Listen and Obey

 When Jesus was born he was honoured by wise men from another land, the Roman governor hears this baby being referred to as ‘king of the Jews’, angels and divine dreams were involved - not many other births have been heralded in this way! It is amazing how the heavenly realms were so involved in letting the people of Earth know who this child was even before he was born. It isn’t just at Jesus birth that supernatural and heavenly things happen. The next passage continues to explain another intervention of God into Jesus’ life when he was still young, and we shall consider the impact this has on Joseph, Mary and Jesus;

 2:13–18 (ESV): 

13 Now when they (the wise men) had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “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.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 

 18  “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.” 

The wise men had obeyed God by not telling Herod about where Jesus was and heading home in a different direction. This made Herod furious as he had to think of a plan to not be usurped by this ‘king of the Jews’ that had been born. God knows the hearts, minds and plans of all, so he knew what Herod’s next move would be. God then warns Joseph and gives him clear instructions to run away to Egypt. This would have been confusing and difficult for Joseph and Mary. They would probably just be getting used to bringing up their son by then, settled into navigating newly married life and becoming parents, and God says go. Joseph did not delay, he did not understand why, but he obeyed God straight away. Joseph trusted that God’s way was right, even though i am sure the last thing Jospeh wanted to do was upheave his small, young family and head off to another nation. It does not always seem convenient when God speaks and tells you to do something, but do you obey anyway like Joseph did? 

Jospeh heard God, and got ready to leave without knowing what was going to occur in the area. Joseph went ‘by night’ to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. I wonder what she made of the decision. I wonder if she just followed her husband because she knew how Joseph had been obedient and faithful before through a dream. She knew the character of Joseph, so did she just compliantly go? Mary and Joseph are a great example of a God-fearing couple. Upheaving their lives because God says so, saying “yes” to God seems to be their motivation, and look at the impact they have had on the World! They even went to Egypt, the place God has commanded His people not to go to, ‘The Lord has said to you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for a certainty that I have warned you this day’ (Jeremiah 42:19). Joseph would have known this command of God from the Old Testament. Joseph was clearly a devout Jew, so would have been aware of what the Scriptures taught. ‘Do not go to Egypt’ is clear, and God says it is a warning, yet now God is commanding this newly formed family to go to a place they have no community support, to a place they are not meant to be as God’s people. Maybe Joseph obeyed because he knew God had spoken and he had already seen God do some unusual things like make a virgin pregnant and send foreign men to give gifts to Jesus. So, maybe Joseph didn’t overthink too much and just knew he had to do what God said to do now. Sometimes we can over complicate things and persuade ourselves that maybe God didn’t really mean…. maybe he meant i should do that sometime…or maybe i just didn’t hear right. Joseph did not allow his own thoughts, concerns or history dictate what God could do now. He listened and obeyed, Mary trusted and followed, Do you?

Look at the pain and grief Mary and Joseph were spared because they were obedient to God’s voice. Have you ever thought, that when you obey God’s Word it can save you from pain and distress? When you hear God speak, maybe through; angels, dreams, visions, stirring in your Spirit, other people, an audible voice, reading the Bible, through natural things or events, do you realise that His commands and words are for your benefit? It may be hard, you probably won’t really want to do it, but do you realise that through your obedience you can escape some of the hurt that is coming. Mary and Joseph in the moment would have realised the inconvenience and disruption, they even left at night which would have been scary and felt sneaky. They would have felt uncomfortable going to Egypt, a place where God had previously said he didn’t want His people going, they had no idea where they could stay, they could only take with them what they could carry on the long journey (at least a week), plus they had a small child with them!  Yet, even though they likely had all of these thoughts and concerns they trusted and followed God. The outcome was that although all of the nation then suffered immense grief as all of the male children under 2 were killed, Jesus was safe. Joseph and Mary were spared the pain of losing the child given to them because they  did what God had told them. 

When God tells you to do or not to do something, do you realise that it is for yuor benefit, more for your benefit than what you want to do or are already doing? God knows best. He sees the future and He cares about you, that is why He speaks to you, ignore Him at your peril! God wants your best, are you iiving your best life - one that is in humble submission and obedience to God? Joseph and Mary had trouble and disruption, confusion and promise in their lives. They continually trusted and followed God whatever He said next, even when it seemed ridiculous and strange. Will you do the same?

