dead, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples.

After Peter preached the first sermon in the power and filling of the Holy Spirit, three thousand people were added to their number that day (Acts 2:41). That was the harvest.

Thus Christ was symbolized in the offering of the firstfruits. He was the first to rise from the dead. That promised to humanity that there was going to be a great harvest of resurrected people to come later.

If you trust in Him, you too will be part of the great harvest of souls; who will resurrect. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is its sure promise!
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Take some of the Blood and Put It On

Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs (Exodus 12:7 NIV).

Imagine that you were part of that group of Israelites during that time. Imagine as you watched the elders in the family, probably the father of the family, put the blood on the top and side of the doorframes.

If you saw that once, you would never forget its significance.

The lamb that was slain was no ordinary lamb. It was because it was the Passover lamb and it was symbolic of Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Paul also made it very clear that Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7b NIV).

First of all, the blood of the lamb denotes sacrifice. God made deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt possible through this sacrifice. Today, your deliverance from sin and bondage to it and worldly pursuits is possible only because the Lamb of God gave His life as a sacrifice for you.

Remember his sacrifice every day of your life.

Secondly, the Israelites had to take blood of the lamb in a basin, dip a bunch of hyssop into it, and then put some of the blood on the tops and sides of the doorframes (see Exodus 12:22). The blood of the lamb was a sign to God.

When God saw the blood, He would pass over that house without destroying anyone inside. Similarly when you come under the protection of Jesus’ blood, God passes over you and does not destroy you.

But then the simple yet most important question is: ``Are you under the protection of Jesus’ blood? Have you applied the blood of the Lamb on your soul?”

Thirdly, God wanted the Israelites to observe this Passover ceremony in the years to come (see Exodus 12:25–27) and communicate to their children its significance.

Today, if only parents would remember to tell their children about the blood of the Lamb; their souls would be saved. Then they also would apply the blood of Jesus to their lives and be under God’s protection.

Yes, the truth of the blood of the Lamb is the most important truth from the entire Bible that needs to be communicated with utmost priority to your children.

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The Passover lamb had to be a male without defect (Exodus 12:5) which signified the sinlessness of Jesus. Remember what Pilate said: “I find no basis for a charge against Him” (John 19:6z).

Again, it was commanded not to break any of the bones of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:46). John wrote about its fulfillment in Jesus (John 19:36). And Jesus died during the occasion of the Passover feast; just about the time when the Passover lambs would be slaughtered.

Thus it is abundantly clear that the Passover lamb was symbolic of Jesus.
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The King’s Friend

Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend (1 Chronicles 27:33b NIV).

It would surprise you to note this. In this section in this book it is the names of people who were the officials of David that has been recorded. All of them were included because of their position.

But this one man’s name was recorded because of his relationship with the king!

God has people in positions of leadership and duty in His church too. Their names are all remembered by God. But there number is few compared to the multitudes who are not in leadership.

You may be one among the multitudes. The question is, are you remembered by God? Definitely yes; especially so if you are His friend!

Yes, God places much value on His friends. Abraham was God’s friend (Isaiah 41:8). And God talked to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11).

You too can be God’s friend. It may not be possible to be God’s friend exactly the same way Abraham or Moses were God’s friends. But still you can be His friend. And that means you are the King’s friend!

Think about it. Has not God called you to have a relationship with Him? Would you value a friendship with the world or friendship with God (Read James 4:4)?

If you value your friendship with God, you’ll be remembered by Him even if you do not enjoy any position in the world or in the church.

If you read 2 Samuel 16:17 you’ll know that Hushai was known to others as the king’s friend! Is this how you are known to others?

Do people say when they meet you that you are the friend of God the King? Think about it. What a privilege it is to be known as the King’s friend!
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They Did not Listen Because of Their Discouragement

Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage (Exodus 6:9 NIV).

Good news is not always welcomed. This was the case with the Israelites. God had told them through Moses that He was going to deliver them. At first, they bowed down and worshiped (Exodus 4:31).

But then Pharaoh increased their hard labor instead of freeing them. This made them turn against Moses and Aaron, who in turn took the complaint to God.

God once again told them that He will indeed deliver His people from Egypt. But the Israelites did not welcome this message.

Two important lessons are to be noted in this context:

First of all, God never fails to act on what He has promised. It was God who began the process of delivering the people of Israel. He had heard their groans and seen their misery. In response He appointed Moses to go and deliver His people from Egypt.

But circumstances became difficult after the initial request by Moses to Pharaoh. Then the people thought that their deliverance was not going to happen.

But they did not know then that their God does not change. And that He will keep His promise. Maybe you need to remember this today. Your God will keep His promise to you and complete what He began to do in your life.

