Lions and visions and kings--oh my!

Today: Daniel 4-6

This morning I was watching the "Today" show and saw a horrific news story (fyi: this video link is only part of it) about a bear that attacked, killed and injured campers in Yellowstone National Park. This event came to mind as I read today's passage and the famous story of Daniel in the lions' den with a fresh perspective.

The campers at Yellowstone did nothing to provoke a bear attack--the bear that attacked them was probably only at each camp site for minutes. Similarly, Daniel did nothing to provoke anyone, but was placed in a den with very dangerous lions FOR HOURS! In fact, people who were thrown into the lions' den after Daniel were basically killed in seconds--before they even hit the floor.

As I read the story again today, I realized just how miraculous it was. Not that I should be surprised--even in these short chapters, God performed other major miracles for Daniel, giving Daniel the power to interpret dreams and mysterious writing on a wall (from a disembodied hand!).

In several of these incidents, it was interesting to see the responses of people who doubted God before--people who thought they were god-like in power themselves. King Darius was one of those guys. I'd like to close today's post with his reflections on the miracle of Daniel in the lions' den and the incredible power of the God who saved him:

King Darius published this proclamation to every race, color, and creed on earth:

"Peace to you! Abundant peace!

I decree that

Daniel's God shall be worshiped and feared

in all parts of my kingdom.

He is the living God, world without end.

His kingdom never falls.

His rule continues eternally.

He is a savior and rescuer.

He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth.

He saved Daniel from the power of the lions.

Tomorrow: Daniel 7-9

God's city

Today: Ezekiel 46-48

"You're the God of this city. You're the king of these people. You're the Lord of this nation. You are." If you've ever heard Chris Tomlin's "God of This City," these lyrics may sound familiar.

But have you ever thought about what it would be like...what it would really be like...if God was the God of your city?

In today's passage, God continues to give the prophet Ezekiel a vision of His city. As you read it, keep in mind that this vision took place at a time when God's people were far from Him--and while they were in exile in other countries. At the end of today's chapters, here are the words that stood out to me:

"From now on the name of the city will be Yahweh-Shammah:
"God-Is-There."

Can you imagine what Ezekiel felt in that moment?

God showed Him a picture of a beautiful, restored city--while the real city was abandoned and in ruins.

Here are a few of the things I thought about when I read today's chapters:

• God had a vision for the city beyond its current state--He saw potential.
  
• Today, there are a lot of Christians who pray for their cities, but how many have asked God to give them a vision for their cities? Even beyond that--how many Christians have taken action to make a positive difference in their communities?
  

Real, lasting change starts with vision--and a vision that leads to action.

Tomorrow: Daniel 1-3

The holy, the ordinary and a vision

Today: Ezekiel 40-42

Have you ever had a dream that felt crystal clear?

What if that dream was from God?

In today's passage, the prophet Ezekiel was given a very detailed vision...by God. God showed him the ins and outs of a new temple while the old one lied in ruins. As I read it, I noticed the clarity of Ezekiel's vision--measurements and rooms and even plants are described.

The part of the vision that stood out most to me appeared at the end describing the walls of the Temple:

The walls separated the holy from the ordinary.

It's a simple line, but it says a lot. At the time this passage was written, walls separated mankind from God--but the walls weren't just made of stone or bricks. Ordinary men and women were separated from God by walls of sin that they couldn't overcome--no matter how hard they tried. The holy and the ordinary were separated for centuries, even in this vision.

It was only hundreds of years later when the holy met the ordinary...in a Bethlehem stable. And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, today, the holy can meet the ordinary anywhere. You and I can have direct relationships with God--not separated by walls or guilt or any kind of barrier. The holy can meet the ordinary in a cubicle, car, church or cabin in the woods. Wow!

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 43-45