09/30/20 THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD #20 — Luke 9:43-44 (CSB) says, “And they were all astonished at the GREATNESS of God. While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing, he told his disciples, 44 ‘Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.’”

A demon was tormenting a young boy, his father’s only son. Jesus’ disciples had previously failed in their attempt(s?) to cast it out. When the man begged Him for help, Jesus expressed His frustration at the impotence of His disciples. Then He rebuked the demon and cast him out. The astonished crowd immediately recognized the Jesus possessed and utilized the Power and Greatness of Almighty God.

Then, unexpectedly, in the midst of this celebration, Jesus reminded them that He was about to be betrayed. They needed to know that His victory over Sin, Satan and Death would only happen with His sacrificial, vicarious Death. Lots of us need to be reminded that our sin is a capital offense against our Perfect Heavenly Father. Scripture makes clear repeatedly, OT and NT, that the only acceptable payment for our debt to God is Death, either our own or that of Jesus. Either we must deal ruthlessly with our sin, or God will!

09/29/20 THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD #19 — Micah 5:4 (CSB) says, “He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord His God. They will live securely, for then His GREATNESS will extend to the ends of the earth.”

This chapter begins with the overthrow of King Zedekiah by the Babylonians and the resulting destruction of the nation of Israel. Then it predicts that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (5:2). And eventually this Eternal King would take His throne to lead and shepherd His faithful followers. And because the GREATNESS of Jesus will encompass the entire earth, His obedient, grateful subjects will live in Eternal Security! Wow!

09/28/20 THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD #18 — Daniel 7:27 (CSB) says, “The kingdom, dominion, and GREATNESS of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of The Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.”

Chapter 7 is a flashback to 14 years earlier than The Handwriting on the Wall of chapter 5. Here Daniel interpreted Belshazzar’s dream of the Four Beasts. The application goes far beyond Daniel’s lifetime (and our own, most likely). The trial of the Antichrist is foretold, where his dominion is destroyed permanently. Here Jesus the Messiah is called the Son of Man (coincidentally Jesus’ favorite designation of Himself!) and God is referred to as “The Most High.”

Not only will God the Father finally promote His Only Son Jesus to the throne of the universe, but He will transfer all the power, influence and greatness of all the kingdoms on earth to all the faithful citizens of HIs Kingdom, those redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. What a Day That Will Be—Praise the Lord!

09/27/20 THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL — Daniel 5:25 (CSB) “This is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin (or Upharsin).”

King Belshazzar of Babylon has just witnessed the Hand writing on the wall. Terrified and desperate to know its meaning, he demanded an interpretation from all his magicians and diviners; but all of them were equally mystified. Then his queen suggested he consult Daniel who had correctly interpreted visions and dreams during the reign of the king’s predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. God had indeed given Daniel the ability to interpret visions and dreams.

In layman’s English, the message could be translated, “Weighed, Weighed, Wanting, Dissolved!” God had given Belshazzar several chances to repent, to change his behavior, honor God and give Him glory. But each time the king had utterly failed God’s test. That very night (v.30) the armies of the Persian King Darius broke into the palace and destroyed Belshazzar’s kingdom.

In modern slang the message might be: “Strike One, Strike Two, Strike Three, You’re OUT!” According to the Scriptures, God’s Patience and Mercy are as Amazing as His Grace. But eventually, God’s patience comes to an end; and it’s TOO LATE! Start LISTENING and OBEYING God NOW!