Secondly, when circumstances turn difficult, you should not fail to listen to God. Here, God was confirming what He had promised earlier, that He will indeed deliver His people.

But the unfortunate thing was that the people did not listen. It was because of their discouragement and cruel bondage. Ah, discouragement is like having a truckload of heaviness on your head.

When it gets combined with physical difficulties it really tries to choke your faith in God. But if you want to hear God you should learn to listen to Him in spite of all this.

For He is still speaking to you to encourage you with the message that He’ll accomplish your deliverance as promised.
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For His Wrath Can Flare Up in a Moment

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Psalm 2:12 NIV).

See Jesus in a different light. He can be angry. His wrath can flare up in a moment. Does this surprise you? It should not.

For Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He can roar. This thought should make you uneasy. T

he popular religious talkers of our day paint for us a picture of a meek Jesus. This gives you and me the idea that He is weak.

Forget that! His wrath can bring terror to anyone’s heart. Believe it when it is written that it can flare up in a moment.

Therefore kiss the Son! Let it be a kiss of homage. Treat Him with utmost respect; for He is the Anointed One (v.2) and King (v.6) and declared to be God’s Son (v.7).

Jesus, is not a name to be trifled with. His name is to be honored. His name is above every other name (Philippians 2:9) and at His name every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10). So, kiss the Son as a mark of respect.

Again, kiss the Son as sign of peace. If you have made peace with Him (Romans 5:1) through the blood He shed on the cross for you; then you’ll be able to kiss Him.

The question is, “Do you have peace with God?” If not, do not delay to find peace with Him. Otherwise, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, it will be too late.

Then you’ll find His wrath all flared up and you will be destroyed in your way! So, do not wait till He becomes angry. Kiss the Son today in peace.

Finally, there is a promised blessedness for all who take refuge in Him. So, take off your eyes of all earthly refuge. Look to Jesus. He is your true and eternal refuge.

No one can snatch you out of His hand (John 10:28) once you have taken refuge in Him. This is your blessedness; and your eternal surety!
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Multitudes in the Valley of Decision!

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14 NIV).

What a day this is going to be! The numbers cannot be counted. They all stand awaiting their judgment at the hand of a righteous God. This shall take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (v. 12).

Then the Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem (v. 16). Such a great day has been appointed. It is near! Take thought about that; that day is near!

Today, people may laugh when you talk about a day of judgment. But on the day of the Lord they shall be gathered to this valley. Their God will make a decision about where they are going to spend their eternity.

The wicked will be thrown to hell. No doubt about that. The truth is that the wicked had made that decision for themselves even before the day of the Lord. They had chosen to reject Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior and Light of the world.

And now God rejects them. They thus face the judgment of God. What a frightening thought it is to face the Lord who roars and thunders from Jerusalem!

But what a time for you to be reading this. For the hour appointed is very near! This is the time to review your decision. Have you already made a decision for God? If so, the Lord shall have mercy on you.

But have you been serious about your decision to live for God? If not, this is a time to renew your decision. For when the day of the Lord arrives, there shall be no more opportunity for any man or woman to make a decision.

That is the time for God. He will separate His servants from the wicked. The valley of decision shall eternally separate the godless from the wicked. That day is near!
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Though that Was Shorter

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt” (Exodus 13:17 NIV).

The shorter route is not the best one always. In God’s eyes the shorter route can have its dangers. He sometimes does not lead you through the shorter route to prevent you from facing things that you cannot bear.

He may not explain why He leads you through the longer route. But it is wise to trust God in His leading; knowing that He sees ahead and already knows what you do not see and do not know.

Now why does God avoid the shorter route? One reason could be that those who prefer the shorter route are fickle-minded often. That means that they change their mind quickly.

So those who try to travel the shorter route would prefer a still easier option if they face difficulties on the way. That easier option could be a decision to stop traveling altogether.

More dangerous would be the decision to return to where you were before. In effect, you’ll make no progress if you prefer the shorter route.

In the modern world, Christians too want quick results even in the case of becoming spiritually mature. But that cannot happen through the shorter route.

When those who prefer the shorter route face difficulties; they suddenly forget the joy of their faith and prefer to return to their own Egypts-their own sin and slavery to sin.

Therefore know that following God’s leading by the longer route is best. It might take longer. But it will take you to the Promised Land.

That journey will have God’s Presence accompanying you too. So consider; is not the journey by the longer route worth it?
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The Water Became Sweet

Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet (Exodus 15:25 NIV).

The place where this happened was Marah which means bitter. The occasion was just three days after the Israelites had crossed the Red sea on dry ground.

The problem was that the Israelites had no water to drink. And when they did find it; it was bitter. So they grumbled against Moses.

