August 7 – Two Strong Rulers

Daniel 11:5-20

Next the king of the south will grow strong, but one of his princes will grow stronger than he and rule an even larger territory. After a few years, the two of them will make a pact, and the daughter of the king of the south will marry the king of the north to cement the peace agreement. But her influence will weaken and her child will not survive. She and her servants, her child, and her husband will be betrayed. Sometime later a member of the royal family will show up and take over. He will take command of his army and invade the defenses of the king of the north and win a resounding victory. He will load up their tin gods and all the gold and silver trinkets that go with them and cart them off to Egypt. Eventually, the king of the north will recover and invade the country of the king of the south, but unsuccessfully. He will have to retreat. But then his sons will raise a huge army and rush down like a flood, a torrential attack, on the defenses of the south. Furious, the king of the south will come out and engage the king of the north and his huge army in battle and rout them. As the corpses are cleared from the field, the king, inflamed with bloodlust, will go on a bloodletting rampage, massacring tens of thousands. But his victory won't last long, for the king of the north will put together another army bigger than the last one, and after a few years he'll come back to do battle again with his immense army and endless supplies.

In those times, many others will get into the act and go off to fight against the king of the south. Hotheads from your own people, drunk on dreams, will join them. But they'll sputter out.

When the king of the north arrives, he'll build siege works and capture the outpost fortress city. The armies of the south will fall to pieces before him. Not even their famous commando shock troops will slow down the attacker. He'll march in big as you please, as if he owned the place. He'll take over that beautiful country, Palestine, and make himself at home in it. Then he'll proceed to get everything, lock, stock, and barrel, in his control. He'll cook up a peace treaty and even give his daughter in marriage to the king of the south in a plot to destroy him totally. But the plot will fizzle. It won't succeed. Later, he'll turn his attention to the coastal regions and capture a bunch of prisoners, but a general will step in and put a stop to his bullying ways. The bully will be bullied! He'll go back home and tend to his own military affairs. But by then he'll be washed up and soon will be heard of no more. He will be replaced shortly by a real loser, his rule, reputation, and authority already in shreds. And he won't last long. He'll slip out of history quietly, without even a fight.

The Message Translation is really fun to read---lock, stock and barrel, with a bully to boot! Such imagination and description. Hope you are getting into this Book of Daniel! Connecting Daniel’s vision with history that occurred after Daniel’s time shows us that Alexander the Great’s generals, Ptolemy I Soter was the king of the South, who ruled Egypt; and Selecus I Nicator was the king of the North, who ruled Syria. Since these countries were just north and south of Palestine they took their warring right through the Israeli territory, as described in Daniel’s vision. The second young woman, or princess since she was a king’s daughter, noted in this passage to marry and form an alliance with a king is Cleopatra I. She became the Queen of Egypt. (She is not the same woman known as Cleopatra VII in history who is associated with Mark Anthony.) As Daniel’s vision tells us and history confirms, this North-South alliance doesn’t work out for the power hungry king and once again the king, in this case Antipchus III the Great (223-187 BC), is defeated (by the Romans) and dies soon after that. The Beautiful Land of Israel continues to be a battleground and in turmoil with these foreign kings.

The kings of the South included Ptolemy I Soter and his descendants:

   Ptolemy II Philadelphus
   Ptolemy III Euergetes
   Ptolemy IV Philopater
   Ptolemy V Epiphanes (married to Cleopatra I)
   Ptolemy Vi Philometor (son of Ptolemy V and Cleopatra I)

The kings of the North included Selecus I Nicator and his descendants:

   Antiochus I Soter
   Antiochus II Theos
   Seleucus II Callinicus
   Seleucus III Ceraunus
   Antiochus III the Great (son of Callinicus and father of Cleopatra I)
   Seleucus IV Philopator  (son of Antiochus III the Great)
   Antiochus IV Epiphanes (son of Antiochus III the Great)
Wars and struggle for power consume so much of history. Things haven’t changed much in more than 2000 years—power struggles still continue around the world with much of the focus on the Middle East. Antiochus the Great had a proposal for peace. That word “peace” is associated with the word “upright” in Strong’s and is found in 137 verses (as #3477). Here are a couple of verses that we can claim as promises:

- O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. Psalm 7:9-10 NASB

- For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. For judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will stand up for me against evildoers? Who will take his stand for me against those who do wickedness? If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. Psalm 94:14-17 NASB

The evil was destroyed in Antiochus the Great as he died—but it not only lived on, but became more devastating for Israel with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, as we will see in the next verses.

Lord, help us to be “upright” in heart in all we do and say. Thank you. We claim the promise that You will not abandon us—that You will never leave us or forsake us. Praise You, Jesus.

 © 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

August 6 – Power Hunger

Daniel 11:3-4

Then a powerful king will show up and take over a huge territory and run things just as he pleases. But at the height of his power, with everything seemingly under control, his kingdom will split into four parts, like the four points of the compass. But his heirs won't get in on it. There will be no continuity with his kingship. Others will tear it to pieces and grab whatever they can get for themselves.

I was never particularly fond of history, but it has become fascinating to learn more about the ancient history of the Jewish people and Israel and to see that these early predictions have come true. It will be truly exciting to continue to see Daniel’s visions come to pass. The four rulers of Babylonia in the Medo-Persian Empire time mentioned in verse two included Cyrus (who let the Jews return to Jerusalem), Cambyses, Darius Hystaspis, and then Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes in the Book of Esther). In Verse 3, this powerful king that shows up is none other than the well known Alexander the Great who controlled the world from Europe to India by the time he was thirty-three. When he died in 323 BC four of his generals took over his kingdom, not any of his relatives since they were all murdered within months of his death. Alexander’s generals, representing the four points of the compass, were: Lysimachus, Cassander, Ptolemy I Soter, and Seleucus I Nicator. These last two generals and their descendants became rulers over Israel in the coming years.

Alexander ran his kingdom in his own way—by his own will—and he still wasn’t satisfied. Colossians 3:2 tells us, Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (NASB). Philippians 3:19-21 also tells us about setting our minds on earthly things—seeking one’s own interests or advantage: …(those who are enemies of the cross of Christ) whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself (NASB). Alexander the Great set his mind on earthly things that resulted in a power hunger—to do things in his own way and it sadly ended with his early death. Jesus wants to transform us. We need to focus on Him, as He is in heaven, to conform to leading our lives in His way, and to follow the commandments of loving the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves (see Matthew 22:37-39). Can you seek Jesus with all your heart? Will you try today?

Lord, I am hungry for Your love. I am setting my mind on things above—on You. Earthly things don’t matter as much to me as pleasing You and showing Your love to those around me.

