Babylonian exile – Be Still…

Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Righteous One

To appreciate the Advent message, it’s helpful to have a backstory on Jeremiah, as well as a look back at the time when he proclaimed this prophecy. Jeremiah was the prophet used by God to warn the people of the fall and destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah found himself imprisoned for his prophecies of doom. Finally, God gave him this message, holding a promise of hope.

No matter how far the people had strayed and hurt God with their indifference and worship of false idols, God promised them a deliverer. God would not abandon his people forever. As Christians, we recognize Jesus as the one who fulfills this prophecy, saving and redeeming the people. Continue reading “Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Righteous One”

Ezekiel 8:1-18 – Idols Infuriate God

Read Ezekiel 8:1-18

We have a new time stamp for this reading. This new series of visions came to Ezekiel about a year after the first ones back in Chapter 1. This time, Ezekiel was in his house spending time with leaders of Judah who had also been taken into exile. Thankfully it doesn’t sound like they were in shackles or anything.

I imagine Ezekiel was quite surprised to be whisked away by the Spirit and taken back to Jerusalem. He describes it like a teleporting experience you’d see in a sci-fi thriller! Here one minute, gone the next only to appear in a different scene. Did you wonder if the leaders noticed he was gone or if this was just a mental excursion? Continue reading “Ezekiel 8:1-18 – Idols Infuriate God”

Daniel 9:20-27 – A Glimpse into the Future

Read Daniel 9:20-27

I was impressed by how Daniel goes from earnestly praying for himself and his people to having the angel Gabriel appear suddenly in his presence. God had heard Daniel’s prayer and how he was wrestling with the seventy-year issue part of Jeremiah’s prophecy. Daniel had an inquiring mind, and God came to the rescue.

Daniel was probably startled by Gabriel’s arrival as well as the message he brought. Daniel’s prayer had caused quite a stir in the heavenly realm. Can you imagine hearing Gabriel’s words, “The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God.” Hearing that I was precious to God would have stopped me in my tracks. Continue reading “Daniel 9:20-27 – A Glimpse into the Future”

Daniel 1:1-7 – Setting the Stage

Read Daniel 1:1-7

The Book of Daniel will introduce us to the prophet, Daniel, who was living in Babylon during the exile. In the second half of the book, Daniel shares interesting dreams and visions for us to ponder, ultimately giving us confidence that God is in control. Daniel’s life displays how we can live a godly life in a sinful world. We’ll encounter themes of perseverance, finding purpose in life, and God’s faithfulness.

In our first reading, Daniel is setting the stage. We can pinpoint his place in history having been taken into exile when King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem for the first time. We know from other texts that Judah’s king, Jehoiakim, was also taken captive. But Daniel’s focus will be on his own journey in a foreign land. Continue reading “Daniel 1:1-7 – Setting the Stage”

2 Chronicles 36:11-23 – Jerusalem Falls and Then…

Read 2 Chronicles 36:11-23

It’s never easy to read the account of Jerusalem falling knowing it could have been prevented. It breaks my heart that the prophets of God were treated like they were. We’re told how the people “scoffed at the prophets until the Lord’s anger could no longer be restrained and nothing could be done.” God’s patience had come to an end.

Our reading begins with Zedekiah’s evil leadership. The Chronicler tells us, “Zedekiah was a hard and stubborn man, refusing to turn to the LORD, the God of Israel.” Was it his stubbornness that kept him from acknowledging King Nebuchadnezzar, the very one who made him king? Zedekiah’s oath of loyalty meant nothing. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 36:11-23 – Jerusalem Falls and Then…”