Moses did not know what to do. He had six hundred thousand men alone on foot plus the women and children! So he cried out to God. And God answered him. The Lord showed him a piece of wood.

God cared for them even though the people were grumbling: You might have hoped for something in life. When it came it may not have been pleasant as you expected. Are you grumbling today because of that? Instead, cry out to God. He will show you what to do.

Here it was a piece of wood. A simple thing. It might be a good question to ask, “Can such a small piece of wood solve such a huge problem?” Definitely not.

But when God uses it, it is more than enough. The solution to your problem might be an improbable “piece of wood.” But is God showing that to you? If yes, then you can be sure that it will be the solution to your bitter experience.

And when Moses threw it into the water, the water became sweet. The truth is that God does not change your bitter situation. But He shows you that “piece of wood” that can change the bitterness into sweetness.

Therefore do not grumble when you find your most expected things come to you in a bitter package. God can turn that bitterness into sweetness.

Finally, the bitterness is God’s test for you. He wants you to listen to Him and obey Him. When you do so, He’ll turn your bitterness into sweetness.

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The King of Egypt Will Not Let You Go

But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him (Exodus 3:19 NIV).

God is concerned for you. He has already dispatched His message to deliver you from whatever is holding you in bondage and slavery. But that does not mean that the king of Egypt is willing to let you go so easily.

That is why you struggle. That is why you are defeated again and again. The hold of the king of Egypt in your life is strong; for he wants you to continue as his slave.

But the amazing thing is that God knows this truth. He says that the king of Egypt will not let you go easily. Your good efforts are not enough. Only the mighty hand of God can compel the king of Egypt to release you.

But then God has a plan to do so. It is planned one step at a time. There are intervals of time between each intervention of God. That is why the delay.

You need to know that the delay does not in anyway change God’s purpose of delivering you from the king of Egypt. That has already been determined. But the delay would probably teach you a bitter lesson. The lesson that the king of Egypt is a cruel taskmaster. T

he more you show a desire towards freedom from him; the more he’ll burden you. Remember that he demanded that the Israelites produce the same quota of bricks as before.

The difference this time was they were not given any straw. The delay in your deliverance from this king of Egypt will teach you how bitter it is to serve sin and be slave to it.

The result will be that you’ll long for deliverance. You also, by this time, would have known the littleness of your own strength. You would have learned that your strength cannot even make you move a step away from the king of Egypt.

That would make you rely on God’s mighty hand. When you do so, you’ll find the mighty hand of God compelling the king of Egypt to release you step by step. The final release will come when God would destroy the power of the king of Egypt over your life permanently.

Look forward to that day and hour. It has been appointed. It will come. The mighty hand of God shall compel the king of Egypt to release you. And then you’ll know that God already knew that the king of Egypt would release you only after a bloody struggle.
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Lead Me to the Rock that is Higher than I

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2 NIV).

Have you called to God? If not, this is the time to do so. It is when you are overwhelmed by life’s troubles, doubts, and worries, that you need to call out to God.

Do not think that help is far away. No. God is near to you. Just a call away. When you feel the most away from Him, and the most burdened by life; that is the time your heart is faint and the appropriate time to call to Him; from the faraway ends of the earth. Do so now, without delay.

The prayer is to lead to a rock that is higher. It is because life’s troubles often bring along with it a downward pull. The rock that is higher can therefore give you a place of safety. It can give you staying power and allow you to escape from the downward pull.

The rock that is higher cannot be anyone other than God Himself. As the sight of a mighty rock can instill confidence, so also the rock that is higher shall give you tremendous confidence; and He shall be a strong tower.

The rock that is higher is also symbolic of ability that is above human strength. When the heart grows faint, human strength is at its weakest. Your best abilities will fail during those moments. It is then that the rock that is higher enables you to draw on God’s strength.

And it is available to you when you cry out to Him from the depths of your heart. This cry often comes out as a groan or a deep sight during times when the heart is faint. Cry out to God and enjoy the divine supply of ability and strength from the rock that is higher than you.

Finally, the rock that is higher offers you a view of your situation from a point of advantage. You get a look from higher ground. You’ll be given a divine insight into what you are going through.

From the rock higher than you, you see things through God’s eyes. Then the peace of God surrounds you as you come to know that God knows what is happening in your life. Maybe this is the best medicine for your heart when it grows faint.
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The People Who Know Their God Will Firmly Resist Him

With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him (Daniel 11:32 NIV).

Evil has its own ways of getting things done. Here it talks about an evil person who corrupts people through flattery. Nice talk which is insincere was, and still is, a method that evil men have used.