Happy Anniversary to Mike & Melissa! May God continue to bless and guide you as you seek and serve Him. Love & Prayers.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

August 5 – How Things Stand

Daniel 11:1-2

And I, in my turn, have been helping him out as best I can ever since the first year in the reign of Darius the Mede. But now let me tell you the truth of how things stand: Three more kings of Persia will show up, and then a fourth will become richer than all of them. When he senses that he is powerful enough as a result of his wealth, he will go to war against the entire kingdom of Greece.

War is a terrible thing what with people getting killed and hurt—all bloody, feeling angry, crying,  mistreated or abused. Then too there is such destruction of property that homes, businesses and government institutions are destroyed. Power hunger causes war. Power and pride. Children are often the innocent victims—not having enough food to eat, no place to call home, no parents or family to care for them, life or death situations or injuries. Wars and rumors of wars have constantly happened throughout history. Has there ever been a time of peace? Will there ever be a time of peace this side of heaven?

The kings that Daniel predicted to rule did indeed rule, just as foretold. The details of Daniel’s prophesy have created controversy—some claiming that it was written after the fact. We just have to trust that this was predicted, not just reported. The predictions from Daniel’s vision that are in the future are sure to happen. Whatever God days will happen, happens. We can put our trust in that. That is how things stand. Prophesy of doomsday events may not seem like something we want to "feast" on...but we can trust in the Lord, no matter what happen.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (NASB) Proverbs 3:5-6  So what difference does a “straight” path make? A straight path is one that is free from obstructions—we won’t get tripped up or fall down. It doesn’t meander around and get us lost along the way.

Lord, I acknowledge You as my Lord and Savior in all that I do. Guide me along straight paths and protect me, my friends and family from wars, those seen and unseen. Help me to be encouraging to others.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

August 4 – Unseen Angels in Battle

Daniel 10:10-21

A hand touched me and pulled me to my hands and knees. Daniel, he said, man of quality, listen carefully to my message. And get up on your feet. Stand at attention. I've been sent to bring you news. When he had said this, I stood up, but I was still shaking. Relax, Daniel, he continued, don't be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks. But then Michael, one of the chief angel-princes, intervened to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia. And now I'm here to help you understand what will eventually happen to your people. The vision has to do with what's ahead.

While he was saying all this, I looked at the ground and said nothing. Then I was surprised by something like a human hand that touched my lips. I opened my mouth and started talking to the messenger: When I saw you, master, I was terror-stricken. My knees turned to water. I couldn't move. How can I, a lowly servant, speak to you, my master? I'm paralyzed. I can hardly breathe!  Then this humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, Don't be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong. Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me. I said, Go ahead, let my master speak. You've given me courage.

He said, Do you know why I've come here to you? I now have to go back to fight against the angel-prince of Persia, and when I get him out of the way, the angel-prince of Greece will arrive. But first let me tell you what's written in The True Book. No one helps me in my fight against these beings except Michael, your angel-prince.

Man of high esteem—that was Daniel in the eyes of the Lord! The angel told him to understand, to stand upright, to humble himself before God and to be courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. Since the angel repeated himself it makes you wonder just how afraid Daniel must have looked. God heard Daniels’s plea for understanding his vision and sent this brilliant angel to his rescue.

Picture this: Daniel was in sack cloth, mourning for three weeks while unbeknownst to him in an unseen realm angelic warfare, a real battle was waging. That confrontation kept Daniel’s angel busy until the great archangel Michael came along side him to fight the evil angels. Meanwhile down on earth Daniel’s vision sapped his strength to the point that he couldn’t speak. His companions were afraid and ran away—and now Daniel was standing before this brilliant angel. The mere touch of the angel gave Daniel strength and courage. Do not be afraid—fear not! What a message—one that is repeated over and over in the Bible. The angels will tell the shepherds that when they announce Jesus’ birth. Listen closely. Do you hear the Lord telling you not to be afraid? Have courage?

We are unaware that there are angels doing battle for us, for our families and friends, and for our nation. Unseen and yet actively engaged in warfare. Maybe the movies and comic book super heroes aren’t so wrong after all. Fight evil. Seek knowledge and understanding—stand upright—be courageous. Same message that Daniel’s angel gave to him. That is the message to us.

Lord—please keep your mighty angels fighting against evil forces; give us courage to stand upright and to be a people for whom you have high esteem like Daniel. Thank you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

August 3 – Brilliant

Daniel 10: 1-9

In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was made plain to Daniel, whose Babylonian name was Belteshazzar. The message was true. It dealt with a big war. He understood the message, the understanding coming by revelation: During those days, I, Daniel, went into mourning over Jerusalem for three weeks. I ate only plain and simple food, no seasoning or meat or wine. I neither bathed nor shaved until the three weeks were up. On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris. I looked up and to my surprise saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body was hard and glistening, as if sculpted from a precious stone, his face radiant, his eyes bright and penetrating like torches, his arms and feet glistening like polished bronze, and his voice, deep and resonant, sounded like a huge choir of voices. I, Daniel, was the only one to see this. The men who were with me, although they didn't see it, were overcome with fear and ran off and hid, fearing the worst. Left alone after the appearance, abandoned by my friends, I went weak in the knees, the blood drained from my face. I heard his voice. At the sound of it I fainted, fell flat on the ground, face in the dirt.

Let God’s people go—back to Jerusalem to rebuild their city and their Temple. That was Cyrus’ decree in 538 BC and soon after that in 536 BC Daniel has another vision. He was mourning for twenty-one days because he was burdened with news that the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem were not following God’s commands. They were experiencing harassment, discouragement and had married foreign wives, against God’s teachings. See Ezra 9. So as Daniel was burdened, he prayed and fasted. And then—there was his vision! An angel appeared to him—but not to the others who were with him. Just like the way that Paul (Acts 9) heard the voice of Jesus on the road to Damascus, but his fellow travelers didn’t hear the voice.  This angel was awesome with a face like beryl, which is a mineral and a gemstone. Beryl is the root word for brilliant. This angel with fiery torch eyes and a shiny bronze body was brilliantly dazzling! Even though Daniel’s companions didn’t see the angel, they ran away—terrified.

Have you ever felt terrified and didn’t know why? I can say that I’ve felt apprehensive about going into some places, but not terrified or trembling. Perhaps there were unseen evil beings nearby. Just as God was surely with Daniel—and we can count on Him to be with us, if we trust and obey. Fear not, like is written in Jeremiah 1:8, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord. (NASB) Claim that promise whenever you have fears or doubts.