Dwelling Place

 Psalm 90: 1-17 (ESV):

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

 2  Before the mountains were brought forth, 

or ever you had formed the earth and the world, 

from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 

 3  You return man to dust 

and say, “Return, O children of man!” 

 4  For a thousand years in your sight 

are but as yesterday when it is past, 

or as a watch in the night. 

 5  You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, 

like grass that is renewed in the morning: 

 6  in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; 

in the evening it fades and withers. 

 7  For we are brought to an end by your anger; 

by your wrath we are dismayed. 

 8  You have set our iniquities before you, 

our secret sins in the light of your presence. 

 9  For all our days pass away under your wrath; 

we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 

 10  The years of our life are seventy, 

or even by reason of strength eighty; 

  yet their span is but toil and trouble; 

they are soon gone, and we fly away. 

 11  Who considers the power of your anger, 

and your wrath according to the fear of you? 

 12  So teach us to number our days 

that we may get a heart of wisdom. 

 13  Return, O Lord! How long? 

Have pity on your servants! 

 14  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, 

that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 

 15  Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, 

and for as many years as we have seen evil. 

 16  Let your work be shown to your servants, 

and your glorious power to their children. 

 17  Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, 

and establish the work of our hands upon us; 

yes, establish the work of our hands! 

God, ‘our dwelling place in all generations’. What a powerful concept to consider. Eternal, consistent, comfortable, accessible, strong, inviting, restful, every day. These are some of the things i think about when i think about God being our dwelling place. The writer of this psalm, Moses, had experienced a lot in his life and he knew the power of God being his dwelling place. He grew up in a palace, made a life and got married in Midian, returned to Egypt, then lived in a desert for the rest of his days. Yet throughout these different experiences and locations he knew the security and constancy of the ‘dwelling place’ of God. This was his security and constancy. He knew that no matter what happened or wherever he lived, he dwelt with God. The God who had been faithful through every triumph and trial in every previous generation and proceeding one. Moses knew the truth that God could even be your ‘dwelling place’ when you have no place to call home. God is the same today. He is just as; accessible, strong, welcoming, eternal and restful today as he was yesterday, thousands of years ago and in thousands of years to come. This psalm was probably written 3,400 years ago,  isn't it wonderful to see that God hasn’t changed! You can learn from this ancient scripture just as if it was written a few hours ago in your home town, in your own language, culture and context because the nature of God, ‘our dwelling place’ is eternally consistent. 

Man has not changed either. We came from dust, and to dust we will return (v3), our lives are but a moment, ‘like a dream’ (v5) and we go wrong (v8). That was true at the beginning of time, in Moses era and still is today. In comparison to God, we are momentary, of little significance and sinful. We have obvious and ‘secret sins’ none of which are hidden from God. In fact all are brought, ‘in the light of your presence’. Can you even begin to understand that?! All the things you do, say or think that no-one knows about, and the jealousy, anger and fear that you harbour is all set before God as clear as day. Yet, He still loves you and is your dwelling place! Even though you are but dust, your life like a sigh and you are not very good - God desires that you know the security and love of abiding in Him. He is your dwelling place. You can live your life, as Moses did, understanding that wherever you are or are up to, you can live your life with God always and everywhere. It does not matter what journeys you take, the twists and turns, ups and downs, God remains secure. You can dwell with Him.

Your life is not as long as you think it is. God considers your life ‘like a dream’, momentary and fleeting. Moses acknowledges this brevity and asks that God would, ‘teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom’. That is pretty powerful. For if you can learn that each day is a gift from God, and that one day there will be no more days, how different would you live? Would you hold onto resentment, pain, anger, fear or disappointment? Or would you live with the knowledge that ‘This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it’ (Psalm 118:24)? Learning to number your days can make you incredibly grateful for each one, as well as recognising that you are dependent upon God for every breath, and the hope you have for tomorrow. It is good to remember that your life is finite, and short like the grass. What would you live for, what would you do and who would you spend your time with if you knew you only had a little time left? Because you do. It really does matter what choices you make today for one day your dream-like life will end and there will be no more time, no more breaths to do or say the things you need to. 