But note the point that those who got corrupted were those who already had violated the covenant. So, it is clear that those who turn away from God are those who get easily deceived by the flattering talk of evil men.

But it is also written about another category of people. They are those who know their God. This talks not about superficial knowledge. But it talks about intimate knowledge.

These kind of people are those who know their God. That is, they know who He is. They know His nature and character. That is they know that He is an unchanging God and He is holy.

And this knowledge brings a irresistible change within them: Since they know their God, they can easily spot anything that is against God. They can easily recognize the presence of evil even when it is disguised in charming talk.

They do not form part of the crowd but keep themselves unspotted from those who are being deceived. They know that knowing God puts them on a mission to stand boldly for what is truth.

This is what they will do. They will resit the man who promotes evil. It will be a firm resistance. Today, Christians need to exercise this quality for evil is on the increase. Through deceptive means and methods that look innocent, evil is being spread in the society.

To fight this menace, first of all, you have to know your God. That will give you the ability to recognize evil disguised in attractive coverings and also give you the boldness to firmly resist it.

This is your God-given calling for the last days. Remember, we’re just about to see the rise of the evil man prophesied about in this verse. Stay alert!
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The Abomination that Causes Desolation

His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation (Daniel 11:31 NIV).

There is something past and something future in this verse. Therefore it is important.

The person referred to here is Antiochus Ephiphanes, who caused great trouble for Jews. This prophecy made by Daniel was fulfilled in later days.

But Jesus specifically referred to “the abomination that causes desolation” (Matthew 24:15) as something yet to happen. That means that what happened in the past is symbolic of what is yet to come.

Now what happened in the past was that this man set up something like an idol within the Jewish temple and thus defiled the holy place. He also abolished the daily sacrifice which God had ordained to be observed by the Jews. The purpose was to prevent people from worshiping God and instead make them worship idols.

Jesus was pointing out that this kind of a thing will happen again in the future. For this to happen a Jewish temple has to be built again. And the Antichrist has to make his appearance. He will be the one who will defile and desecrate the Jewish temple once again.

How he is going to do it is not the most important point. But the important thing to note is that Jesus quoted Daniel and said that it will happen. Thus Jesus was saying that these prophecies would come to pass. And when that happens it will be the end times.

One important thing this verse should do for you is that it should boost up your faith. For what Daniel prophesied came to pass some centuries later. Jesus extended the scope of this prophecy to the end times. That should give you strong conviction that world history is moving to its appointed end.

The bad news is that days of great trouble are ahead. The good news is that God has foretold what is about to happen so that you can take warning from the signs of the times.
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Anyone Who Is Bitten Can Look at It and Live

The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it upon a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived (Numbers 21:8, 9 NIV).

Jesus referred to this (John 3:14, 8:28, 12:32). This incident is a very early reference to Jesus and His death on the cross. God, through this incident was making it clear that salvation comes through Him alone.

As you look at what happened, you will note that it was impatience that led the people to talk against God and Moses. And God sent venomous snakes among them; which bit them and killed many of them. Surely God was telling them that the “wages of sin is death.”

But others took note of what was happening. They understood that their lives too were in danger. So they asked Moses to pray for them. God used this occasion to teach them that salvation came through Him alone.

The pole here is a symbol of the cross. The bronze snake was made and put up on this pole. Thus it symbolized the kind of death that Jesus would die. The cross thus becomes a sign of God’s judgment on sin.

Jesus who knew no sin was made sin on man’s behalf. The bronze snake on the pole is a representation of God’s judgment that fell on sinless Jesus. That happened as a direct consequence of your sin and my sin.

Now, it should be noted that there is no medical power associated with a bronze serpent. But the people looked at it and lived!

It should have told the people that it is not man-made methods that would bring salvation; but God’s method which was hanging Jesus on the cross. So the bronze serpent on the pole was symbolic of God’s method of bringing salvation–the death of His Son Jesus on the cross.

Finally, man had to do something to benefit from the bronze serpent on the pole. He had to look at it. Even today, God does not demand from anyone anything more than a look of faith at Jesus on the cross.

A look of faith at Jesus can bring you salvation. For making salvation possible He was lifted up. Therefore, look to Jesus, and live!
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Joseph Asked, “Why Are Your Faces so Sad Today?”

When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so sad today?” (Genesis 40:6, 7 NIV).

Joseph was a man with character. He was genuinely concerned for others. This quality stood him out for greatness.

Joseph saw. It is that simple. Many people pass by even when they see. But he stopped to inquire.

He was a fellow prisoner with them. Equal in status. He would gain nothing by seeking their welfare. Yet he was ready to meet their need.