Thank you, Jesus, that even when we face spiritual battles You are with us and send angels to be with us to give us hope.  

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

August 2 – An Answer to Prayer – Prophesy Explained

Daniel 9:20-27

While I was pouring out my heart, baring my sins and the sins of my people Israel, praying my life out before my God, interceding for the holy mountain of my God—while I was absorbed in this praying, the humanlike Gabriel, the one I had seen in an earlier vision, approached me, flying in like a bird about the time of evening worship. He stood before me and said, Daniel, I have come to make things plain to you. You had no sooner started your prayer when the answer was given. And now I'm here to deliver the answer to you. You are much loved! So listen carefully to the answer, the plain meaning of what is revealed: Seventy sevens are set for your people and for your holy city to throttle rebellion, stop sin, wipe out crime, set things right forever, confirm what the prophet saw, and anoint The Holy of Holies. Here is what you must understand: From the time the word goes out to rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of the Anointed Leader, there will be seven sevens. The rebuilding will take sixty-two sevens, including building streets and digging a moat. Those will be rough times. After the sixty-two sevens, the Anointed Leader will be killed—the end of him. The city and Sanctuary will be laid in ruins by the army of the newly arriving leader. The end will come in a rush, like a flood. War will rage right up to the end, desolation the order of the day. Then for one seven, he will forge many and strong alliances, but halfway through the seven he will banish worship and prayers. At the place of worship, a desecrating obscenity will be set up and remain until finally the desecrator himself is decisively destroyed.

Seven sevens equals 49—basic math. Seventy sevens—that is 490. Sixty-two seven…434. The numbers are beginning to swim before my head! What does this prophesy mean? The time periods are in years, not  weeks or days. Cyrus had authorized the rebuilding of the Temple, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. The public square and moat were rebuilt in the first 49 years. Jesus Christ was crucified to atone for our sins—including the sins of the Jewish people—as specified in verses 24 and 26. The Temple, which was rebuilt, was then destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans who were the people of the prince to come, as predicted in verse 26. This was foretold and written well before it happened. That prince who is to come is explained (in the notes of my Ryrie Study Bible) as the Antichrist. He will make a covenant with many, including Jewish people, at the beginning of the Tribulation period. In the middle of that seven year period, he will break that pact and insist that people worship him in the Temple, desecrating it. This will be a horrible time of persecution, as described in Matthew 24:15-22.  That hasn’t happened yet—but God has promised that it will happen. When God promises—it will happen! This prophesy should help us to understand prophesies in Matthew 24 and 25, as well as in Revelation.

It is amazing that Daniel is so dedicated to his people, the Jews, and so devout after all these years of living in Babylon. He still maintained his ritual of praying three times a day. That is what he was doing specifically at three in the afternoon—the time of the evening sacrifice at the Temple—when the angel Gabriel came to him. Gabriel came from Heaven to earth in just the three minutes that Daniel was speaking, praying, confessing, and pleading before the Lord—and that was fast! Daniel had prayed righteously and God answered not only his prayer asking about the seventy years of Babylonian captivity—but provided an abundance of information for all mankind to the end of time. Amazing! One of my favorite portions of this scripture is where Gabriel tells Daniel that he is highly esteemed. Gabriel came to give Daniel insight with understanding—but first he tells him that he is loved! This message was from God Himself—God loves Daniel. God loves us. He also loves the Jewish people and although they had to be punished for their disobedience in not observing the Sabbath rest of the land, God still loves them and He promised He would restore them to their land and restore His Temple. When the Jews were in captivity they didn’t give up their God. That captivity drew them closer to God; they gave up their idol worship and began learning more about God from rabbis in house churches. This became the basis—the style of worship for New Testament house churches. The canon of the Old Testament under the leadership of Ezra was completed during the 70 years of captivity. Good things happened out of an oppressive situation.

Do you know how much God loves you? Can you see God working in your life even when you are going through oppressive or difficult times? Usually it is at those times that we reach out to God the most. He is always there for us—we just don’t seek Him as often or as fervently when times are good. We should be more like Daniel and seek God daily no matter what is happening in our lives at that moment.

Dear God, Thank you for your unending and undeserving love. Give us wisdom, like you gave Daniel, to understand your prophesies.   

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

August 1 Covenant Commitment

Daniel 9:3-19

I turned to the Master God, asking for an answer—praying earnestly, fasting from meals, wearing rough penitential burlap, and kneeling in the ashes. I poured out my heart, baring my soul to God, my God: 'O Master, great and august God. You never waver in your covenant commitment, never give up on those who love you and do what you say. Yet we have sinned in every way imaginable. We've done evil things, rebelled, dodged and taken detours around your clearly marked paths. We've turned a deaf ear to your servants the prophets, who preached your Word to our kings and leaders, our parents, and all the people in the land. You have done everything right, Master, but all we have to show for our lives is guilt and shame, the whole lot of us—people of Judah, citizens of Jerusalem, Israel at home and Israel in exile in all the places we've been banished to because of our betrayal of you. Oh yes, God, we've been exposed in our shame, all of us—our kings, leaders, parents—before the whole world. And deservedly so, because of our sin. Compassion is our only hope, the compassion of you, the Master, our God, since in our rebellion we've forfeited our rights. We paid no attention to you when you told us how to live, the clear teaching that came through your servants the prophets. All of us in Israel ignored what you said. We defied your instructions and did what we pleased. And now we're paying for it: The solemn curse written out plainly in the revelation to God's servant Moses is now doing its work among us, the wages of our sin against you. You did to us and our rulers what you said you would do: You brought this catastrophic disaster on us, the worst disaster on record—and in Jerusalem! Just as written in God's revelation to Moses, the catastrophe was total. Nothing was held back. We kept at our sinning, never giving you a second thought, oblivious to your clear warning, and so you had no choice but to let the disaster loose on us in full force. You, our God, had a perfect right to do this since we persistently and defiantly ignored you. Master, you are our God, for you delivered your people from the land of Egypt in a show of power—people are still talking about it! We confess that we have sinned, that we have lived bad lives. Following the lines of what you have always done in setting things right, setting people right, please stop being so angry with Jerusalem, your very own city, your holy mountain. We know it's our fault that this has happened, all because of our sins and our parents' sins, and now we're an embarrassment to everyone around us. We're a blot on the neighborhood. So listen, God, to this determined prayer of your servant. Have mercy on your ruined Sanctuary. Act out of who you are, not out of what we are. Turn your ears our way, God, and listen. Open your eyes and take a long look at our ruined city, this city named after you. We know that we don't deserve a hearing from you. Our appeal is to your compassion. This prayer is our last and only hope:

Master, listen to us! Master, forgive us! Master, look at us and do something!
Master, don't put us off! Your city and your people are named after you: You have a stake in us.