Do not live afraid though at this brevity of life. For God is still your dwelling place and He can, ‘make us glad for as many days as you (God) have afflicted us’. God can bring you peace and joy in the life you do have, for as many days as He has ordained for you. Maybe some of that peace comes from recognising that life is short, and that God has ordained each day. Therefore any difficulties you face are only temporary, yet your dwelling with God is for eternity. You can have hope and joy today because God made today, and today isn’t the end of the story for there will be a tomorrow. 

The psalm concludes by asking God to allow His people see His work, and for Him to bless their work. It is good for you to see God’s work as it is encouraging and motivating to see the awesome things He does. It inspires and builds faith. It is easy to forget what God has done as life goes on and memories fade, so it is ok to ask God to remind you of what He is doing. God works in many ways; internally and externally and you can ask that God, ‘Let your work be shown to your servants’. You may see signs, wonders and miracles, breakthroughs, quiet internal revelation or something else. Allow yourself to see that God is working so that you can be inspired to fulfil your own work. For just as God works, so too you are expected to work. It doesn’t matter what type of work it is whether it is; working at home, studying, in the community or through having a job. Whatever your work looks like, you  are fulfilling something of your purpose as you actively contribute. Whether you like what you have been tasked to do or not, ask God to, ‘establish the work of our hands’. Ask for His help, strength and guidance so that you grow and make a positive contribution. Consider both the work of God and your own work, what is God showing you?  Work can be difficult, rewarding, time-consuming, boring and valuable, sometimes all at the same time. This is partly why you need to see where God’s is working, so that you can see what your duty is and follow Him in it. God has designed you to work, so do it well for you are demonstrating something of who He is through it. Even in this little life, no matter how short it is, you have a purpose, hope and a future. God is your dwelling place forever and He can establish the work of your hands right now - are you trusting Him to?

Are you the last resort?

After the great introduction to the letter Nebuchadnezzar has written to his  whole nation, he tells us the events that have led to him acknowledging the “Most High God’, we shall start by looking at the beginning of this story in Daniel 4:4-9;

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and prospering in my palace. *5*I saw a dream that made me afraid. As I lay in bed the fancies and the visions of my head alarmed me. *6*So I made a decree that all the wise men of Babylon should be brought before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. *7*Then the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers came in, and I told them the dream, but they could not make known to me its interpretation. *8*At last Daniel came in before me—he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods - and I told him the dream, saying, *9*“O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their interpretation.

So, beforehand, Nebuchadnezzar was relaxed, comfortable, enjoying his extravagant lifestyle and his kingdom, not a trouble in the world really. Then, he is disturbed by another unfathomable dream.  Nebuchadnezzar realised that this dream was no ordinary fancy of the mind, but was relevant and of purpose. There was something about this dream, like the first that he had, that would not leave him and concerned him even though the meaning was not obvious to him. Therefore, as occurred after the first troubling dream, Nebuchadnezzar calls all of the ‘wise’ people of his time. 

They could not help.

So it seems rather reluctantly, the king calls Daniel. I say reluctantly because surely, after the first success, you would have called the same person in to help as first port of call, wouldn’t you? But Nebuchadnezzar doesn’t. The LAST thought is to enquire of Daniel. i expect that this is because Nebuchadnezzar knows that by asking Daniel, he is relying on the god he serves for the solution, and Nebuchadnezzar, like most other people, comes to God last. Preferring to; try their own methods, call upon their friend’s or even expert knowledge, seek natural understanding from other sources for the situations and difficulties in life. 

God is the last resort. 

Don’t we experience that when we speak to others? That often God is the last resort after having tried other things? After having exhausted ones own resources, and the problem remains, what next?

Have you noticed that people do not really want your help because they know where you’ll go with it (to God)? They do not ask willingly for prayer, even those who we see are desperate? Even if we do offer help or prayer, it is sometimes rebuffed. That's ok.

It is only when all other options have run out and people have nothing left that they may cry out to a God that they are not sure even exists to help them, and that is when they might come to you. Nebuchadnezzar is a great example of this. He had reached this desperation point. He was unsettled, confused and without any answers. So, even though it was his last resort, he ‘at last’ called upon Daniel to help. 

(You may think I am being a bit harsh with Nebuchadnezzar by saying that Daniel was a last resort when he speaks so kindly about him - well, wouldn’t  you speak nicely of someone, after the event, if that person has actually helped out with the solution? It doesn’t stop the fact that approaching Daniel and his god was the last resort, the only available option after all others have failed.)