Here was Joseph, a man who was not ready to live his life in self-pity at the injustice done to him. But instead, he was ready to be useful even when he was in prison. Those who love to succeed in life in a godly manner may note this point.

If Joseph had bypassed this need, he would never have become the governor of the land. But there was nothing in that situation that would have given Joseph a clue that this was somehow going to be a vital link in his promotion to greatness.

So, be alert at all times. Be genuinely concerned for others. You will never know how your help to someone in need today might bring you a promotion to greatness in the future.

For our God disguises such steps. He intends that only those genuinely concerned for others might discover such opportunities for service. Then God takes care of their promotion in due time.

Lastly, think about the question that Joseph asked: “Why are your faces so sad today?” That means they were not sad before. Are you so concerned for others that you can spot this overnight difference?

God has need for such men and women today. Only such can serve His cause in this misery-filled world. God waits to see whether you would you be one of Joseph’s kind?
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Yet I Reserve Seven Thousand in Israel

Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel–all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him (1 Kings 19:18 NIV).

There has been no time like ours in world history. This is a time of great moral failure, rebellion, materialism, and idolatry in the human heart like never before.

If you look around you, it is easy to get discouraged. This is especially true if you are serving God faithfully. It might seem that all your efforts are getting you nowhere.

Instead of seeing the kingdom of God come, you see evil on the increase. You feel like giving up altogether. Wait a minute though! The mighty prophet Elijah felt the same way too.

Possibly, the great struggles with spiritual forces of darkness have left you exhausted. Maybe, after a great victory you feel threatened by enemy forces.

At such a time you are alone. As you analyze the results of your victory it seems that no visible change or advance has occurred in the kingdom of God.

Therefore you are tempted to complain to God. You are about to tell Him that you have been championing God’s cause all alone. And also that you are now almost going to give up since there is no one to stand along with you.

God’s reply to this complaint is worth your study. He asked Elijah to go back the way he came; for God had work for him to finish.

More importantly, God told Elijah that He had seven thousand people in Israel who were totally and absolutely faithful to Him. Elijah had failed to see this.

Of course, God had in Elijah a great fighter who was used to confront the forces of evil. But God also had His faithful followers unseen by the world.

Even today, as you feel discouraged by the obvious absence of committed Christian friends; know that God always has His faithful followers. They are known to Him; if not known to you.

Your work may be in the public eye; their calling might be just to remain faithful to God in secret. So do not get discouraged. And do not give up. Continue the work that God gave you and finish it.
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Stolen Water Is Sweet; Food Eaten in Secret Is Delicious!

“Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of the grave (Proverbs 9:17, 18 NIV).

The first part is the invitation of Folly. She is described as sitting at the door of her house on a seat at the highest point of the city calling out loudly to people who pass by to step in.

Isn’t she familiar to you? Aren’t her favorite spots of invitation situated in the most prominent and busy places? Isn’t she loudly and repeatedly calling out for attention? Have you not felt the irresistible urge within you to step inside her doorway?

If you have ever done so, you have also eaten food in secret and also drunk of stolen waters. They might have tasted delicious and sweet; didn’t they? When you chose to step inside her doorway, you chose to listen to one who is undisciplined and without knowledge.

But those who turn away her invitation and walk away from her display self-control, which is the fruit of the Spirit. They also show that they love knowledge which begins with the fear of the Lord.

Again, if you choose stolen water and food eaten in secret, you’ll lose valuable years from your life. The strength of youth will drain away in sinful pleasures as you eat and drink from it.

Even the Word of God agrees that sinfulness has pleasure. That is why stolen water is sweet and food eaten in secret is delicious. But its jaws bite into your very life!

But on the other side someone else is also calling out to you. She is wisdom. She is warning you and pointing out to you the consequence of your choice to listen to Folly.

Wisdom is informing you today that when you walk through the doorway of Folly, you are walking straight to the depths of the grave. There nothing is sweet nor is anything delicious.

Therefore, fear God; choose wisdom and earn life, and turn away from following Folly!
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The Zeal of the Lord Almighty Will Accomplish This

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this (2 Kings 19:31b NIV).

Impossible situations are times when the zeal of the Lord Almighty shall accomplish great things. But what is this zeal?

It is an intense passionate enthusiasm that the Lord displays for what He is concerned about to get it done.

As we look at the historical context in which this truth is given, we find that Hezekiah who was a godly king, was threatened by a powerful king of Assyria who had sent commanders to him to destroy his confidence in the Lord.

But Hezekiah did one thing. He took the matter to God in prayer. First he sent a message to Prophet Isaiah to pray about the threat. He then received an encouraging reply.

Then came the next threat. This time Hezekiah personally went to the temple to put the matter before God (in fact he spread out the threatening message before the Lord!) and prayed.