The children of Israel had been commanded in Leviticus 25:1-7 to give the promised land a Sabbath rest—that is a rest every seventh year. There were not to farm or harvest from their land. For 490 years the Israelites had not observed this Sabbath rest command. God had warned them about the consequences if they were disobedient in Leviticus 26:27-28, 33-34, the  promise of His wrath. Yet if in spite of this you do not obey Me, but act with hostility against Me, then I will act with wrathful hostility against you, and I, even I, will punish you seven times for your sins….You, however, I will scatter among the nations and will draw out a sword after you, as your land becomes desolate and your cities become waste. 'Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. (NASB) Their disobedience is recorded in 2 Chronicles 36:20-23, Those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia--in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah--the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up! (NASB)    

Daniel goes before the Lord in prayer, while fasting, crying out “O Lord” or “O God” twelve times in his petition. He speaks on behalf of all of the Israelites, for generations, confessing that they sinned and now he realizes that the prophesy of Jeremiah is about to be fulfilled—the seventy years is almost up. He was pleading with the Lord to listen to his prayer, to put aside His anger and to be compassionate. Forgive, listen, take immediate action.

When you pray do you seek forgiveness? Do you ask God to listen to you and to take immediate action? Jesus has promised that He will indeed hear our prayers and take them to God the Father.

Thank you, Jesus, that you hear my prayers. Like Daniel, I confess that I have not followed your commandments to the letter of the law—please forgive me—and my nation. Draw me—and the people of my country—close to you that we would live in such a way as to be pleasing to you in all that we do and say. Show me how to apply the “Sabbath” principle to my daily life.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 31 -Seventy Years of Captivity Revealed

Daniel 9:1 – 2

Darius, son of Ahasuerus, born a Mede, became king over the land of Babylon. In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, was meditating on the Scriptures that gave, according to the Word of God to the prophet Jeremiah, the number of years that Jerusalem had to lie in ruins, namely, seventy.

Darius became king in 538 BCE, 67 years after Daniel was taken captive to Babylon. Darius is the king who was tricked into throwing Daniel to the lions. Through that incident Darius learned to respect our true God—and he thanked Him for saving Daniel from the mouth of those beasts. Several years before the lions’ den event Daniel is studying God’s word that was available to him and he received insight to the meaning of Jeremiah  25:11-12, namely that the seventy years of desolation in Jerusalem would be ending.  This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Then it will be when seventy years are completed I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, declares the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it an everlasting desolation. (NASB)  Daniel also saw God’s wonderful promise in Jeremiah 29:10,  For thus says the Lord, When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. How excited Daniel must have been—to think that he would get to go home to his beloved Jerusalem. But that was not the case—Daniel was an old man, about eighty at this time and as we look at this book we can see that Daniel never gets to return to Jerusalem. Daniel’s response was to pray. Daniel was a man of prayer—and he never gave up praying to the Lord, ritually three times a day. He was definitely seeking God with his whole heart…as described in Jeremiah 29:12-14, …Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you….

Dear Lord, Thank you for the hope you gave Daniel. Please give us hope for today—that we may be encouraged to pray like Daniel.

This post is dedicated to the memory of Shirley Jeske Woody—today would have been her 64^th birthday. She loved the Lord Our God with all her heart, with all her mind, and with all her soul. One day we will see her again in heaven—or in the air—until that day, rest in peace sweet sister. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1Thessolonians 4:16 (NASB)

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 30 - Upset by the Vision

Daniel 8:26 – 27

This vision of the 2,300 sacrifices, evening and morning, is accurate but confidential.
Keep it to yourself. It refers to the far future. I, Daniel, walked around in a daze, unwell for days. Then I got a grip on myself and went back to work taking care of the king's affairs. But I continued to be upset by the vision. I couldn't make sense of it.

Unwell—the New American Standard Bible translates this as exhausted and sick. This was such a powerful vision that it literally made Daniel sick. When was the last time that you were so stressed by something that you felt sick? I know people who have such high stress levels that it has given them autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Stress is a killer. There was a PBS movie, “Killer Stress” made by National Geographic in 2008 discussing research by Robert Sapolsky that shows how chronic stress is threatening to our lives.

One of the things that typifies stress is worry or anxiety. The Bible tells us about people with stress—like Elijah, who ran away to a hiding place by the brook Cherith when he was stressed. Jesus taught his disciples in Luke 12:22-26 (NASB), “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters?” He also said, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”, Matthew 6:34(NASB)Paul wrote, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, (NASB), Philippians 4:6.

What good advice…don’t worry, be happy. I can imagine that if someone had given Daniel that advice, he would not have been happy! Stress is a real thing—but learning to relax and give things to the Lord is good, too. Some extenuating circumstances just can’t be changed overnight, but worrying won’t change them either. Can you relax and give some of your stress to the Lord? For several years I’ve tried to live by the phrase, “Don’t sweat the small stuff…and most things are small stuff.” It doesn’t help others when I shrug my shoulders, and give it to the Lord, but releasing that “small stuff” and not stressing is good for all of us. Rest assured that Jesus loves you and cares about even the little details of our lives…even when we don’t feel like He cares—He does. He promised that He will never leave or forsake us and I claim that promise every day. Can you?

 Lord Jesus, thanks for caring about the small details in our lives and for loving us so much that You actually died on the cross for us.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 29 – A Master Trickster is Headed Our Way

Daniel 8:23 – 25

As their kingdoms cool down and rebellions heat up, a king will show up, hard-faced, a master trickster. His power will swell enormously. He'll talk big, high-handedly,
Doing whatever he pleases, knocking off heroes and holy ones left and right.
He'll plot and scheme to make crime flourish— and oh, how it will flourish!
He'll think he's invincible and get rid of anyone who gets in his way.
But when he takes on the Prince of all princes, he'll be smashed to bits—but not by human hands.

Have you ever seen a magician who could just mesmerize a crowd with his slide of the hand techniques? Some people are pretty tricky in what they do and say—some might call them charming or intriguing, but this trickster king is power hungry and cruel, especially to Christians—holy ones. It appears that this prophecy is of the Antichrist. Who is this Antichrist? He is mentioned in 1 John 2:18-22 (NASB), Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. There are several other references specific to the Antichrist, this adversary of the Messiah, that deceiver that wants people to see him as a savior, like Christ.  Revelation 13:2-4 describes this Antichrist as a beast, with a fatal head wound that is healed which amazed the whole earth. The beast of Revelation 13 is much like the beast with the horns described in Daniel’s vision. That beast gets its power from Satan—who always strives to mimic God. The study of this Antichrist and the end times is mystifying and captivating. The questions of when, why, how will this all come about are perplexing and intriguing. Most of all we’d like to know…is this Antichrist living now…who is he…will this happen in our lifetime???