When he does come to Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar talks of him as one ‘in whom is the spirit of the holy gods’, or as we may understand; a spiritual or religious man. He clearly has the gift of the Holy Spirit, but Nebuchadnezzar would not know what this is, he just knows that there’s something significant and godly about Daniel, different to everyone else he has approached and trusted for solutions. Yet, Nebuchadnezzar was still reluctant to rely on him.

I guess that is one of the encouragements for us as we read through these verses - When we are overlooked by friends/family/colleagues for advice, we should not be disheartened, but expect it. Many people do not want to admit that they cannot sort their lives out, that they need external help, and certainly not that they need a ‘god’ - some kind of overarching entity they are unsure exists to help them. They would rather rely on natural solutions than supernatural ones. They would rather seek advice and explanation from scientists, psychics and the like than those who worship the One God. So, do not be surprised when your advice is shunned or considered last.  Nothing has changed since the times of Nebuchadnezzar! 

People do not want to admit that there may be more to life than they can see or have control over. They do not want to admit that they cannot do it alone, and if you are someone who relies in God yourself, then you are a scary person because people do not understand the faith you have. That does not mean that we should hide what God does in our lives, in fact the opposite is true. We should demonstrate our reliance, the hope and wonders that we experience with those around us. We should share with others how God has changed and challenged us, healed us, broken through for us. Otherwise, where are the people going to go when they really are really desperate and there is no other hope? 

Daniel was a last resort, he was the final hope. You might be that for someone too, but how will they know unless you share the good news of living with God?

The power of gifts and community

This week, I have been struck by the way Daniel sees himself in the second chapter of Daniel, particularly in just this one verse;

To you, O God of my fathers, 

I give thanks and praise, 

for you have given me wisdom and might, 

and have now made known to me what we asked of you, 

for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” 

Daniel 2:23.

This verse is the end of Daniel’s recorded prayer after Nebuchadnezzar’s dream had been revealed to Daniel and his friends. 

Daniel recognises the gifts God has given him, ‘you have given me wisdom and might’.  Remember, Daniel is still a young man in this part of the book, possibly late teens yet he already knows who he is - a man of understanding and strength. Isn’t that pretty powerful?! 

Daniel is secure and unafraid to admit that his characteristics have been passed down from His God - like we inherit things from biological parents - we also inherit gifts from our Father in heaven. Daniel recognises that and is grateful for it. He admits and accepts that he has been given wisdom and might from God, as, a few verses before, Daniel has mentioned that all wisdom and strength are God’s. So, now he acknowledges that God has imparted some of that wisdom and might to himself. He is not ashamed of it, he accepts that this is how God has gifted him. He doesn’t feel proud of himself for his understanding and strength, as if he acquired them himself through study and hardwork, but he gives all credit to God. Eventhough Daniel, in reality, has been studying for 3 years (as a captive of the Babylonians). Yet he realises this knowledge he has is not from dedicated effort or appropriate learning from books or others, it is an insight, an understanding, a wisdom that only God can provide.

We see here how God has imparted part of His own character - his wisdom and might to Daniel. What part of Himself has God imparted to you? 

Each of us are made in the image of God as it tells us this in Genesis .Therefore we all, like Daniel, have inherited some of God’s character due to being made in His image - isn't that incredible?! What we see here with Daniel as well, is that he doesn't play down the fact that he is gifted in certain areas, but instead he acknowledges and accepts them, then uses them. God gives us gifts not to amuse ourselves or to just lay dormant, but they are an impartation to you to use that you may demonstrate to the world some of God's character! 

Daniel accepts and acknowledges  that he is graced with wisdom and might. He is not embarrassed by it, but he sees how he has something others don’t, and he gives God the credit - this is the right way to appreciate the way God has made you. By using his God-given abilities, Daniel saves lives and reveals who God is to the current king - that’s pretty epic! 

What could you achieve if you start to accept and acknowledge the character that God has imparted to you?

Another thing I notice from this verse is that Daniel takes no credit for the revelation he has received, do you notice that? He says, ‘for you have made known to us the king’s matter.’ Do you notice that little word, ‘us’? Daniel very graciously admits that the revelation is due to his friends as well as himself praying. He recognises the group effort, and that the revelation, the breakthrough belongs to them all, not just to him. 