He acknowledged that the Assyrians were really powerful. But He wanted God to demonstrate His power and deliverance on behalf of His people so that the kingdoms of this world might know that the Lord alone is God.

Two things stand out in Hezekiah:

First, he prayed. He knew that God alone could do something awesomely great to rescue him and his kingdom.

Second, he wanted God to be exalted through the deliverance that God would bring. Hezekiah did not even think of personal fame, success or glory when he prayed for deliverance.

You should note that it was an impossible situation. No human agency could have delivered Hezekiah and his kingdom. But God, in response to their prayer, promised deliverance.

And to put an end to all doubt as to how it was going to be accomplished it was told Hezekiah that the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. God did so by having a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp put to death that same night by the angel of the Lord!

Remember, impossible situations in life are times when the zeal of the Lord; His concern and intense passionate desire for your rescue, shall accomplish great things for you if you pray. And when you pray remember to desire God’s glory in the deliverance and not yours!
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Rejoice Greatly, Shout, See, Your King Comes to You

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9 NIV).

Rejoice! Your King is coming to you. Raise banners of welcome. Prepare your heart and mind to receive Him. Open the doors of your heart wide. Let Him ride in. He comes is peace.

Prepare a throne in your heart. He shall reign there. Rejoice! What greater blessing do you need than to have your King come to you!

Why is the coming of the King such a joyful event? Three things come to mind:

One, He is coming with salvation. No one else can provide that for you.

Second, He is coming to live in your midst. Isn’t it a great joy to have your beloved King, who is righteous and gentle, living with you?

Thirdly, it is by such an appearing; riding on a donkey that He reveals His identity as King. He leaves no room for doubt as to His identity after this event. Therefore His coming is a joyful event.

Now the big question: Who is this King? He is none else than Jesus.

Even five hundred years before His birth, His triumphal entry to Jerusalem was specifically foretold by the prophet. And His disciples and the people of the city fulfilled all this without realizing its true meaning.

But here is your chance. Welcome the King with full knowledge of who He is! The great God, God Almighty, coming to you. He is gentle.

Therefore shout. Let your Hosanna’s be heard. May you cry out, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Yes, He will come once again to Jerusalem.

This time He will ride a white horse to war, and will be dressed in a robe dipped in blood, to conquer and rule for ever and ever on His throne in Jerusalem. Therefore shout!
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Although You Were Angry with Me, Comforted Me

In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me” (Isaiah 12:1 NIV).

This certainly refers to a time in the future when Jesus will rule the earth from Jerusalem. But blessed is the man who can praise God today and say that God has comforted him.

Even though a man may get some peace of mind from earthly sources of comfort; it cannot be compared with the comfort that God can give.

Maybe you are one among many who have feared that the anger of the Lord might consume you. Doubts kept tossing in your mind about God’s love for you. Your past with its stains kept nagging you and you never fully enjoyed that security one feels in the love of God.

Maybe your actions had caused God to be angry with you. Maybe all this and much more is true. But the good news is that when the day comes when Jesus rules in your heart there shall be rest there. That day you’ll know that God’s anger has turned away from you. Let that day be today.

Let it be known to you that God does not leave a vacuum in your heart. He fills it with His comfort. The best thing about it is that you can long for His comfort. Even though God seems to be hiding from you now; even though your prayers seem to be reaching nowhere, do not give up hope.

A definite day is coming when He’ll no longer be angry with you. That day you’ll rally all your heart and energy to be with God. And then God will do a great thing in your life by reclaiming you as His own a second time.

Even though you were His child, this time, He’ll assure that unchangeable fact so intimately to you.

Then you’ll break forth into praise. You will sing with joy; in that day when Jesus rules in your heart!
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Let Him Who Walks in the Dark, Trust, Rely

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God (Isaiah 50:10 NIV).

Obedience can lead through darkness. Such an experience should not come as a surprise. Instead this knowledge should help you to be prepared for it.

The darkness can come in long stretches or short spells. It can totally stop you from moving or slow down your pace much. Whatever happens, the important thing to note is that the path of trust and obedience to God can lead through darkness at times.

But the focus here is of walking in the dark! Hallelujah! God’s servants are called to move forward even when it is dark. The light of God can guide even in darkness. But it should be noted that this light may not be visible at times.

Though it might be dark on the outside, God’s light like an autopilot still guides on the inside. So the journey of faith continues even when it is a walk in the dark.

Then the verse talks about the state of having no light. This is a state when you have no knowledge whatsoever of why something is happening. It could be thought about like this:

You knew that a path was right. You knew that God had called you to walk in it. When you started walking you had high hopes. You knew exactly why you chose to walk that path. You knew God was in your decision. Well, this was the time when your light was burning bright!