I don’t have the answers—and I’ll leave it to the Lord to reveal it to us as we continue to study His word. 

Lord God, reveal to us the profound and hidden things in this passage of scripture.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 28 – Understanding the Vision

Daniel 8:21 - 22

The billy goat stands for the kingdom of the Greeks. The huge horn on its forehead is the first Greek king. The four horns that sprouted after it was broken off are the four kings that come after him, but without his power.

Most countries have a national animal that represents their nation. The United States is identified with Bald Eagle. Some other countries that claim various other eagles as their national animal are: Albania, Germany, Nigeria, Egypt, Mexico, and Poland. Several countries are symbolized by the lion including England, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Iran, Ethiopia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Only Finland and Russia claim the bear, although Greenland is represented by the Polar Bear and Australia has the kangaroo, emu and (unofficially) the Koala Bear. Both the Philippines and Vietnam honor the Water Buffalo. Canada is represented by the beaver and the Canadian Horse. Israel has the Israeli Gazelle and the Palestine Territories, the Palestine Sunbird. The largest animal on earth, the Humpback Whale, is the national animal of the island nation, Bermuda. One of my family’s favorite, the hippopotamus, is symbolic of the country of Togo. Greece now has the dolphin as its national animal. Wikipedia gives an extensive list of national animals.

In Daniel’s second vision the ram represents the Medo-Persian Empire and the billy goat symbolizes the Grecian Empire. Those are both empires that took over Babylon as prophesied in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Alexander the Great was the Greek ruler that was responsible for taking control of much of the known world. Greek became the common language and was still predominately used in Jesus time. God used the Greeks and their language to spread the gospel, even writing much of the New Testament in Greek. Alexander associated himself with Greek gods, making himself a god to his countrymen. The first commandment in the Bible is found in Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (NASB) Alexander ruled only about twelve years before he died. He was succeeded by four of his generals.

English is such a common language today. We can communicate with people around the world—as we travel or on the internet—using English. Do you share the gospel with people of other nationalities? Can you share the gospel without using words? Some missionaries explain the gospel using stick figures or the Jesus cube which is a rotating block that pictorially tells about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Symbolically animals may be associated with particular countries, but individual people need to be associated with a savior. Connecting people and Jesus is one of the most important things we can do in our lives.

Lord Jesus, help us to see beyond the symbolism of nations, to see the hope that You provide for us.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 27 – It Has To Do With The End of Time

Daniel 8:15 – 20

While I, Daniel, was trying to make sense of what I was seeing, suddenly there was a humanlike figure standing before me.

Then I heard a man's voice from over by the Ulai Canal calling out, 'Gabriel, tell this man what is going on. Explain the vision to him.' He came up to me, but when he got close I became terrified and fell facedown on the ground.

He said, 'Understand that this vision has to do with the time of the end.' As soon as he spoke, I fainted, my face in the dirt. But he picked me up and put me on my feet.

And then he continued, I want to tell you what is going to happen as the judgment days of wrath wind down, for there is going to be an end to all this. The double-horned ram you saw stands for the two kings of the Medes and Persians.

Have you ever had to stop and try to make sense of what you are seeing or hearing? Maybe someone just told you some unexpected news or you saw something on TV that was unbelievable—but it involved someone that you knew. What did I just see and hear? Help me to understand this, God. That may have been your cry for help. It seems like that was Daniel’s heart at this point also.

The End of Time—what is going to happen? Will all the clocks just stop ticking? Will the sun go out? It is not about life ending—it is about a big change in life—one that is likely to go on forever. The Jewish see this as a time of their mashiach, Messiah, who will bring peace and unity. The Islamic belief is that of judgment and the end of the world. The Christian view of the End Times includes that of tribulation followed by the return of Christ who will bring an end to suffering and evil. There is so much emphasis now on eschatology. If you Google “eschatology” you’ll get about 3,160,000 results. Bing has even more with 7,620,000 results. That is a lot of information! What do we need to know—and what difference will it make? Can we really “be prepared”? More than forty years ago when I accepted Christ as my Savior it was because He was coming again—and I thought it would be in my lifetime. Now, all these years later, I think that God’s timing is better than my understanding of His timing. There are the wars and rumors of wars, the natural disasters that Jesus foretold in Matthew 24:6-8 (NASB) You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. All these have been occurring for many years—before my lifetime, and yet it seems that they are escalating. Does this mean that Jesus will return soon? Only God the Father knows. Jesus told us that in Mark 13:32 and Matthew 24:36 (NASB), …but of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. It is one of those things that is beyond our control and we don’t even need to worry about it. What we do need to do is to tell everyone we meet about Jesus so that they will be going to heaven one day, too. That’s my goal in life…to go to Heaven and take as many people with me as possible. What do you think of End Times? Are you doing anything to prepare? Who is Jesus to you?

Lord Jesus, guide our hearts and thoughts and minds that we would keep our lives focused on You. We want to live to please You today…and every day into our future…together.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 26 – Another Vision

Daniel 8:1 – 14

In King Belshazzar's third year as king, another vision came to me, Daniel. This was now the second vision. In the vision, I saw myself in Susa, the capital city of the province Elam, standing at the Ulai Canal. Looking around, I was surprised to see a ram also standing at the gate. The ram had two huge horns, one bigger than the other, but the bigger horn was the last to appear. I watched as the ram charged: first west, then north, then south. No beast could stand up to him. He did just as he pleased, strutting as if he were king of the beasts. While I was watching this, wondering what it all meant, I saw a billy goat with an immense horn in the middle of its forehead come up out of the west and fly across the whole country, not once touching the ground. The billy goat approached the double-horned ram that I had earlier seen standing at the gate and, enraged, charged it viciously. I watched as, mad with rage, it charged the ram and hit it so hard that it broke off its two horns. The ram didn't stand a chance against it. The billy goat knocked the ram to the ground and stomped all over it. Nothing could have saved the ram from the goat.