Daniel has not prayed alone or been in this situation alone, he and his friends are immersed in it together. Therefore the recognition belongs to them all. As they have prayed together, so they share the joy together. Daniel knows his value as part of this faith community, and he honours the fact that this success is theirs too.

When you pray about significant matters, do you pray in community? 

Who are those that you can invite to pray with you? 

When you pray with others, do you also share the victory and celebrate the breakthrough together?

Daniel accepts, values and reaches out to the friends of faith in his life, make sure that you have people in your life that you can do the same with - this is what it is to be the family of God. It is not easy to trust people with the innermost hurts and difficult situations, i know, i am one that finds it hard to share, but we can see time and again throughout the Bible where prayer in community brings change. In Daniel alone, we see how Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, the firm faith-filled friends; interpreted dreams, helped rule a nation, escaped death and saved lives! Through walking faithfully with God, acknowledging their opportunities and gifts, and by working together. 

If you want to see things change, if you want to grow in your faith, then spend some time figuring out what your gifts are - ask God, ask others, they will help you. Accept and acknowledge how God has made you, and get others of faith with you through thick and thin and see what God can do. With these four lads - captives, young, vulnerable, faithful and faith-filled, God was able to influence kings, and demonstrate that He is, "God of gods and Lord of lords"! (v17)

I wonder what you and I could do if we gathered together, prayed, celebrated and accepted our God-given gifts... 

Pray for a way

  

The following section of scripture in Daniel is about the dream that the King Nebuchadnezzar had. (Daniel 2:1-16).

The king was so disturbed by this dream that he couldn’t quite remember and couldn’t quite forget, that he ordered all sorts of 'wise' people to reveal both the dream and the interpretation. He called; astronomers, astrologers, enchanters -  all those who were considered wise in society. They were called upon to help understand the dream, and reveal the dream, but none could. 

Therefore, in his sleep-deprived, disturbed and aggravated state, Nebuchadnezzar ordered all of the wise men to be slaughtered. Even those who hadn’t been called upon and knew nothing of the situation. 

The first Daniel hears about it is when he is rounded up as one of the wise men to be murdered. Understandably, he asks what is going on. He then, confidently, approaches the king and asks for some time. He lets the king even set the time at which he wants Daniel to appear before him so that he can reveal the dream. That amazes me - the confidence and boldness! The confidence Daniel has that through God, he can do this impossible thing. Even though it has NEVER been done before! Plus the confidence to go in and ask a ruthless king - whom has just ordered his death - for more time! Don’t we all need a bit of that confidence and boldness in our lives?! 

The confidence and boldness of Daniel does not stem from pride, arrogance or self-esteem, it’s roots are in God. Daniel knows God can do something, and he trusts that God will. In reality, Daniel is a dead man walking anyway, so he might as well have a go at solving this thing, and he knows just the thing to do next...

    ...He goes home and prays with his friends. There are no; tearful goodbyes, thoughts of running away,  weeping or wailing. The friends get together, in their home and pray. All of their lives are at risk and they go to the only one who can offer solace or solution in this situation.

Such a simple solution really isn’t it?! 

These young men didn’t do anything else, they got together and they prayed. committing the whole situation to God, there may have been a bit of ranting, crying, confusion, but they didn't get together to have a moan - they got together and prayed. They recognised that coming to God is the only way there will be a solution. They sought God for a way out. They knew the only way that this situation could be transformed was by seeking God for favour, for help, and for their lives. 

In times of trouble, what do you do? 

What is your first response?

When you face impossible situations do you call upon your friends to pray?

Sometimes the only way an issue can change is by God intervening. Next time you face something significant, will you come confidently and boldly to God? Will you call your friends to pray with you in your trials knowing that God can do anything... even things that have never been done before?

As we read on in Daniel, we see that their prayers are answered, they receive the revelation of the dream and it’s meaning - wahoo! Do you notice that their first response again, is to pray?

These young men are a great example of dependence on God. In their desperation and deliverance, they pray. They acknowledge that this life is too hard to do it all by themselves, so they place their entire hope and future was in God’s hands. They celebrate and commiserate in community with one another with God at the centre of it all. is it any wonder that we still read their life story today?!

So, how are you going to handle the next situation that throws you off kilter? 

When you're facing a trial that seems too big for you, it probably is, so who are those you can call upon to pray with you through it and who will celebrate with you at the end of it?