Then, along the way came difficulties, criticism, rejection, loss of confidence and ultimately a loss of faith in your own ability accompanied by a total lack of conviction why you were walking that path. During this process the burning light was flickering to its end. Darkness!

But the walk is not over. God is commanding you today, you who fear the Lord and obey Him, to trust in the name of the Lord and rely on Him. That means that God wants you to continue to walk forward just by relying on Him alone.

What does that mean? It means that God wants you to know that He is still there with you and guiding you. He knows the path and He will walk you through the dark stretches. Dear friend, God’s message to you today is: Continue to walk in the dark!
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Finished All the Work

So Huram finished all the work he had undertaken for King Solomon in the temple of the Lord (1 Kings 7:40b NIV).

God places great importance to the completion of a work undertaken. This is especially true when it is a work for the Lord. The kingdom of God has suffered much because many thousands of people failed to complete what they began.

The reasons vary from lack of clear goals to giving up because of discouragement; especially when the results of the labor are not seen immediately. Some work is given up because of opposition too.

But the Bible advocates a completion of work: Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished.” Paul, when faced with prison and hardships spoke about his desire to finish the race and complete the task Jesus gave him–“the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” So, finishing the task, is a Biblical priority.

Therefore you should not venture into a task without much prayer and seeking guidance from God. More importantly in this context you should ask God that you may be given grace to complete the undertaken task. Then you can begin with a determination to persevere through difficulties and finish!

Another thought associated with finishing is “how” you try to complete the work. Many people, as they reach halfway stage or further have a tendency to complete the work “somehow.” That is a wrong and sinful attitude. Every work undertaken, small or great, should be thought about as work for the Lord.

Therefore every work should be finished with excellence. This will cause others to marvel at the good work as well as think about what makes you do it so well. This will help you testify to God’s grace in your life. A sloppy work, on the other hand, destroys your Christian testimony.

Finally, the question that Paul asked is in order here: “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort” (Galatians 3:3 NIV)?

So, whenever you undertake a task for God’s glory, remember to depend on the Spirit of God to bring it to the finishing point. Let this be your motto: “In God, finish strong!”
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It Was Good for Me To Be Afflicted

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me (Psalm 119: 67, 71, 75 NIV).

There is good in afflictions. It is the discipline of the Lord; for “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10b NIV).

Thus there is a purpose in afflictions. It is also a humbling as well as a learning experience. You learn to obey God’s Word through your afflictions:

It is an observed fact that God’s children easily go astray. That is why God has often called His children sheep. They are in the habit of losing track and wandering away from the fold. The Shepherd then has to go in search of them.

When going astray happens too often, God makes afflictions do the teaching. They train you and me to come back to God and obeying His Word. So there is a big difference before and after afflictions. Before, you went astray; but now, you obey God’s Word. This is the first realization.

Then comes the second realization that it was good for you to be afflicted. But sadly many do not profit from afflictions because they fail to turn to God’s Word.

But if they do so they will find comfort, encouragement, hope and delight in God’s Word. And these treasures are best acquired by those who find that it was good to be afflicted.

There is also a final realization that happens after afflictions have done their work. You learn that it was God’s love for you that made Him discipline you through affliction. You learn that this is God’s exhibition of His faithfulness towards you. He is your Father and God; and you are His child.

Thus afflictions are valid proof of your relationship with God and His unfailing commitment to that relationship. He wants the best for you and afflictions are part of His training to make you the best you can be!
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Create in Me a Pure Heart, O God

Create in me a pure heart, O God (Psalm 51:10a NIV).

This is a sincere prayer coming from the heart of a repentant man. He is desperate in his prayer. He knows that God alone can create in him a pure heart. When these conditions meet together, God can create in you too a pure heart.

To pray to God to create within you a pure heart you first of all need to see the great filth of your sin. This realization does not come easily. But there comes moments in life when God confronts you and gives you grace to see how much sin has dirtied your heart.

Some people continue to ignore such moments of grace. Some others repent and pray to God to create in them a pure heart. You too can join them in this prayer for this moment is a moment of such grace.

Again, you need to realize that the grip of sin in your life is powerful. It will not release its victims easily. A magical wish kind of prayer will not create in you the miracle of a pure heart. But desperate longing and crying out to God in sorrow and repentance will do it.

That longing comes only when God gives you insight into how terrible it is to live in sin and also show you a glimpse of the radiant beauty of a pure heart. When such a moment of grace occurs in your life, cry out with all your heart to God to create within you a pure heart.