 Then the billy goat swelled to an enormous size. At the height of its power its immense horn broke off and four other big horns sprouted in its place, pointing to the four points of the compass. And then from one of these big horns another horn sprouted. It started small, but then grew to an enormous size, facing south and east—toward lovely Palestine. The horn grew tall, reaching to the stars, the heavenly army, and threw some of the stars to the earth and stomped on them. It even dared to challenge the power of God, Prince of the Celestial Army! And then it threw out daily worship and desecrated the Sanctuary. As judgment against their sin, the holy people of God got the same treatment as the daily worship. The horn cast God's Truth aside. High-handed, it took over everything and everyone.

Then I overheard two holy angels talking. One asked, 'How long is what we see here going to last—the abolishing of daily worship, this devastating judgment against sin, the kicking around of God's holy people and the Sanctuary?' The other answered, 'Over the course of 2,300 sacrifices, evening and morning. Then the Sanctuary will be set right again.'

We need to pray for wisdom and understanding of this vision. Dear Lord, we are hungry for understanding of this vision that You gave Daniel. Please give us wisdom as we delve into Your word.

The ram and goats again represent the Medo-Persian and Greek Empires that were also in Nebuchadnezzar’s and Daniel’s earlier dreams. All this vision is explained later in the chapter with an interpretation. Daniel and all of us reading about Daniel’s vision are blessed that an explanation is provided. This dream doesn’t appear to be as scary as Daniel’s earlier vision, but it is neither comforting nor encouraging. Daniel was viewing himself in the capital city of Susa about 250 miles east of Babylon.   

According to Ezra 5, King Cyrus decreed that the Temple was to be rebuilt and the gold and silver utensils from the Temple that had been taken to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar were to be returned to the Temple. Under King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7) those exiles who wanted to return to Jerusalem were allowed to leave. Since he lived in Babylon much longer, Daniel was apparently not in that group of returning exiles. So he was still in Babylon to dream dreams and live out his days. 

The angels were discussing Antiochus’ persecution of the Jews that lasted for 2,300 days, from 171 BC to December 25, 165 B C when Judas Maccabeus restored the Temple to proper worship after the Greeks had defiled it sacrificing pigs there. Thus the Jewish Festival of Lights is celebrated, Hanukkah, each year commemorating the miraculous time when the menorah oil for one day lasted for eight days as the Maccabeus fought for independence. Now Hanukkah is a great time for feasting—but there is so much spiritual food to be discussed and all the battles, one can really lose their appetite. This occurred well after Daniel’s time.

Are you ready for the end times? Daniel is faced with that in his vision—and we are privileged to this information. Are we applying this to our lives? Is a relationship to Jesus part of your life—and your future plans?

 

Lord Jesus, again help us to understand Daniel’s vision, his situation and how this influences our lives.   

Lord Jesus, again help us to understand Daniel’s vision and his situation.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 25 –The Future of Babylon and the World

Daniel 7:4 - 28

"The first animal looked like a lion, but it had the wings of an eagle. While I watched, its wings were pulled off. It was then pulled erect so that it was standing on two feet like a man. Then a human heart was placed in it. Then I saw a second animal that looked like a bear. It lurched from side to side, holding three ribs in its jaws. It was told, 'Attack! Devour! Fill your belly!' Next I saw another animal. This one looked like a panther. It had four birdlike wings on its back. This animal had four heads and was made to rule. After that, a fourth animal appeared in my dream. This one was a grisly horror—hideous. It had huge iron teeth. It crunched and swallowed its victims. Anything left over, it trampled into the ground. It was different from the other animals—this one was a real monster. It had ten horns. As I was staring at the horns and trying to figure out what they meant, another horn sprouted up, a little horn. Three of the original horns were pulled out to make room for it. There were human eyes in this little horn, and a big mouth speaking arrogantly.

As I was watching all this, Thrones were set in place and The Old One (Ancient One, NIV, NASB) sat down. His robes were white as snow, his hair was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, its wheels blazing. A river of fire poured out of the throne. Thousands upon thousands served him, tens of thousands attended him. The courtroom was called to order, and the books were opened. I kept watching. The little horn was speaking arrogantly. Then, as I watched, the monster was killed and its body cremated in a roaring fire. The other animals lived on for a limited time, but they didn't really do anything, had no power to rule. My dream continued. I saw a human form, a son of man, arriving in a whirl of clouds. He came to The Old One and was presented to him. He was given power to rule—all the glory of royalty. Everyone—race, color, and creed—had to serve him. His rule would be forever, never ending. His kingly rule would never be replaced.

But as for me, Daniel, I was disturbed. All these dream-visions had me agitated. So I went up to one of those standing by and asked him the meaning of all this. And he told me, interpreting the dream for me: These four huge animals, he said, mean that four kingdoms will appear on earth. But eventually the holy people of the High God will be given the kingdom and have it ever after—yes, forever and ever. But I wanted to know more. I was curious about the fourth animal, the one so different from the others, the hideous monster with the iron teeth and the bronze claws, gulping down what it ripped to pieces and trampling the leftovers into the dirt. And I wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the other horn that sprouted up while three of the original horns were removed. This new horn had eyes and a big mouth and spoke arrogantly, dominating the other horns. I watched as this horn was making war on God's holy people and getting the best of them. But then The Old One intervened and decided things in favor of the people of the High God. In the end, God's holy people took over the kingdom. The bystander continued, telling me this: The fourth animal is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from the first three kingdoms, a monster kingdom that will chew up everyone in sight and spit them out. The ten horns are ten kings, one after another, that will come from this kingdom. But then another king will arrive. He will be different from the earlier kings. He will begin by toppling three kings. Then he will blaspheme the High God, persecute the followers of the High God, and try to get rid of sacred worship and moral practice. God's holy people will be persecuted by him for a time, two times, half a time. But when the court comes to order, the horn will be stripped of its power and totally destroyed. Then the royal rule and the authority and the glory of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the people of the High God. Their royal rule will last forever. All other rulers will serve and obey them. And there it ended. I, Daniel, was in shock. I was like a man who had seen a ghost. But I kept it all to myself.

Daniel was in shock—this was such an incredible dream! Animals, horns, judgment throne. What a blessing to have it interpreted! Without an interpretation we’d still be distressed along with Daniel—yet even with an interpretation, we are still mystified. This is prophesy? When will it happen?