But there is something more to it. Even though it is true that God creates within you a pure heart; it is also true that you have a responsibility in keeping it pure. There is no automatic life-long guarantee of purity. It is here that many people are mistaken.

They think that a one-time encounter with God will always keep them pure. It is not so. Instead, purity of heart can only be maintained by a moment by moment dependence on God. It also requires a constant guard against sin.

Realizing this truth, David continued his prayer, saying, “and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” He not only wanted a pure heart but also a divine enabling to continue to live with a pure heart!
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Yet It Was the Lord’s Will to Crush Him

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, … and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand (Isaiah 53:10 NIV).

We stand on holy ground as we meditate on this verse. It talks about the suffering of Jesus. His suffering is described as the fulfillment of God’s will.

Though the purpose of God in allowing His Son to suffer is difficult to understand, we should think much on the attitude of Jesus, who accepted His suffering as God’s will.

This verse says that it was God’s will to crush Jesus and cause Him to suffer. That means that Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s deliberate plan. It was no accident.

It also means that God was willing to take part in the pain of human suffering. This is the uniqueness of the God whom you and I worship.

He did not stand afar off. Instead He came down and experienced first-hand human suffering. He went through it. It was a willing acceptance.

Think for a moment. There is much teaching in the Christian world today that all suffering is from the devil. Their teaching is fully focused on prosperity.

But what do they have to say about the truth that is presented in this verse? Here it is clearly stated that it was God’s will to crush Jesus and cause Him to suffer.

So, any Christian philosophy that dismisses all suffering as “lack of faith to believe in miracles” fails to see that God’s great purposes are achieved through the suffering of His servants.

But that does not mean that God deliberately brings suffering; for the Bible says, “For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men” (Lamentations 3:33 NIV).

Finally, when God’s will brings suffering, He has a desired end in mind. In Jesus’ life, after His suffering, it is said: “the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.”

This prospering refers to the eternal salvation that you and I have received through His suffering. It includes the forgiveness of sins that He purchased through His blood for you and me. All this was made possible because it was God’s will to crush Him.
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You Will Be a Crown of Splendor in the Lord’s Hand

You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God (Isaiah 62:3 NIV).

A great promise; originally referring to the future greatness of Zion. It refers to a definite change of status. God is going to exalt Jerusalem in the near future.

God is going to give her a new name and her desolations of all the years are going to come to an end.

Instead God will take great delight in her; her new status being that of a married person. And God will rejoice over her as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride!

You too rejoice for this promise is for you too. For long years you have been called a deserted one. You have nothing to show the world for all your labor.

But God is changing your status. He will no longer remain silent because you belong to Him. He is going to act now. He will make your righteousness shine out like the dawn.

And people will see that you have salvation in your God. Yes, they will see that like a blazing torch! It will shine brightly for you.

Now God is making you a crown of splendor in His hand. It is one of beauty. It is for His use. He will use it as a showpiece where the excellencies of His grace in your life shall shine forth. It will be perfect for it is in the hand of your God.

Royal power is bestowed on you for He is a King. There shall be great rejoicing for you’ll enjoy a privileged status of a married one with God. Oh, what a special joy it is to have God rejoice over you.

Therefore do away with disbelief. Even though this promise seems too good to be true; this is what God is going to do for you.

Yes, “You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” What more sign do you need than this crown and royal diadem as evidence of His acceptance of you?
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But Lot’s Wife Looked Back, a Pillar of Salt

But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26 NIV).

The command was: “Flee for your lives. Don’t look back.” And Lot’s wife violated it. She thus became an eternal reminder to those who do not heed God’s warning.

It was disobedience on her part. But what might have caused her to look back? The answers to this question might help you prevent that backward look.

First of all, know that living in the midst of worldly lifestyles can influence you much. The life of a Christian in today’s world is made difficult by such influences. They overwhelm you. But you have to guard your heart against them.

Otherwise their influence upon you will be so strong that when the time comes to flee from the coming judgment you’ll be tempted to look back. So keep yourself unattached to such influences.

Lot’s wife might have been very much influenced by the worldly thinking of Sodom and Gomorrah that she was tempted to look back and thus disobey God.

Secondly, know that the coming judgment on this world is no joke! It is going to be real. The Christian needs to be very much watchful these days.

When God gives you opportunity to flee to safety, do so. Do not wait to see what is going to happen. The immediacy with which you act on God’s command does matter. If you wait to look back, then judgment will overtake you too.

Lot’s wife may not have taken God’s warnings of judgment seriously. She reminds us that we too have to be watchful to avoid judgment from falling on us.

Finally, a question needs to be asked: What if Lot’s wife had not looked back? She would have been spared and her presence in the family would have definitely been a positive influence preventing those unfortunate relations that followed.
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