This is the only place in the Bible that the phrase “Ancient of Days” (NASB) is used. It refers to The Heavenly Father seated on a throne during the time of judgment. Daniel was privileged to see an image of God—no one has seen Him. He is timeless—ancient. In existence since before time began and will exist forever. Seated on His blazing throne with His white robes and white hair He is the regal picture of purity ready and worthy to judge the world. This judgment has not happened yet—so Daniel’s dream is still in the future. The prophesy of the ruling nations of the earth, represented by those peculiar animals that are associated with the figure in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, as Daniel interpreted it in Daniel Chapter 2. The first animal represents Babylonian Empire, earlier shown as the golden head.  The Bear, the second beast, represents the Medo-Persian Empire that came next, that we saw as the silver arms and chest of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream statue. The three ribs represent the three kingdoms that the Medo-Persian Empire devoured in its power surge across the region. The next beast, the four headed winged leopard, represents the Greek Empire, with Alexander the Great in power, which defeated the Persians. God’s sovereign power was the source of that dominion. The fourth horrific beast which Daniel saw was a ten horned animal representing the Roman Empire, pictured by iron and clay legs and feet in the earlier dream. Historically the Roman Empire was known for its cruelty—from throwing Christians to the lions to the invention of crucifixion. Since a ten powered nation within the Roman Empire has yet to exist, this is still to come. Commentator Matthew Henry, who lived from 1662-1714, wrote that this fourth beast could represent the ten kings of Syria. There is always room for thought, for consideration of alternatives when it comes to prophesy. The one horn that becomes more powerful than the others is thought to be the Antichrist. See 1 John 2:18. Daniel wrote in verses 23-25 that this fourth beast will devour, or control, the whole earth wearing down the saints and they will be given into his control for a time, assumed to be three and a half years. This will not be an easy time for Christians. 

So I’ll leave you to ponder history and see if you agree with Matthew Henry or with current followings on eschatology. I’ll go with the idea that this is a future event that is forthcoming…if not in our lifetime it is at least in God’s timing of things to come. What we can look forward to is the return of Jesus, as Daniel tells us in verse 13: One like a Son of Man. That is Jesus! His kingdom will come and will not pass away. What a hope He has provided for us. We don’t have to be terrified by visions of horrible beasts—we just have to wait on the Lord and trust in Him that He has things under His control. We will need to rely on Him for strength if we happen to be alive when that Antichrist assumes power. Do you trust in Jesus as your Savior?

Lord, as we humbly wait for the future we look to You for our hope.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 24 – Stormy Nightmare in a Dream

Daniel 7:1 – 3

In the first year of the reign of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream. What he saw as he slept in his bed terrified him—a real nightmare. Then he wrote out his dream:

“In my dream that night I saw the four winds of heaven whipping up a great storm on the sea. Four huge animals, each different from the others, ascended out of the sea.”

Have you ever had a nightmare with strange animals? Our minds can imagine strange things—but Daniel’s dream didn’t come from his own mind, his own thoughts, it came from God giving him prophesy of future events. So many symbolic things in the Bible can be interpreted from other scripture verses, so we will attempt to understand some of Daniel’s vision with other verses, from searching Strong’s lexicon study tool and seeking wisdom from commentators. Daniel wisely wrote down his dream, otherwise he may have forgotten parts of the details that are so unusual and mysterious.

The four winds of heaven seem to represent actual wind from the four corners of the earth. Some commentators say that four represents the earth and we’ll continue to see how that applies to Daniel’s dream. Wind is wind, although sometimes it represents the spirit, specifically the Holy Spirit. In this case according to Matthew Henry the winds are from the four corners of the earth representing four earthly empires struggling for power. So in Daniel’s dream, as the winds stirred up the great sea, or the earth, these powers came forth in the shapes of four very different animals.

Daniel’s dream takes place in the first year of Belshazzar’s reign, so Daniel was about 63 years old. The rest of the book of Daniel is about prophesies and visions that the Lord gives him and is not chronological with the first six chapters in this book. Daniel had interpreted dreams for others before and now he is having dreams of his own and interpretation of them is in part reflected back to some of Nebuchadnezzar’s earlier dreams. Our dreams may seem very tame compared to Daniel’s dreams. Who is to say whether our dreams have a spiritual significance or not? Our thoughts when we are awake are what really matter. May your thoughts focus you on Jesus and your relationship with Him. 

Dear Lord, As it says in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”May the thought of my heart be pleasing to you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 23 – Fast and Pray

Daniel 6:18 – 28

The king then went back to his palace. He refused supper. He couldn't sleep. He spent the night fasting. At daybreak the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. As he approached the den, he called out anxiously, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve so loyally, saved you from the lions?" "O king, live forever!" said Daniel. "My God sent his angel, who closed the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me. I've been found innocent before God and also before you, O king. I've done nothing to harm you." When the king heard these words, he was happy. He ordered Daniel taken up out of the den. When he was hauled up, there wasn't a scratch on him. He had trusted his God. Then the king commanded that the conspirators who had informed on Daniel be thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. Before they hit the floor, the lions had them in their jaws, tearing them to pieces.  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.

From then on, Daniel was treated well during the reign of Darius, and also in the following reign of Cyrus the Persian.

The king fasted and prayed. He knew how to humble himself before the true God, our God. Fasting—going without food—is mentioned on many occasions in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. In Isaiah 58:5 it says, "Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one's head like a reed and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the Lord? Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? It is likely that by example Daniel had taught Darius to fast and pray. When we fast our entire attention is turned to the Lord. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:16-17 that fasting shouldn’t change our outward appearance, "Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." (NASB) God listens to us, He hears our prayers and answers them. That is a reward.

O king, live forever! Daniel was very respectful of Darius. He really wanted the best for this Babylonian king who had hoped that the true God would keep him safe. Now Darius rejoiced that Daniel was not harmed by the lions and he acknowledged and worshipped the God who had protected Daniel. This is the “they lived happily ever after” part of the story—although it was not a happy ending for those vice-reagents who had plotted to kill Daniel so that they themselves would have more power. Those lions were especially hungry.

Darius was a powerful king, ruling a huge dominion of land. It is not clear which Darius in history this king Darius is—but that he would be addressing every race, color and creed on earth does show that he has a great influence on the known world. He had quite an opportunity to witness as to the power of the true God—His power to save not only Daniel from the lions’ den but His power as savior and rescuer. Can you acknowledge that God has that power in your life?

Dear Jesus, Thank you for being our savior and rescuer. It is great that You rescued Daniel from the lions. Continue to show us Your love and power in our lives today that we could tell others about what You are doing in our lives—today.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted

July 22 –This Law Was Not Revocable

Daniel 6:12 – 17

They went straight to the king and reminded him of the royal decree that he had signed. "Did you not," they said, "sign a decree forbidding anyone to pray to any god or man except you for the next thirty days? And anyone caught doing it would be thrown into the lions' den?" "Absolutely," said the king. "Written in stone, like all the laws of the Medes and Persians." Then they said, "Daniel, one of the Jewish exiles, ignores you, O king, and defies your decree. Three times a day he prays." At this, the king was very upset and tried his best to get Daniel out of the fix he'd put him in. He worked at it the whole day long. But then the conspirators were back: "Remember, O king, it's the law of the Medes and Persians that the king's decree can never be changed." The king caved in and ordered Daniel brought and thrown into the lions' den. But he said to Daniel, "Your God, to whom you are so loyal, is going to get you out of this." A stone slab was placed over the opening of the den. The king sealed the cover with his signet ring and the signet rings of all his nobles, fixing Daniel's fate.

There are numerous paintings, sculptures and Biblical stories of Daniel in the Lions’ Den, some depict Daniel as being a young man. The artist Peter Paul Rubens painted a scene with Daniel as a strong young man praying as he was surrounded by lions who don’t look particularly hungry. There is a sculpture, “Daniel and the lion” by Gian Lorenzo Bernini that also shows Daniel as a young man. Mark Chagall’s painting is very childlike and Daniel looks like a little boy. The painting “Daniel’s answer to the king” by Briton Riviere illustrates the fact that Daniel was over eighty at this time in his life. Imagine this older gentleman being lowered into the lions’ den and the lions gathering around him, licking his face. No one actually has painted that image. I just imagined that the lions were glad to see him! Through the night he probably sat and told them stories, petting them like little kittens. He was not their feast that evening. King Darius knew Daniel’s God. Your God will get you out of this. God is good. He revealed Himself to Darius. Like Daniel, Darius is apparently a man of his word. He didn’t back down, although he didn’t want to send Daniel to the lions’ den. Signed, sealed and delivered—Daniel was in the lions’ den.

Daniel again proved that he was a man of integrity. He didn’t run away from Babylon. How did the rulers of that country manage to keep the captives there for so many years? Did some of them try to escape and go back to Judah? We know from the book of Jeremiah that a letter was sent to the Jews in captivity while Nebuchadnezzar was still king. See Jeremiah 29. There in verses 10-14 it is tells us that God promised to bring them home to Judah after 70 years.

“For thus says the Lord, when seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.” (NASB)

So at this point in Daniel’s life he must be expecting God to rescue him not only from the lions’ den, but also from Babylon. He is still trusting in the Lord, praying faithfully and continually three times as day. He is a man after God’s own heart. Honest, faithful, true. Can we say that about ourselves? Just like the Jews in Daniel’s time, God has plans for us—to give us hope. Just as He told the Jews, He tells us that we will find Him when we seek Him with all of our heart. Seek first the kingdom of God, Matthew 6:33.

Lord Jesus, we want to be like Daniel—trustworthy. We want to be pleasing in Your sight. Help us, our children and our grandchildren to make good decisions today as we search for you.  

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 21 – Pray Without Ceasing

Daniel 6:10 – 11

When Daniel learned that the decree had been signed and posted, he continued to pray just as he had always done. His house had windows in the upstairs that opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he knelt there in prayer, thanking and praising his God. The conspirators came and found him praying, asking God for help.

How many times a day do you pray? Although 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 was written long after Daniel’s time, it is as if he was following this: We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (NASB). Pray without ceasing. Daniel only formally prayed three times a day, but he likely had an attitude of prayer continually. That is how we should view praying—an attitude of constant prayer. We can ‘talk” to God anytime anywhere without even closing our eyes, and without even speaking out loud. God likes to “hear” our prayers and I’ve come to realize that He especially likes to hear His Word prayed back to Him. God is speaking in Psalm 91:15-16, promising to hear and answer our prayers: "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation" (NASB). In Isaiah 55:11 God promises: “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”(NASB) While you are in Isaiah 55, look at verse 6, too. Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near (NASB). Such good advice—seek the Lord while He may be found. Daniel certainly did as he prayed three times a day. There may come a day when people will be too late to seek the Lord—so do it now. Like Daniel we need to humbly get on our knees, thank God, praise Him and ask Him for help.
Lord Jesus, I am seeking You. Help me to find You not only in Your Word, but in everything I do and see around me. Just like in Daniel’s time You are worthy of my praise and adoration today—all day, every day.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.

July 20 – Facing Death

Daniel 6:4 – 9

The vice-regents and governors got together to find some old scandal or skeleton in Daniel's life that they could use against him, but they couldn't dig up anything. He was totally exemplary and trustworthy. They could find no evidence of negligence or misconduct. So they finally gave up and said, "We're never going to find anything against this Daniel unless we can cook up something religious." The vice-regents and governors conspired together and then went to the king and said, "King Darius, live forever! We've convened your vice-regents, governors, and all your leading officials, and have agreed that the king should issue the following decree:

"For the next thirty days no one is to pray to any god or mortal except you, O king. Anyone who disobeys will be thrown into the lions' den."

Issue this decree, O king, and make it unconditional, as if written in stone like all the laws of the Medes and the Persians." King Darius signed the decree.

Live forever! Why is it that we all want to “live forever”? Do we as humans just not want to face death or is it a fear of pain that we may have to go through as we die? There is an unknown in dying and we know that we will have to leave family and friends behind. It is hard for everyone—those who face death and those who are left behind. As children of God we have been promised that we will live forever with God in Heaven—and actually our spiritual eternal life begins when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. So here these wise men of Babylon are greeting the King with “live forever” to sweet-talk him. He won’t “live forever” and they know it. They are certainly liars and flatters. They said that they had convened all the leading officials and that they agreed to the decree, but it is obvious that Daniel, the head vice-regent, had not been consulted. King Darius is easily swayed and signs the decree. He was so flattered—what was he thinking?

Was this type of punishment, being thrown into the lions’ den a common form of punishment? It is not evident by the scripture or internet searches, but the lions’ den was already in existence before the decree with a hole at the top of the cave for dropping people into the presence of the beasts. Was Daniel the only one who prayed to the true God? What became of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? We don’t hear anything more about them after Chapter three in Daniel. Now it is Daniel’s turn to be treated much like his three friends. He had to trust in the Lord as he faced death with those beasts.

Where do you stand with the Lord? Are you ready to face death, like Daniel and his friends? Have you considered where you’ll be going when you die? Everyone will go to heaven—some for judgment and some to stay in God’s home forever. I know that I’m headed for that heavenly home some day—a mansion that will come down from heaven to the new earth. In Revelation 21:1-2 it says, Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband (NASB). Jesus is that “husband” or bridegroom—and all the Christians are His bride to live in His home on the new earth. I feel so privileged to be part of that group. How about you?

Lord Jesus, live forever! I praise You for You are God. I look forward to “living forever” with You in Your heavenly home where we won’t have to fear any lions’ den.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Scripture from The Message, except where noted.